Author: Dennis

Legacy of the Little Dragon šŸ™šŸ»šŸ‰

Bruce Lee, Pierre Berton Show interview, 1971 ā€œUnder the heavens there is but one familyā€

 

Legacy of the Little Dragon šŸ™šŸ»šŸ‰Ā 

Today we celebrate the life and legacy of Bruce Lee,Ā ęŽå°é¾Ā Lee Siu Lung, the ā€˜Little Dragon’, born Lee Jun Fan,Ā ęŽęŒÆč—©Ā (November 27, 1940), on the 50th anniversary of his passing on July 20, 1973.

There are few people who have made such a lasting impression on the world as Bruce Lee has. He was a martial artist, philosopher and ā€œArtist of Lifeā€ who has become a cultural icon that continues to inspire us still.

He would have turned 83 years old this year, and I often wonder how he would have evolved and what he would have accomplished had he survived?

This past weekend, my wife, Tetana and I attended the ā€˜Bruce Lee’s Wisdom for Riding the Wave of Change – A Conversation with Shannon Lee’
at the Wing Luke Museum in Seattle’s International District, on Saturday.

In Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Bruce Lee’s Legacy, Shannon Lee, Chair of the Bruce Lee Foundation

(Ā https://bruceleefoundation.org/ ) and Bruce’s daughter, offered practical and insightful perspectives on navigating change, shifting our perspective toward wholeness, focusing on redefining our personal wellbeing to tap our potential, and thereby amplifying harmony in our community.

 

ā€˜Bruce Lee’s Wisdom for Riding the Wave of Change – A Conversation with Shannon Lee’ at the Wing Luke Museum

Tetana and I both deeply appreciated the practical insights. It was profound, inspiring and heartfelt.

My wife, Tetana is a licensed mental health therapist, and an Indigenous member of the Colville Federation of Tribes; in the Question and Answer portion of Shannon’s talk, she asked Shannon’s perspective on how to deal with recent events and developments around intensifying racial tensions and attacks on civil rights and was deeply moved by her response. In her own words, Tetana says about Shannon’s ā€œhealing talk that literally left me in tears by the end. I’m looking forward to taking the teachings she shared from her father as well as her own healing journey, and apply them to my own life. 🄰

As I listened to her talk, I realized much of what I was teaching my clients in therapy was similar; however, I also realized that I wasn’t also walking the talk that I gave others for their healing journey. In my life, I too, deserve and could definitely use, these very same teachings! Making this connection at the end is what moved me emotionally.😭 I too deserve to live by these teachings, and so much more. I feel like this has been a significant moment of leveling up in understanding what I need in my own healing.šŸ™Ā I’ve had all of this in me waiting to be applied to myself all along.Ā šŸ’ÆāœØļøĀ šŸ„°Ā I’m so grateful to my husband for signing us up to go to this talk, and to Shannon, for her wisdom sharing.ā€

Shannon Lee signing our copy of her book ā€˜Be Water, My Friend’

 

Tetana Adkins Mace, Shannon Lee, Dennis Mace after Shannon’s talk at the Wing Luke Museum

 

Tetana Adkins Mace, Dennis Mace honored to meet Shannon Lee after her talk at the Wing Luke Museum

 

We were honored to briefly meet Shannon, and really admire how down to earth and friendly she is, as she signed our copy of her inspirational ā€˜Be Water, My Friend’ book.

I was honestly starstruck and struggled to maintain my composure. As much as I wanted to stay and talk more, she had other fans to greet before continuing with her busy schedule. Later that evening, she sang the National Anthem at the Seattle Sounders game!

 

Bruce Lee exhibit at the Wing Luke Museum in Seattle, WA

 

ā€˜Be Water’ Bruce Lee exhibit at the Wing Luke Museum in Seattle, WA

 

ā€˜My Friend’ Bruce Lee exhibit at the Wing Luke Museum in Seattle, WA

 

After attending Shannon Lee’s talk, Tetana and I toured the Wing Luke museum, and the Bruce Lee exhibit there. We had a delicious dim sum lunch at Ocean Star Restaurant, and enjoyed wandering around Chinatown, before paying our respects to Bruce and Brandon Lee’s graves at Lakeview Cemetery.

Dennis Mace and Tetana Adkins Mace paying respects to Bruce Lee and Brandon Lee at Lakeview Cemetery

 

How Bruce Lee Inspired My LifeĀ 

When I was 12 (in 1982), I became interested in Martial Arts. I was an introverted, artistic kid that was fascinated with world mythology, Arthurian Legends, comics and Dragons. My older cousin Troy was studying Taekwondo and defended himself in numerous street fights; I looked up to him and he encouraged me to watch some of his Bruce Lee movies on VHS. Bruce Lee’s intense example kindled a spark in me, and changed my life. To be specific, Bruce Lee’s example struck such a resonant chord, on a Soul Level, that made me realize that martial arts was my way of life and he helped me discover myself. Soon after, I began studying Judo, and when a Kung Fu Institute opened 3 years later in my hometown, Omaha, NE, I begged my parents to let me join, and I’ve been training martial arts with various teachers ever since. What’s always inspired me is getting so deeply connected, that skillful refinement leads to — or gives way to — the raw expression of Spirit, or Soul. That moment of inspired Grace where we are so completely present and tuned in to Source and flowing from that authentic experience.

That is what I recognized when I first saw the ā€˜Little Dragon’ on film, and now, 40 years later, I am rediscovering on a personal level through Shannon Lee’s work with the Bruce Lee Foundation, the Bruce Lee Podcast, and her book ā€œBe Water, My Friend.ā€

Shannon’s own unique insight brings so much practical clarity and focus to her Father’s philosophy, and it’s helping me to refine myself in a personal renaissance.

In my martial arts training over the years, I’ve had the good fortune to meet a couple of Bruce Lee’s students, Richard Bustillo and Jesse Glover, and also met one of Bruce’s teachers, Fook Yeung, and trained with his top student, Dave Harris, for a couple years before he passed.

Dennis Mace training with Fook Yeung at Dave Harris’s Class

 

Dennis Mace learning from Fook Yeung, Dave Harris’s (looking on from the right) class

 

Fook Yeung demonstrating a throwing technique to Dennis Mace in Dave Harris’s class

I know that Fook Yeung had a very diverse background in several martial arts disciplines (Wing Chun, Southern Mantis, XingyiQuan, TaijiQuan and Bagua Zhang, Monkey Boxing, etc), and I’ve wondered how much this mixed approach influenced Bruce Lee’s development of his own martial arts expression as Jeet Kune Do.

My own practice of martial arts, especially the last 30 years, focuses primarily on a system called Bagua Zhang (ā€œ8 Trigrams Palmā€), from 3 different instructors, which also focuses heavily on adapting to change and transformation in the moment.

The specific branch I practice, and now teach, is ā€œSwimming Body Dragon Shape 8 Trigrams Palmā€

Talk about Being Water! šŸŒŠšŸ‰

I remember my own Bagua Zhang Shifu, Yang Guotai, as critically opinionated as he was, referenced Bruce Lee with respect on occasion. Interestingly, much of Bruce Lee’s deep insights mirror the lessons in Bagua Zhang, which is a system designed to take a martial artist’s previous training foundation, and help them become strategically more well rounded, and at advanced levels cultivating Wu Wei, to attune to Source, connect to the archetypal patterns of transformation, and find our own natural expression.

Dennis Mace practicing Bagua Zhang

ā€œWe are vortices whose center is a point that is motionless and eternal but which appears in manifestation as motion which increases in velocity in the manner of a whirlpool or tornado. The nucleus is reality whereas the vortex is phenomenon. Hold to the core!ā€ ~ Bruce Lee šŸ‰šŸŒ€šŸ’«

In the last 3 months, I’ve returned to my initial source of martial arts inspiration, and have been reading biographies about Bruce Lee (the best I’ve read so far is ā€˜Bruce Lee, A Life’ by Matthew Polly), and Shannon Lee’s ā€œBe Water, My Friend,ā€ which lead me to the Bruce Lee Podcast, which I’ve been immersed in — so far listened up to episode #136!

 

The Bruce Lee Podcast available on several platforms

The Bruce Lee Podcast is a practical, applied philosophy discussion and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in improving themselves and overcoming challenges in life. I’ve learned a lot about myself in the process, and has helped me get more centered and focused on my own life path, and cut through some of my own personal obstacles. So, I am excited to catch up to current — only a few hundred episodes to go! šŸ˜„

I want to finish here by saying thank you to Bruce Lee and his family— I have have felt such a powerful Soul-Level inspiration and connection to Bruce Lee, his son Brandon Lee and his daughter, Shannon. I extend a special heartfelt thank you to Shannon, for continuing to share her Father’s legacy, and her own personal insights and loving kindness; it is making a huge difference on so many people’s lives, including my own, and my wife, and through us, our children, clients, students and friends.

