I am a formal student of internal martial arts as part of Yin Cheng Gong Fa North America (YCGF) under Zhang Yun (张云) laoshi, lineal disciple of the late Grandmaster Wáng Péishēng. 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.

Yuèshān-guǎn ( 月山館 ) is how my training activity is listed in the register of Yin Cheng Gong Fa pracititioners. From time to time I work with experienced martial artists seeking to deepen their understanding of internal martial arts.

Tàijí Quán

The primary focus of my internal martial arts practice is the Wú (吳) style of Tàijíquán. 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).

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.

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.