I am a formal student of internal martial arts
From time to time I work with experienced martial artists seeking to deepen their understanding of internal martial arts. Practice of internal martial arts can provide benefits to health, fitness, body awareness, and combative ability. A practitioner over time can cultivate a deep awareness and relaxation of the body, mind, and spirit.
Tàijí Quán
The primary focus of my internal martial arts practice is
the Wú style of Tàijíquán, founded by Wú (
Wú Quanyou was a military officer in the Yellow Banner camp in the Forbidden City, Beijing and an officer of the Imperial Guards Brigade during the Qing dynasty. He studied under Yáng Banhou (楊班侯 ; 1837-1890) and his father Yáng Lùchán (杨露禅 ; 1799-1872); when he retired from the military he set up a school in Beijing. His disciples included Wáng Màozhāi (王茂齋 ; 1862-1940), who then taught Yáng Yǔtíng (杨禹廷 ; 1887-1982). Yáng Yǔtíng inherited Wáng's group and later was the vice-chairman of Beijing Martial Arts Association (北京市武术运动协会副主席 ). Yáng Yǔtíng and his teacher Wáng Màozhāi were the Tàijíquán instructors of Wáng Péishēng (王培生 ; 1919-2004).
Tàijí has an extensive curriculum and is a lifelong study – I cannot do it justice with a short description here, but there are many resources in print and online. That being said, some of my practice consists of the 83 posture form arranged by Yáng Yǔtíng as well as methods of Da Lu, Tuai Shou, Jie Shou, Qigong and Tàijí weapons including Dāo (saber), Jiàn (sword), and Qiāng (spear). Proper Taiji practice is known for its relaxed character, giving practitioners the ability to off-balance an opponent at first touch by borrowing their force
Bagua Zhang
I also practice Bagua Zhang ( "Eight Trigram Palm" ) as taught by Zhang Yun and his senior disciples. Bagua is known for its smooth and fluid nature, giving practitioners the ability to change spontaneously in response to an opponent's actions. Elements of the curriculum include the 8 Mother Palms (Ba Mu Zhang) and 8 Big Palms (Ba Da Zhang) of Cheng Ting Hua, 64 Circular Changes of Yin Fu, 64 Linear Bagua Forms of Liu Dekuan, Bagua Chunyang Jian (pure yang sword) and Bagua Shibajie Dao (18 interceptions saber).
Ba Gua Chun Yang Jian ( 八卦純陽剣 ) or "Bagua Pure Yang Sword". The English translation of Chung ( 純 ) can mean "pure" or "completely" or "entirely" and Chun Yang ( 純陽 ) is a reference to Lü Dongbin ( 呂洞賓 ) who is revered as one of the members of the group known as the Eight Immortals, and is commonly depicted wearing a sword. Lü Dongbin's literary name is Chunyang Zi ( 純陽子 ) or "Master Pure Yang", which is what the form's name derives from -- pure, complete, entirely transformed. This variant of the form itself likely dates back to the mid to late 19th century and is likely arranged by Liu Dekuan.
Bagua Shibajie Dao is a rare but well-known set of teachings developed by Ma Gui, senior disciple to Yin Fu, who also studied directly with Dong Hai Chuan. It is performed with a saber called the goose feather saber and involves 64 teachings arranged in eight sets and is performed while walking the Bagua circle.
Xingyi Quan
Hebei Style Xingyi Quan ( "Form Mind Boxing" ) is known for its stability, giving practitioners an ability to express sudden and explosive power. Elements of the curriculum include San Ti Shi, 5 Elemental Fists, 12 Animal Forms, 10 Step Elemental Linking Form, and the Mixed Skills Form.
Tongbei Quan
Shi-style Baiyuan Tongbei Quan is an art traditionally taught to indoor disciples, and possibly for this reason is not as widespread outside of China. My practice of Tongbei includes foundational basic practices (jibengong), two-handed long saber (tian gang dao) and the Eight Ancestor Fists.
Tian Gang Dao, 36 star form of long sabre, is a form passed down within Baiyuan Tongbeiquan and has 36 techniques taught in 13 sections and dates from the mid 18th century. Our Tongbeiquan lineage includes Li Shusen (1902-1975), who trained with Li Zhendong (1882-1977). This Tian Gang Dao form is the form taught by Li Zhendong, who taught members of the Chinese 29th Army sword skills during the Sino-Japanese War.
Where To Train
Several training groups from the lineage I am part of are listed on the YCGF Group List; in addition, there are activities in Pittsburgh, PA and Bellingham, WA I recommend.