May all your efforts blossom into blessings of joy to Bruce Lee and your family, in this life and in Spirit. šŸ™šŸ»šŸ‰

ā€œIt’s like a finger pointing to the moon, Don’t concentrate on the finger or you will miss all that heavenly gloryā€ ~ Bruce Lee

 

Accepting New Bagua Zhang Students at the Mace Martial Arts WuGuan! šŸ‰

 

Bagua Zhang Demo video from June 2022

 

We have space for a couple more in-person students for group classes at our new WuGuan, message us if you’re interested in learning Bagua Zhang Kung Fu!

 

ā—Š SaturdaysĀ 11am-12:30pm
ā—Š SundaysĀ 11am-12:30pm
ā—Š ThursdaysĀ 7pm-8pm

 

at:
Towns at Riverfront
Everett, WA
United States

 

Please RSVP to all classes you plan to attend, to confirm location and schedule.

 

Space limited to 5 students per class for in-person training — please message ahead to confirm your spot!

 

We also have times available for private lessons if the group classes do not work for your schedule.

 

For students joining remotely via Zoom, we can host classes for up to 100 participants on our Zoom account.

Share the Wisdom! šŸ™šŸ»

Referral Discounts: $20 Discount off 1 Month’s Membership Tuition fees for referring a new student to enroll in classes, and a $20 Discount to the new Student that you refer for their first month!Ā 

Register for Mace Martial Arts Membership online

 

At Mace Martial Arts, we value the sanctity of all life, celebrate diversity, cultivate peace and justice, and accept students who are interested in learning how to improve and protect themselves. We have a zero-tolerance policy for bigotry and will reject any potential or current student who bullies or discriminates against others based on ethnicity, religious beliefs, or gender/orientation.Ā 

Accepting New Students — Bagua Iron Palm Starting in June

Iron Palm Training Equipment

Bagua Zhang Iron Palm & Iron Body Training

Starting in June, we will return to Bagua Zhang Iron Palm and Iron Body training.
This practice is integral to Bagua Zhang practice, and we will be covering Bagua Zhang’s approach to these training methods.
If you have trained Bagua Zhang with us previously and want a refresher or introduction to these training methods, please respond to this post/message to confirm and register.
Here’s the list for the equipment you’ll need for your Iron Palm training.
In all, the equipment is relatively inexpensive and easy to acquire.
Iron Palm Training Equipment
Equipment needed:
  • canvas sand bags, 3: approximately 1’ x 1’, Ā  DIY made from denim (used jeans), mail bags or bank money bags, or canvas tool bags from a hardware store; double-stitched to avoid tearing/spilling; 1 filled with grain, another filled with sand, another filled with either polished gravel or steel shot/bb’s
  • Barrel, large vase, or Tall kitchen trash can: 10-13 gallon, round is best but rectangular or square Ā is fine;
  • Cheap grain, 50 pounds: either rice or feed-corn, to put in trash can and canvas bags
  • Mung Beans: approximately 3-5 pounds to mix with grain in trash can (good for skin)
  • Cedar balls: pack of 100, to mix with grain in grain barrel/can (to keep away insects)
  • Concrete Cinder blocks, 2-4: for base, platform and weight training
  • Concrete patio stones, rectangular,Ā 2-4: 16ā€ x 8ā€, for base, platform, cover for barrel/can, and weight training
  • 2 staffs and/or 2 escrima sticks
  • Iron Hitting Ointment (Dit Da Jow, č·Œę‰“é…’ – DiĆ© DĒŽ JiĒ” ā€œFall- Hitting Liniment/Wineā€)Ā from an apothecary in Chinatown, or Wing Lam EnterprisesĀ  https://wle.com/collections/training , orĀ Black Belt HerbsĀ http://www.blackbeltherbs.com/Ā , or Dr. Dale DugasĀ https://www.daledugas.com/
Iron Palm Training Equipment
We will be focusing primarily on Iron Palm Training methods during classes for the month of June. We will be discussing this topic in more detail and how it integrates with other aspects of Bagua Zhang training!

 

Accepting New Bagua Zhang Students at the Mace Martial Arts WuGuan! šŸ‰

 

Bagua Zhang Demo video from June 2022

 

We have space for a couple more in-person students for group classes at our new WuGuan, message us if you’re interested in learning Bagua Zhang Kung Fu!

 

ā—Š SaturdaysĀ 11am-12:30pm
ā—Š SundaysĀ 11am-12:30pm
ā—Š ThursdaysĀ 7pm-8pm

 

at:
Towns at Riverfront
Everett, WA
United States

 

Please RSVP to all classes you plan to attend, to confirm location and schedule.

 

Space limited to 5 students per class for in-person training — please message ahead to confirm your spot!

 

We also have times available for private lessons if the group classes do not work for your schedule.

 

For students joining remotely via Zoom, we can host classes for up to 100 participants on our Zoom account.

Share the Wisdom! šŸ™šŸ»

Referral Discounts: $20 Discount off 1 Month’s Membership Tuition fees for referring a new student to enroll in classes, and a $20 Discount to the new Student that you refer for their first month!Ā 

Register for Mace Martial Arts Membership online

 

At Mace Martial Arts, we value the sanctity of all life, celebrate diversity, cultivate peace and justice, and accept students who are interested in learning how to improve and protect themselves. We have a zero-tolerance policy for bigotry and will reject any potential or current student who bullies or discriminates against others based on ethnicity, religious beliefs, or gender/orientation.Ā 

Announcing the Restart of my Private Massage Practice! šŸ™šŸ»

Dennis Mace, LMT, Bagua Zhang Instructor, Licensed Massage Therapist (MA 60155511), owner at Vajra Visions – Mace Martial Arts
Hello everyone!
I’m happy to announce the restart of my private Massage Therapy practice!

 

with future plans to expand my availability.

 

What other days and times work best for you?
Please reply to this message/post to let me know so that I can plan accordingly.
Mace Massage Therapy
Mace Massage Therapy

In addition to being a Bagua Zhang Instructor atĀ Mace Martial Arts, šŸ‰

I am also aĀ Licensed Massage TherapistĀ (MA 60155511), šŸ‘šŸ¼

available by request in myĀ Private PracticeĀ on Mondays in Everett, WA,

and on Tuesdays through Fridays atĀ Be Well Massage SpaĀ in Mukilteo, WA.

If you need to relax and ease some pain, you canĀ schedule your appointment at my private practice on Mondays in Everett, WA, at

Towns at Riverfront
Everett, WA
United States

 

and for Tuesday through Friday, request Dennis Mace when you schedule your appointment with me by contacting the
8229 44th Ave W
Unit F
Mukilteo, WA 98275

Mace Massage Therapy Rates šŸ‘šŸ¼

Available on Mondays
šŸ’  1 hour Massage – $80
šŸ’  90 minute Massage – $120
šŸ’  2 hour Massage – $160

 

Massage Enhancements – $10 Each

Enhance your treatment by adding your choice of any the following to your massage therapy session (you can choose to add one, 2, 3, or all 4 to your session):

šŸ’ Ā EO Aromatherapy – your choice of Essential Oil Aromatherapy blend

šŸ’ Ā PRO Enhancement – scented Pain Relieving Oil or Cream

šŸ’ Ā Cupping – use silicone cups to create negative pressure to release tension

šŸ’ Ā DTR – Deep Tension Relief Percussive Theragun

 

Share the Wisdom! šŸ™šŸ»

Referral Discounts:Ā $20 Discount off 1 Month’s Membership Tuition fees for referring a new student to enroll in classes, and a $20 Discount to the new Student that you refer for their first month!Ā 

The referral discount also applies toĀ massage servicesĀ at Mace Martial Arts: our massage clients receive a $20 referral discountĀ for their next massage serviceĀ each time a new client schedules with us by their recommendation, and the referred client also gets a $20 referral discount for their first massage session! Also, Mace Martial Arts students are welcome to a $20 discount towards one massage service per month.Ā  Likewise, our massage clients are welcome to get the $20 referral discount for their first month of trying a Mace Martial Arts membership!Ā  Ā 

The $20 referral discount also applies toĀ healing sessions with Tetana at Phoenix Rising PLLC — our martial arts students and massage clients receive a $20 referral discount for their first healing session with Tetana (* mental health counseling not included in referral discount), and her clients receive a $20 referral discount for their first month Membership, or private lesson, or massage session at Mace Martial Arts and Massage Therapy.Ā Ā 

Schedule your Massage Appointment now!

 

 

At Mace Martial Arts, we value the sanctity of all life, celebrate diversity, cultivate peace and justice, and accept students who are interested in learning how to improve and protect themselves. We have a zero-tolerance policy for bigotry and will reject any potential or current student who bullies or discriminates against others based on ethnicity, religious beliefs, or gender/orientation.Ā 

Special Offer – Massage in September!

Special Offer – Massage in September! šŸ™šŸ»šŸ‘šŸ‰

Schedule Any Massage Service with Dennis Mace, LMT in September to get $30 Off ANY Massage!

*Plus get a FREE 30min Sauna Session!

This Offer is only Good Thru September – Don’t Miss Out!

(Offer good for 1 free sauna session per client, $30 off goodĀ thru Sept. 30th)

 

Dennis Mace, LMT, Bagua Zhang Instructor, Licensed Massage Therapist, owner at Vajra Visions – Mace Martial Arts

Meet Dennis Mace, Massage Therapist at Be Well Spa!Ā 

Friendly, compassionate and respectful, Dennis is committed to helping each of his clients relieve tension and pain to feel rejuvenated and achieve your optimal potential health.

Dennis was first introduced to massage therapy and other healing practices through his life path in the martial arts, and views health care and martial arts as flip sides of the same coin.

Dennis completed his massage therapy training with honors at Everest College -Seattle in 2010, specializing in Sports Massage. More recently, Dennis expanded his training by completing an intensive 100 CEU medical massage course, Advanced Pain Management Therapies, from Living Metta (February through June, 2022).

Dennis connects with each client’s particular needs, and integrates a seamless flow of Myofascial Release, Swedish Massage, Lomi Lomi, Tui-Na, Deep Tissue treatment, Thai and Sports Massage to support your process of healing in a way that feels both soothing and rejuvenating.

Originally from Omaha, NE, Dennis relocated to the Seattle area in 1999, and with the exception of living in Asia for a couple years, he considers the Pacific Northwest his home in paradise. A devoted husband and father, Dennis lives with his family in Everett, WA, where he also teaches Qigong and Bagua Zhang Kung Fu.

Book your Massage with Dennis Mace, LMT now!Ā 
Learn about Bagua Zhang Kung Fu Classes!

Ā Call Our Friendly Staff atĀ 425-381-3866

Be Well Massage TherapyĀ 
8229 44th Ave W Suite F • Mukilteo, WA 98275
+1 (425) 381-3866

Meet our Team

Be Well Massage & Phoenix Rising Mental Health Therapy šŸ‰šŸ‘šŸ¦…

 

Dennis Mace is relocating his massage therapy practice, & Tetana Adkins Mace is launching her Mental Health Practice at Phoenix Rising Therapy PLLC! šŸ‰šŸ¦…

Bagua Zhang Massage TherapyĀ šŸ‰šŸ’†šŸ»ā€ā™‚ļøšŸ‘šŸ¼

Dennis Mace, LMT will be relocating his massage therapy practice starting in September 2022!

In addition to being the Bagua Zhang Instructor at MaceMartialArts, I am also aĀ Licensed Massage Therapist, available by request atĀ Be Well Massage SpaĀ in Mukilteo, WA.

 

Over the years, I have discovered how incorporating Bagua Zhang principles into my massage therapy practice has helped enhance effective treatment work, as well as having a more rejuvenating experience both for my clients and myself.

 

My Bodywork Style:Ā my goal is to connect with each client’s particular needs to help support your process of healing and relaxation.
My approach and modalities of practice integrates a seamless flow of Myofascial Release, Swedish Massage, Lomi-Lomi, Tui-Na, Deep-Tissue, Thai and Sports Massage, so that I can help release deeper tension and pain in a way that feels both soothing and rejuvenating.

I completed my massage therapy training with honors at Everest College – Seattle in 2010, specializing in Sports Massage.

More recently, I expanded my healthcare training by completing an intensive 100 CEU medical massage course, Advanced Pain Management Therapies, from Living Metta (February through June, 2022).

 

If you need to relax and ease some pain, request Dennis Mace when you schedule your appointment with me by contacting the
8229 44th Ave W
Unit F
Mukilteo, WA 98275
United States

To schedule an appointment for a massage with me, please call or text the Be Well Massage Spa atĀ +1 (425) 381-3866.

 

Phoenix Rising Mental Health Therapy šŸ¦…šŸ’«

 

Tetana Adkins Mace, LMHC, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Reiki Practitioner and owner at Phoenix Rising Therapy PLLC

 

My wife, Tetana Adkins Mace, LMHC is starting her own Mental Healthcare practice — Phoenix Rising Therapy PLLC — we all have challenges, and sometimes expert therapy is what we need to heal from traumatic experiences and insight to help us break through what’s holding us back.

 

Tetana is accepting new clients at this time for mental health therapy, Reiki and other healings, if you are interested please see her website Phoenix Rising Therapy PLLC.

 

Phoenix Rising Therapy PLLC

 

Mental and emotional trauma affect our bodies, just as physical trauma can affect our mental and emotional well-being.
We will be collaborating and discussing this topic in more detail in future articles and classes, stay tuned!

 

Accepting New Bagua Zhang Students at the Mace Martial Arts WuGuan! šŸ‰

 

Bagua Zhang Demo video from June 2022

 

We have space for a couple more in-person students for group classes at our new WuGuan, message us if you’re interested in learning Bagua Zhang Kung Fu!

 

ā—Š SaturdaysĀ 11am-12:30pm
ā—Š SundaysĀ 11am-12:30pm
ā—Š ThursdaysĀ 7pm-8pm

 

at:
Towns at Riverfront
Everett, WA
United States

 

Please RSVP to all classes you plan to attend, to confirm location and schedule.

 

Space limited to 5 students per class for in-person training — please message ahead to confirm your spot!

 

We also have times available for private lessons if the group classes do not work for your schedule.

 

For students joining remotely via Zoom, we can host classes for up to 100 participants on our Zoom account.

 

At Mace Martial Arts, we value the sanctity of all life, celebrate diversity, cultivate peace and justice, and accept students who are interested in learning how to improve and protect themselves. We have a zero-tolerance policy for bigotry and will reject any potential or current student who bullies or discriminates against others based on ethnicity, religious beliefs, or gender/orientation.Ā 

Safety and Courtesy

Safety and Courtesy – 16 Keys to Enhance your Learning ExperienceĀ 

Safety and Courtesy at Mace Martial Arts
There’s a proverb that says ā€œMartial Arts begins and ends with Courtesy.ā€
Respect for yourself, your elders, your peers and the sanctity of life is the bedrock that we live by at Mace Martial Arts.

 

These are the Safety and Courtesy requirements and expectations at Mace Martial Arts.

 

These standards of respect are the keys that will help you get the most out of your training and enhance your relationship with your instructors and classmates.

 

Pay attention to how these simple rules of respect and etiquette improve your sense of self worth, accountability, and interactions both inside and outside of theĀ WĒ” GuĒŽnĀ (武馆 training hall).

 

These rules of etiquette apply to students and teachers alike — this helps create the safe space where we can all have fun, and enjoy learning and growing together!

 

Safety and Courtesy — 16 keys to enhance your Ā learning experience (on-line or in-person):Ā 

 

Ā 
  1. Ā Be realĀ (authentic)Ā and courteousĀ with your self, your classmates and your instructor: keep your training realistic, honest, safe, and fun. Respect and honor yourself, your instructor, your classmates, and the generations of practitioners before you that poured their blood, sweat and tears into cultivating this wellspring of wisdom that you are now a part of. Appreciate what you’re learning, and celebrate your growth and accomplishments!
  2. Stay focused and presentĀ Ā during lessons, and solo practice: pay attention to how you feel, think about what you’re learning, and what the movements mean — it is a path of discovery!
  3. Be Careful and Courteous during training: be mindful and respectful with yourself, your instructors and classmates — we are all here to learn and grow. Be mindful that self defense training is designed to injure an attacker, and we must take special care in this training environment not to injure ourselves or our classmates. When a classmate taps at their limit of a joint lock, choke or throw, carefully and safely release pressure. Respect and respond to each of your classmates’ limits and boundaries, and be mindful that these are different for everyone, and change for each person for various reasons over time and in different situations. Each one of us is individually responsible for maintaining a safe learning environment for everyone.
  4. Commit to practicingĀ at homeĀ at least 30-60 minutes a dayĀ what you’re learning in class: you’ll be surprised how fast you improve. If you practice only during classes, then you’ll waste class time trying to remember, instead of learning and progressing – take initiative for your growth! Use class time to refine your skills and learn new information. Mastery is a path, not a destination.
  5. Be mindful of how the art you’re learning relates to all aspects of your life:Ā Consider you are practicing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — constantly learning and growing, and discover how this art can apply to and enhance all aspects of your life.
  6. Stay humble and curious:Ā check your ego at the door. Remain inquisitive. The classroom is for learning — not a place for competition or to dominate others. What you’re learning can make you healthy, as well as powerful — but that power doesn’t entitle you to intimidate, manipulate, bully, or try out new skills on others that aren’t capable classmates — that’s what the classroom is for! Like the saying goes: ā€œwith great power comes great responsibility.ā€ Martial Arts is about nurturing one’s self, and protecting the sanctity of life. Remember, stay curious andĀ keep a beginners mind — because there is always potential to grow!
  7. Take off street shoes, jewelry and watches during class: wearing jewelry and watches can be distracting and potentially entangle or injure yourself or a classmate while training. Bare feet, Socks, or soft-sole low-profile training shoes are acceptable while on the mats, but must be clean, in good repair and for indoor training only. This is for sanitary and safety reasons, and also to maintain theĀ WĒ” GuĒŽnĀ (武馆 martial training hall). If training outdoors, be sure to wear clean shoes that are appropriate for training (low profile athletic, martial arts or wrestling shoes).
  8. Practice good hygiene: your body, hands and hair should be washed clean and groomed, to avoid spreading disease and infection; mild deodorant is welcome but avoid strong perfume or cologne as some classmates could have allergies — strong body odors, perfumes Ā and colognes are distracting and inappropriate for training, and will make others avoid wanting to train with you. Keep your fingernails and toenails trimmed to avoid scratching or cutting yourself and training partners. Long hair should be tied back to keep clear vision, avoid distractions and entanglement. Wash your hands after using the restroom, before interacting with others. Your training clothes or uniform should be neat, clean and in good repair, loose fitting and durable, and appropriate for training.
  9. Maintain space, Avoid interruption, Be Considerate:Ā while we like to cultivate a friendly and relaxed atmosphere in our Ā WĒ” GuĒŽn, be mindful of your instructor and classmates. Avoid talking over anyone or invading someone’s space in an inappropriate manner without their permission or out of context with training exercises, as this is disruptive and potentially dangerous, especially in training.
  10. Ā Private Classes can include more than just yourself:Ā a) invite up to 2 other people to join your private lesson, get feedback while training with each other, andĀ split the tuitionĀ of $80 per hour. b) If you can get 3 or more people to join you during your private class, you can createĀ your own weekly group class, at group class tuition – this is a win-win situation, because it’s cheaper for you and your classmates, more beneficial for your instructor, and you get more opportunities to learn and grow with classmates!
  11. Try to join Group Classes: if the group class you want to attend is full, or you live too far away to attend, or you are taking private lessons, try to join one of the regularly scheduled group classes remotely, so you can see others train and get more feedback and learning opportunities.
  12. Ask questions!Ā Be thoughtful about your training, if there’s something you’re unsure about, don’t hesitate to ask — this is for your growth, and as your instructor, I’m here to help you! Questions and curiosity are opportunities for learning — your question could help your classmates learn something valuable as well!
  13. Take notes after your lessons:Ā Ā This helps you remember material covered during class so you can practice on your own outside of class. Get a notebook dedicated to your martial arts classes, so you have your own convenient reference as you progress. Avoid taking notes during class if it is disruptive to flow, unless the instructor has the group set aside time during class for everyone to do so.
  14. Invite family or friends to join us, if you think they’d benefit from and enjoy the training. If you’re learning remotely,Ā a) SponsorĀ your instructor for a workshopĀ where you live, orĀ b)Ā schedule times when you canĀ come train in person withĀ your instructor to get the hands on training you need to progress. Our goal is to pass on this art, it’s healing benefits and skill development to good people that will also enjoy walking this path.Ā 
  15. Advise and confirm attendance: students please advise which classes you plan to attend in person, or remotely, Ā and if there are any delays or if something comes up that you can’t attend. As space is limited for in-person group classes, this is helpful for others who wish to attend and also for the instructors to plan class material and topics. Ā Instructors will also advise as far in advance as possible if there are any delays, changes in time or venue, or cancellations of scheduled classes, whether they be group classes, private lessons or workshops.
  16. Be respectful of theĀ WĒ” GuĒŽnĀ and your instructor’s home: theĀ WĒ” GuĒŽnĀ (武馆 Martial Arts Training Hall) Ā is a sacred space where we temper our mind, body and spirit, learn and train our art together. TheĀ WĒ” GuĒŽnĀ is the representative home of our art, Bagua Zhang. Therefore we treat the space with respect, by extension also respect our martial ancestors who passed their teachings to us; bow or salute before entering or leaving the training space. Be careful and learn how to practice properly with the training equipment, weapons and mats so as not to damage them or be injured from recklessness. Keep theĀ WĒ” GuĒŽnĀ clean and organized, help to tidy up before and after class. Also be careful and respectful in your instructor’s home, where the WuGuan is located, only enter if invited.Ā Remove street shoes before entering theĀ WĒ” GuĒŽnĀ and the instructors home. If you have to use the restroom, ask first, and wash your hands if you use the restroom, and tidy up after yourself. Respect and courtesy earns trust, and builds a safe environment to learn and grow in together, therefore treat ourĀ WĒ” GuĒŽnĀ as a sanctuary, for each of us.

 

Register for private lessons and group classes at Mace Martial ArtsĀ Ā 

 

Bagua Zhang ClassesĀ are held on

  • Saturdays 11am – 12:30pm PST
  • Sundays 11am – 12:30pm PST
  • Thursday evenings 7pm – 8pm PST

at:

Towns at Riverfront
Everett, WA
United States

 

 

At Mace Martial Arts, we value the sanctity of all life, celebrate diversity, cultivate peace and justice, and accept students who are interested in learning how to improve and protect themselves. We have a zero-tolerance policy for bigotry and will reject any potential or current student who bullies or discriminates against others based on ethnicity, religious beliefs, or gender/orientation.Ā 

Breathe Life into your Practice — New WuGuan Opening Saturday, April 23, 2022! šŸ‰

 

Breathe Life into your Bagua Zhang Kung Fu Practice — in every aspect of training — the deeper and longer your breath the better! šŸ‰

 

This will enhance your focus and whole body awareness for more invigorating exercise, and encourage you to breathe more vitality into every aspect of your life, to be more aware, connected and fully engaged!

 

We often find that shallow breathing is both a result and cause of stress, tension, pain, withdrawal and fatigue.
I see this reflected in both martial arts and in my massage practice — most people have very shallow breathing, and as result are distracted and disconnected from their bodies and what’s going on around them.
This is why I encourage my massage clients to breathe deeper to release tension and pain, and inspire my martial arts students to to breathe deeper to be more present and aware, as well as to reveal their potential and empower them.

 

Consciously focused deeper breathing is the critical bridge that helps build our awareness of ourselves and taps our potential for healing, growth and creativity. Consciously focusing and coordinating your breathing with your movement is the most obvious and powerful secret hidden in plain sight, because it’s an aspect of life most people take for granted and ignore.

 

Some of the most essential lessons in training martial arts is enhancement of awareness and sensitivity, both of oneself, one’s environment and in relation to others.
Proprioception is the awareness of ourselves in relation to our surroundings.

 

This kinesthetic awareness is sometimes referred to as our ā€œsixth sense.ā€ Most of the physical training in martial arts — partner drills, basics and supplemental exercises, forms, equipment training and weapons practice — enhance our sense of proprioception. Distance, balance, timing (our timing and coordination with an opponent’s timing), reflexes and connection are all aspects of proprioception.

 

Interoception is our awareness of our inner processes.
Interoception encompasses all the physiological tissues that relay signals to the central nervous system about the state of the body. Disconnection from the body’s signals and internal states may be related to anxiety, depression, PTSD, autism and other disorders.

 

The internal training in martial arts — standing and sitting meditation, Qigong, silk-reeling exercises — moving from the inside — develops our sense of interception.
Our inner-awareness, or interoception, informs and enhances our sense of proprioception.

 

 

Deeper breathing invigorates us, increases our focus and awareness — linking our awareness of the inside and outside of our bodies — as well as our awareness of others and our surroundings.

 

An often overlooked aspect of ā€œInternalā€ Martial Arts training is inner-work: meaning working on your emotional and mental health and well being. This is in fact one of the most important aspects of our training. Chinese medicine has long recognized the interconnected relationship between balanced emotional states and specific internal organs.
Mental and emotional trauma affect our bodies, just as physical trauma can affect our mental and emotional well-being.
We will be discussing this topic in more detail in future articles and classes, stay tuned!

 

Ā 
Ā 

New WuGuan Opening this Spring! šŸ‰Ā 

Work in progress — almost finished!
Classes returning at our new WuGuan opening this month,Ā on Saturday, April 23rd!
Since moving last November, we’ve been busy settling into our new home and renovating our garage into our new WuGuan. Five busy months later, we are excited to return to training together!

 

Bagua Zhang Classes are held on
ā—Š Saturdays 11am-12:30pm
ā—Š Sundays 11am-12:30pm
ā—Š Thursdays 7pm-8pm
at:
Towns at Riverfront
(Please register for classes for address)
Everett, WA
United States

 

Please RSVP to all classes you plan to attend, to confirm location and schedule.

 

Space limited to 5 students per class for in-person training — please message ahead to confirm your spot!
For students joining remotely via Zoom, we can host classes for up to 100 participants on our Zoom account.

 

As the mask mandate from the COVID-19 Pandemic lifted on March 11th, masks will be optional for in-person classes. Students will have the option of wearing a mask in classes with the expectation that other’s choices will be responsible and respectful. Proof of vaccinations are strongly encouraged but no longer required for students with medical exceptions. šŸ’‰šŸ¦ šŸ˜·

 

At Mace Martial Arts, we value the sanctity of all life, celebrate diversity, cultivate peace and justice, and accept students who are interested in learning how to improve and protect themselves. We have a zero-tolerance policy for bigotry and will reject any potential or current student who bullies or discriminates against others based on ethnicity, religious beliefs, or gender/orientation.Ā 

24-7: The Key to Mastery šŸ“†, Bagua Massage šŸ‰,Ā Grand Reopening Lunar New Year of the Tiger šŸ…

24-7: The Key to Mastery and Kung-Fu šŸ“†

What’s it take to be a Master?Ā 

Ā 

What does Kung-Fu really mean?Ā 

Ā 

How long do you have to train, and how oftenĀ until I get a black belt/sash? šŸ„‹

Ā 

Will Kung-Fu make my eyebrows grow? 😳

Belt ranking systems are very recent in martial arts history, first instituted just over a century ago by Judo founder Jigoro Kano to help students learn with a structured curriculum, originally just with white belt ā€˜Kyu’ grades and black belt ā€˜dan’ grades; karate schools in Okinawa and Japan adopted Judo’s belt ranking system in the 1920’s and soon proliferated to other martial arts, and added a rainbow of colored belts afterwards. 🌈

While a few Chinese martial arts have very recently adopted belt ranking systems, most still don’t, where ranking has historically been structured around familial hierarchies.

In the last 50 years, the mystique of ā€œblack beltsā€ has been widely blown out of proportion in popular culture — what was originally intended to be a measure of learned skills over years of grueling practice — has in some instances become the delusional projection of a few teachers’ inflated egos and exploitive marketing gimmicks. šŸ¤‘

The key is to realize actual Mastery is a path — not a destination, belt color or certificate.

Nor does Kung-Fu require 6 inch eyebrows.

 

Once you take a step down the path, you realize Kung-Fu is a lifestyle, a prerogative of living artfully — progressively learning, growing and polishing yourself to discover how your art is reflected in all aspects of your life.

 

When do you start?Ā 
Ā 

 

Now.

 

How often should you practice?

 

Start with carving out a few minutes every day to build a constructive habit — eventually up to a few hours a day — but the real goal is to practice ā€œ24-7ā€.
Every minute of every day.

 

ā€œHow is that possible?!?ā€ you ask?

 

The ā€œsecretā€ Key to Mastery, and Kung Fu, is to creatively find ways to practice your art in every living moment.

 

ā€œ24-7ā€ requires a prerogative shift to realize that every moment is an opportunity to cultivate your art and polish yourself.
This not only improves your skill and health, it also inspires you to enhance the quality of your entire life!

 

ā€œBut, I don’t have the time for ______ … 
I have to wait until _____ to start… I need to ______ first… I can’t do that anymore because _______ … I won’t be any good unless I can practice _____ hours a dayā€¦ā€

 

Pay attention to when your plans and goals become excuses to avoid living your life to the fullest. Small actionable steps are better than over-planning, so that you are making gradual progress to achieving your goals.
Get out of your own way!

 

Mastery and Kung-Fu is about living your life artfully, being totally present and mindful, being in a State of Grace.
Remember, there is literally no other time than the present — the past is only a memory and the future is only a dream.

 

If you work a desk job, ā€œTi Ding Bai Huiā€ (ā€œhoist and penetrate upwards with the crown of your headā€), open armpits, stretch open the joints of your body to cultivate liveliness and respiration that breaks up tedium to inspiration!

 

If you’re driving, you can practice deep breathing to calm your mind, and ā€œTing Jinā€ (ā€œlisteningā€, extending your senses to feel Ā all around you) to center yourself and enhance your awareness of other drivers and road conditions.

 

When you’re eating a meal, appreciate the feeling of nutrients re-energizing your body and mind.

 

If you are in a waiting room before an appointment, imagine a ā€œMini-Meā€ version of yourself in your center of gravity, your Xia Dantian, practicing your forms and self-defense applications.

 

The possibilities are as limitless as your own creativity and potential!
Listen to your body and intuition as you train and develop yourself.
Test your limits, push to the edge of your capacity, that you may always keep learning and growing.
Listen to your own desires, passions, cravings and needs, to set your own boundaries, and chart your own path in life.

 

Kung-Fu (功夫 GōngfÅ«) literally means the effort and time devoted to the development of artistic skills that translate into enhancing your quality of life on all levels.
Kung-Fu is not only some physical exercise, or self-defense training — it is how to dig deep into who you are, working through the pain, trauma, guilt, shame and sense of worth.
To work through all of these obstacles, challenges and opportunities to discover your potential, what heals and inspires you, so that you can develop your own personal talents, gifts and purpose.
To chase your dreams.
Self realization.

 

It requires dedication and perseverance to realize there is no final level or limitation.
You must face your fears and your pains and let go of all that you love and fear to lose.
Every day.
In every thing you do.

 

Lastly, while practicing, remember: follow your passions and listen to your own discernment, ā€œNever take criticism from someone you wouldn’t go to for advice.ā€
Likewise, ā€œDon’t let anyone who hasn’t walked in your shoes tell you how to tie your laces.ā€

 

Bagua Zhang MassageĀ šŸ‰šŸ‘šŸ¼šŸŒ€šŸ’«

 

I’ve been practicing Bagua Zhang during Ā my massage sessions with my clients…

 

 

ā€œWait – What? You beat up your clients?ā€

 

Well, not literally! 😜

 

As an example of my own Kung Fu path, I’ve been discovering how integrating Bagua Zhang principles with the various modalities of massage therapy I’ve learned thus far is continually enhancing and refining both my massage therapy practice, and my martial arts practice simultaneously, and surprisingly how much Ā it benefits both my clients and myself, reciprocally. ā˜Æļøā™¾

 

The dynamics of continuous flow, concentric coils and spirals, increased awareness and sensitivity apply just as effectively and efficiently to massage therapy as they do to self defense.

 

The same principles of structure and spiraling movement enhance circulation and relaxation of excess tension to melt away pain. Ā šŸ’†šŸ»ā€ā™‚ļøšŸŒ€

 

 

Transferring Massage Practice to Everett šŸ’†šŸ»ā€ā™‚ļøšŸŒ€

 

ā€œVision is the gift to see what others only dreamā€

 

Since moving from Shoreline, WA to Everett, WA in November, I have recently also transferred my massage practice from the Massage Envy in Shoreline to the Massage Envy in Everett.

 

To schedule an appointment for a massage with me, please call or text the Everett Massage Envy atĀ +1 (425) 353-5000.

 

1402 SE Everett Mall Way
Everett WA 98208
United States

 

 

 

Grand Reopening Lunar New Year — Year of the Tiger šŸ…Ā 

 

Since moving in November from Shoreline to Everett, WA, it’s taking longer than expected to unpack, we’re still clearing stuff out before we can paint and set up mats and equipment in the garage to turn it into our new WuGuan.

 

While I originally hoped to reopen in January — and although we’ve made a lot of progress, we’ve had to reassess and postpone.

 

At this point we’re planning our Grand Reopening at the new WuGuan on/around Lunar New Year, February 5th, 2022, Year of the Tiger! šŸ… 🧧

 

Take care and stay tuned for updates!

 

At Mace Martial Arts, we value the sanctity of all life, celebrate diversity, cultivate peace and justice, and accept students who are interested in learning how to improve and protect themselves. We have a zero-tolerance policy for bigotry and will reject any potential or current student who bullies or discriminates against others based on ethnicity, religious beliefs, or gender/orientation.Ā 

Forge Ahead — No Going Back! We’re Moving šŸ‰

Forge Ahead — No Going Back! šŸ‰Ā 

While going over martial applications practice earlier this year, one of my students asked a good question: do we step backwards in Bagua Zhang?

Technically and strategically, the answer is no — in Bagua Zhang, we learn how to pivot around oncoming attacks, turn aside or around to flank and generate turning force, then continue flowing and moving forward.

Circular Stepping in Bagua Zhang solo forms practice starts counter-clockwise, then changes to clockwise, changing back and forth, mirroring cycles of transformation in nature.

But Bagua doesn’t go backwards. Why?

Several martial arts systems incorporate backwards stepping and movements to draw an opponent off balance. While this tactic can be effective, it is always risky to give an opponent your ground. In combat, when one of the combatants is stepping backwards, it’s often because they’re injured, reeling and trying to disengage — this is usually the beginning of the end of the fight.

But in Bagua Zhang training, the concept is to adapt to situations and challenges and keep moving on, going with the flow, taking ground without hesitation or breaking momentum or strength.

Whirling StepĀ 

In our branch of Bagua Zhang, we practice a rare stepping method called Whirling Step, which utilizes wrapping and sweeping techniques when turning and changing directions — then continuing to forge ahead to take ground and new opportunities.

 

This applies to more than just self-defense and combat strategy.

 

Like cycles of seasons, patterns repeat, but time keeps moving forward, as our planet Earth keeps spinning forward, around the Sun, as our solar system spins along the outer rim of the Milky Way Galaxy…
šŸŒŽšŸ’«šŸŒŒ

 

The past is a memory, the future is a dream, but the present is a gift.Ā šŸŽ

 

If we think about the past too much, be it from grief, trauma, or longing for glory days, we stay stuck in the past, and stagnate. Reflecting on our experiences is necessary to learn from them, especially with our traumas and losses — yet to heal and grow, we must stay present to face our challenges, embrace opportunities and forge ahead. šŸ‰

We’re Moving! šŸ‰Ā 

Speaking of forging ahead, we are moving!

After 3 years in Shoreline, our family has sought opportunities further North, and we are in the process of moving into our new home in Everett, WA.

I will be taking time off from teaching over the next month to rebuild our WuGuan at our new home. Ā There’s a lot to do!

Starting in January 2022, Bagua Zhang classes will be resume at

Towns at Riverfront
(Please register for classes for address)
Everett, WA
United States

Stay tuned for updates and class start dates!

 

At Mace Martial Arts, we value the sanctity of all life, celebrate diversity, cultivate peace and justice, and accept students who are interested in learning how to improve and protect themselves. We have a zero-tolerance policy for bigotry and will reject any potential or current student who bullies or discriminates against others based on ethnicity, religious beliefs, or gender/orientation.Ā 

Foundations of Bagua Zhang Workshop Tonight! šŸ‰šŸ•Vaccine Policy

Foundations of Bagua Zhang Workshop Tonight! šŸ‰šŸ•Ā 

 

I hope you will join us this evening for the Foundations of Bagua Zhang Workshop,
3517 Stone Way N
Seattle WA 98103
United StatesĀ 

 

Saturday, August 28thĀ 
6:30pmĀ doors open
ClassĀ 7pm-9pm
Pizza Social & Discussion afterwards!Ā šŸ•šŸ˜‹

 

 

Special Offer for all Workshop attendees:Ā Workshop fees will count towards September Membership dues for Mace Martial Arts classes!

 

In this workshop you will discover theĀ 4 Main PrinciplesĀ that distinguishĀ Bagua ZhangĀ from other martial arts systems, in theory and hands-on practice!

 

Training Methods/exercises for the workshop will include the hands-on ā€˜how and why’ Bagua ZhangĀ works, including both real-world self-defense and health benefits.

 

Practitioners of all experience levels and other styles of martial arts are welcome!
If you have previously studiedĀ Bagua ZhangĀ before, this workshop will help you understand the system on a foundational level and breathe life into your practice!

 

Masks are required tonight for all attendees! 😷
In King County, as of August 23, masks are required for everyone in public indoor spaces, and recommended in crowded outdoor settings.

 

Instructor:Ā Shifu Dennis Mace, LMTĀ Ā has been training and teaching holistic Martial Arts and Qi-Gong since 1982. His thorough, hands on approach, emphasizing courtesy and ethics, and his commitment to cultivating each student’s authentic skills and improving their overall health and empowerment has contributed to his widespread popularity in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

 

Special thank you toĀ Shifu Derryl WillisĀ Ā Ā of theĀ Seattle School of Chen TaiJiQuanĀ Ā for his gracious hospitality in inviting us to host this workshop at his beautiful school!

 

Regular In-Person Martial Arts Classes:Ā WeĀ returned to our regular in-person Bagua Zhang trainingĀ in April, for all students who have completed their COVID vaccinations!Ā More info here!Ā 

 

Starting this month, August 2021, we areĀ changing the start time for Saturday group classesĀ from 11:30amĀ to 11am, for consistency (same start time as Sunday group classes). To clarify, here are the updated class times:

Bagua ZhangĀ Classes

  • SaturdaysĀ 11am – 12:30pm PST
  • SundaysĀ 11am -12:30pm PST
  • Thursday eveningsĀ 7pm – 8pm PST
at:

1108 NW 200th St,
Shoreline, WA 98177

 

Vaccination Policy & Classes at Mace Martial ArtsĀ 

I have received a handful of inquiries regarding our masking and vaccination policies at Mace Martial Arts, and first of all, I’m glad to hear from all of you, and hope you all remain healthy and well through the challenges of the dangerous and tumultuous recent years!

 

I respect your thoughtful questions and eagerness to return to training with us, I love sharing this art with good students with a passion for learning and self-development.

 

I also love creating a safe environment for my students to enjoy learning and exploring together, as we polish our skills to become the best versions of ourselves we can be.

 

This is why I follow the health and safety measures recommended by state and federal officials, as well as medical doctors at the CDC and World Health Organization, hospitals and healthcare clinics, because I also want to see this pandemic end as soon as we can all help to finish the threat to all of our health and livelihood. My family and I, as well as several of my students, also follow alternate and preventative healthcare methods to keep ourselves healthy. All the various allopathic and alternative methods work best when applied together, instead of separately or in spite of the other.

 

The pandemic has affected me personally and financially. My family and I got COVID-19 early in 2020, my wife and step-daughter have suffered from long hauler symptoms since April last year. I also have several close friends and family members that have also gotten sick from COVID-19, and 2 have died from it.
For over a year, I had to conduct classes remotely via Zoom, reduced tuition and still had a large drop in student enrollment.

 

I know firsthand that this is not something to take lightly or dismiss the very real threat this virus poses to us, and this adds to my resolve to do all I can to prevent the spread of this disease, the sooner the better. My family and I, as well as several of my students have all been vaccinated, and none of us have had any side-effects (or super-powers) as result of taking the vaccine.

 

A growing number of businesses and government agencies are requiring continued masking and vaccinations, notably for health care professionals. Especially as we have seen how well the vaccines have performed in prevention of symptoms over the last 5 months.

 

 

My requirement of vaccinations for students Ā is a professional and business decision that demonstrates my dedication to the health and safety of my students, my family and my community.
It is a standard that I share with a growing number of other businesses, schools, hospitals, clinics and government agencies.

 

Vaccinations have been effective in the suppression of Polio, Smallpox, Measles and other diseases — it could be likewise as effective in eliminating the current pandemic, if there weren’t so much disinformation and dismissal of masking and vaccinations, especially in the United States, where we have the resources to effectively end the pandemic.

 

With freedom comes obligations and responsibilities to ourselves and our community. This moment is a time for all of us to be considerate to the health and well being of all of us as a community, so that we can all survive and flourish.

Unvaccinated students are welcome to attend classes remotely via Zoom.

I hope you will join us in classes again soon, as well as our united efforts to end the pandemic.

 

I have been fully vaccinated for the health and safety of my family, students, clients and community.
From the AMTA:

On August 9, 2021, Governor Jay InsleeĀ , which requires health care providers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 byĀ October 18, 2021. A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the second dose in a two-dose series of a vaccine, or two weeks after receiving a single-dose vaccine. Because of the lead time needed for the two-dose vaccines, we encourage you to plan now for getting the vaccine.

 

Massage therapy practices are listed in the Proclamation as a ā€œHealth Care Setting” which includes designated areas where massage is administered within non-health care settings like spas and wellness/fitness centers. And, proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 will be accepted in the following forms:

  • CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card or photo of the card
  • Documentation of vaccination from a health care provider or electronic health record
  • State immunization information system record

Exemptions are allowed for disability-related accommodations that fall under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD), or any other reasonable accommodation. There is an additional exemption allowed for deeply-held religious beliefs.Ā Ā with any questions.

For additional information and updates, you can visit theĀ .

 

At Mace Martial Arts, we value the sanctity of all life, celebrate diversity, cultivate peace and justice, and accept students who are interested in learning how to improve and protect themselves. We have a zero-tolerance policy for bigotry and will reject any potential or current student who bullies or discriminates against others based on ethnicity, religious beliefs, or gender/orientation.Ā 

Summer Returns – Massage, Workshops & In-Person Classes! šŸ‘šŸ¼šŸ‰

Summer Returns — Massage Therapy, Workshops & In-Person Martial Arts Classes! šŸ‘šŸ¼šŸ‰

Request Dennis Mace
Request Dennis Mace
I am excited to announce that after a 6 year hiatus, I am returning to make a fresh start with my bodywork and massage therapy health care practice!

 

I completed the process of getting my CEU’s updated in June to renew my massage therapy license, and (after waiting over 2 months for the Department of Health to process my renewal) will be returning to my massage therapy practice at theĀ Massage Envy in ShorelineĀ this month!

 

If you are one of my previous massage clients, or if you need to relax and ease some pain, request Dennis Mace when you schedule your appointment with me by contacting the
20124 Ballinger Way NE
Unit A-02
Shoreline, WA 98155
United States
Tel 206-366-1111

 

My Bodywork Style:Ā my goal is to connect with each client’s particular needs to help support your process of healing and relaxation.
My approach and modalities of practice integrates a seamless flow of Myofascial Release, Swedish Massage, Lomi-Lomi, Tui-Na, Deep-Tissue, Thai and Sports Massage, so that I can help release deeper tension and pain in a way that feels both soothing and rejuvenating.

 

I have been fully vaccinated for the health and safety of my family, students, clients and community.

 

 

I’m excited to get back to massage therapy and healthcare, as this professional shift is more in alignment with my path in martial arts, and will allow more flexibility for time to spend with family and teachingĀ group classes, workshops andĀ private lessons.

 

My introduction to massage therapy comes from my martial arts instructors, who integrated healing modalities and bodywork methods within their curriculum, especially for addressing training injuries and for teaching anatomy and physiology is it pertained to health and fitness training, as well as self defense.

 

Foundations of Bagua Zhang – Ā Workshop & Pizza!Ā Ā šŸ‰šŸ•

In this workshop you will discover theĀ 4 Main PrinciplesĀ that distinguishĀ Bagua ZhangĀ from other martial arts systems, in theory and hands-on practice!

 

Training Methods/exercises for the workshop will include the hands-on ā€˜how and why’ Bagua ZhangĀ works, including both real-world self-defense and health benefits.

Practitioners of all experience levels and other styles of martial arts are welcome!
If you have previously studiedĀ Bagua ZhangĀ before, this workshop will help you understand the system on a foundational level and breathe life into your practice!

 

Saturday, August 28thĀ 
6:30pmĀ doors open
ClassĀ 7pm-9pm
Pizza Social & Discussion afterwards!Ā šŸ•šŸ˜‹

 

held at
3517 Stone Way N
Seattle WA 98103
United States

 

 

Instructor:Ā Shifu Dennis Mace, LMT Ā has been training and teaching holistic Martial Arts and Qi-Gong since 1982. His thorough, hands on approach, emphasizing courtesy and ethics, and his commitment to cultivating each student’s authentic skills and improving their overall health and empowerment has contributed to his widespread popularity in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

 

Special thank you toĀ Shifu Derryl WillisĀ Ā Ā of theĀ Seattle School of Chen TaiJiQuanĀ Ā for his gracious hospitality in inviting us to host this workshop at his beautiful school!

 

Regular In-Person Martial Arts Classes:Ā WeĀ returned to our regular in-person Bagua Zhang trainingĀ in April, for all students who have completed their COVID vaccinations!Ā More info here!Ā 

 

Starting this month, August 2021, we areĀ changing the start time for Saturday group classesĀ from 11:30amĀ to 11am, for consistency (same start time as Sunday group classes). To clarify, here are the updated class times:

Bagua ZhangĀ Classes

  • SaturdaysĀ 11am – 12:30pm PST
  • SundaysĀ 11am -12:30pm PST
  • Thursday eveningsĀ 7pm – 8pm PST
at:Ā 

1108 NW 200th St,
Shoreline, WA 98177

 

 

Sifu Kisu’s Northern Shaolin Workshop

Last month, on July 11th, we had the rare opportunity to attend an authentic Shaolin martial arts workshop taught bySifu Kisu of the Harmonious Fist Chinese Athletic Association for his first workshop in Seattle!

Thank youĀ Sifu Kisu,
for your inspirational, revealing and intense workshop, we have enjoyed getting to know you and look forward to further visits!

Thank youĀ Guro/Sifu Azeem McDaniel at Puget Sound Eskrima CombativesĀ forĀ being the invaluable behind the scenes coordinator and advisor!

Thank you toĀ Sifu Lu, Mei-huiĀ andĀ Sifu Chang WuNaĀ for their generosity and hospitality in welcoming us to hold this event at their beautiful school, theĀ International Wudang Internal Martial Arts Academy!

 

At Mace Martial Arts, we value the sanctity of all life, celebrate diversity, cultivate peace and justice, and accept students who are interested in learning how to improve and protect themselves. We have a zero-tolerance policy for bigotry and will reject any potential or current student who bullies or discriminates against others based on ethnicity, religious beliefs, or gender/orientation.Ā 

Bagua Workshop & Pizza! šŸ‰šŸ•

Foundations of Bagua Zhang – Ā Workshop & Pizza! Ā šŸ‰šŸ•

Why is Bagua Zhang regarded so highly in Chinese Martial Arts?
What makes Bagua Zhang Kung Fu so unique and effective, among all the many styles and systems of martial arts?

 

Four Main Principles:Ā 
In this workshop you will discover the 4 Main Principles that distinguishĀ Bagua Zhang from other martial arts systems, in theory and hands-on practice!

 

Bagua Zhang is a system that is structurally designed to take a martial arts practitioner’s previous foundational training in another system, to teach these 4 Principles to make the practitioner more comprehensively well rounded, and gradually helps them develop their own personal style and expression.

 

Training Methods/exercises for the workshop will include the hands-on ā€˜how and why’ Bagua Zhang works, including both real-world self-defense and health benefits.

 

Practitioners of all experience levels and other styles of martial arts are welcome!
If you have previously studied Bagua Zhang before, this workshop will help you understand the system on a foundational level and breathe life into your practice!

 

Saturday, August 28thĀ 
6:30pm doors open
Class 7pm-9pm
Pizza Social & Discussion afterwards! šŸ•šŸ˜‹

 

held at
3517 Stone Way N
Seattle WA 98103
United States

 

Fundamentals of Bagua Zhang Workshop
Are you looking for holistic exercise with real world self-defense?
BaguaZhang Kung-Fu training focuses on core-strength, balanced alignment and maintaining a calm mind while moving from one’s center with continuous circular motion for enhanced awareness. In this workshop, you will learn how to increase your vitality, become more grounded, improve your intuition and connection with others, awareness of your environment, and mindful self-confidence through the spiraling power of Bagua Zhang.

 

Instructor:Ā Shifu Dennis Mace Ā has been training and teaching holistic Martial Arts and Qi-Gong since 1982. His thorough, hands on approach, emphasizing courtesy and ethics, and his commitment to cultivating each student’s authentic skills and improving their overall health and empowerment has contributed to his widespread popularity in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

 

Special thank you to Shifu Derryl Willis Ā Ā of the Seattle School of Chen TaiJiQuan Ā for his gracious hospitality in inviting us to host this workshop at his beautiful school!

 

Regular In-Person Martial Arts Classes:Ā We returned to our regular in-person Bagua Zhang training in April, for all students who have completed their COVID vaccinations!Ā More info here!Ā 

 

Starting this month, August 2021, we areĀ changing the start time for Saturday group classesĀ from 11:30amĀ to 11am, for consistency (same start time as Sunday group classes). To clarify, here are the updated class times:

Bagua ZhangĀ Classes

  • SaturdaysĀ 11am – 12:30pm PST
  • SundaysĀ 11am -12:30pm PST
  • Thursday eveningsĀ 7pm – 8pm PST
at:Ā 

1108 NW 200th St,
Shoreline, WA 98177

 

Please note:Ā There will beĀ no Bagua Zhang ClassesĀ onĀ Thursday, August 12th,Ā Saturday, August 14thĀ orĀ Sunday, August 15th.Ā Classes will resume as usual the following week.

 

At Mace Martial Arts, we value the sanctity of all life, celebrate diversity, cultivate peace and justice, and accept students who are interested in learning how to improve and protect themselves. We have a zero-tolerance policy for bigotry and will reject any potential or current student who bullies or discriminates against others based on ethnicity, religious beliefs, or gender/orientation.Ā 

Re-Opening Classes for In-Person BaguaZhang Kung-Fu Training! šŸ‰

Re-Opening Classes for In-Person Bagua Zhang Kung-Fu Training!Ā šŸ‰

(Updated on September 8, 2021)
Starting this month, since Governor Inslee has reopened Washington State, going forward, you’re welcome to attend Bagua Zhang class in person, if you have been fully vaccinated. Ā 

Unvaccinated students are welcome to attend classes remotely via Zoom.Ā 
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Students that have received their completed COVID vaccinations are welcome to attend classes in-person with masks and no social distancing restrictions.Ā 
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I still simulcast our Bagua Zhang classes via Zoom for students that can’t attend in person if they live too far away, are unvaccinated, or are traveling.Ā 
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The Class times areĀ 
SaturdaysĀ 11:00am-12:30pm,Ā 
SundaysĀ 11am-12:30pm, andĀ 
ThursdaysĀ 7pm-8pm.Ā 
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Private lessons are available for students who are unable to attend during those class times.Ā 
If you have any family members or friends Ā that want to train with us, you can split the cost for private lessons for up to 3 students, at the same price, so you can all practice together while I guide you.Ā 
Please reply to this email to coordinate and schedule your private lessons.Ā 
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You can register for group classes via monthly memberships, and sign up for private lessons here:Ā 
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Vaccination Policy & Classes at Mace Martial ArtsĀ 
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I have received a handful of inquiries regarding our masking and vaccination policies at Mace Martial Arts, and first of all, I’m glad to hear from all of you, and hope you all remain healthy and well through the challenges of the dangerous and tumultuous recent years!Ā 
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I respect your thoughtful questions and eagerness to return to training with us, I love sharing this art with good students with a passion for learning and self-development.Ā 
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I also love creating a safe environment for my students to enjoy learning and exploring together, as we polish our skills to become the best versions of ourselves we can be.Ā 
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This is why I follow the health and safety measures recommended by state and federal officials, as well as medical doctors at the CDC and World Health Organization, hospitals and healthcare clinics, because I also want to see this pandemic end as soon as we can all help to finish the threat to all of our health and livelihood. My family and I, as well as several of my students, also follow alternate and preventative healthcare methods to keep ourselves healthy. All the various allopathic and alternative methods work best when applied together, instead of separately or in spite of the other.Ā 
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The pandemic has affected me personally and financially. My family and I got COVID-19 early in 2020, my wife and step-daughter have suffered from long hauler symptoms since April last year. I also have several close friends and family members that have also gotten sick from COVID-19, and 2 have died from it.Ā 
For over a year, I had to conduct classes remotely via Zoom, reduced tuition and still had a large drop in student enrollment.Ā 
I know firsthand that this is not something to take lightly or dismiss the very real threat this virus poses to us, and this adds to my resolve to do all I can to prevent the spread of this disease, the sooner the better. My family and I, as well as several of my students have all been vaccinated, and none of us have had any side-effects (or super-powers) as result of taking the vaccine.Ā 
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A growing number of businesses and government agencies are requiring continued masking and vaccinations, notably for health care professionals. Especially as we have seen how well the vaccines have performed in prevention of symptoms over the last 5 months.Ā 
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My requirement of vaccinations for students Ā is a professional and business decision that demonstrates my dedication to the health and safety of my students, my family and my community.Ā 
It is a standard that I share with a growing number of other businesses, schools, hospitals, clinics and government agencies.Ā 
Vaccinations have been effective in the suppression of Polio, Smallpox, Measles and other diseases — it could be likewise as effective in eliminating the current pandemic, if there weren’t so much disinformation and dismissal of masking and vaccinations, especially in the United States, where we have the resources to effectively end the pandemic.Ā 
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With freedom comes obligations and responsibilities to ourselves and our community. This moment is a time for all of us to be considerate to the health and well being of all of us as a community, so that we can all survive and flourish.Ā 

Unvaccinated students are welcome to attend classes remotely via Zoom.Ā 
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I hope you will join us in classes again soon, as well as our united efforts to end the pandemic.Ā 
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From the AMTA:Ā 

On August 9, 2021, Governor Jay InsleeĀ , which requires health care providers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 byĀ October 18, 2021. A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the second dose in a two-dose series of a vaccine, or two weeks after receiving a single-dose vaccine. Because of the lead time needed for the two-dose vaccines, we encourage you to plan now for getting the vaccine.Ā 

 

Massage therapy practices are listed in the Proclamation as a ā€œHealth Care Setting” which includes designated areas where massage is administered within non-health care settings like spas and wellness/fitness centers. And, proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 will be accepted in the following forms:Ā 

  • CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card or photo of the cardĀ 
  • Documentation of vaccination from a health care provider or electronic health recordĀ 
  • State immunization information system recordĀ 

Exemptions are allowed for disability-related accommodations that fall under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD), or any other reasonable accommodation. There is an additional exemption allowed for deeply-held religious beliefs.Ā Ā with any questions.

 

For additional information and updates, you can visit theĀ .Ā 

I have been fully vaccinated for the health and safety of my family, students, clients and community.
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Bagua Zhang classes are postponed next weekend due to Sifu Kisu’s Shaolin WorkshopĀ on July 11th!Ā 
We hope to see you there for good company and great Kung Fu!Ā 
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At Mace Martial Arts, we value the sanctity of all life, celebrate diversity, cultivate peace and justice, and accept students who are interested in learning how to improve and protect themselves. We have a zero-tolerance policy for bigotry and will reject any potential or current student who bullies or discriminates against others based on ethnicity, religious beliefs, or gender/orientation.Ā 
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Sifu Kisu’s Shaolim Workshop – in Seattle!

Please join us in welcomingĀ Sifu Kisu of the Harmonious Fist Chinese Athletic AssociationĀ to Seattle for his first workshop in the Greater Puget Sound area!Ā 

Students of all experience levels and all styles of martial arts welcome!Ā 

Sifu Kisu’s Northern Shaolim WorkshopĀ 

Sunday, July 11, 2021Ā 

From 9am to 5pm

Tuition $80Ā for advance registration; or $90 cash at the door on day of event.

 

Held at

International Wudang Internal Martial Arts Academy

2411 South Walker StreetĀ 

Seattle, WA 98144

 

Tun Da Course

Northern Shaolim training Form No. 6 – Close-Encounter Combinations (Short Strikes)

This form emphasizes techniques and combinations applied close up—within arm’s reach of your opponent. In contrast to short-range (or short-hand) Southern Kung Fu styles — including Wing Chun and Southern Praying Mantis — this set also employs techniques and tactics that close the distance between you and your opponent. Like all short range fighting styles, combinations include hand trapping, simultaneous block-strike techniques, and footwork/tactics to ‘stick’ to an opponent.Ā 

The uniqueness in Northern Shaolin Short Strikes is the ‘blending in’ or ‘smooth and subtle transitions’ with long-range techniques. It has an advantage over other short-range styles, as it includes high-and-low, and side-to-side shifting, as well as close-up ground sweeping and high/jumping kicks require skillful execution that other styles may not. Northern Shaolin Short Strikes is the easiest form to learn because it adopts direct movements (therefore it is taught first), yet, it’s also the most difficult to master. The practitioner’s main challenges are to overcome their intuitive fears when up-close, and to develop the keen senses and reflexes required in short-range fighting.

 

Sifu KisuĀ is a 5th generation Bak Siu Lum Pai disciple (Northern Shaolim Gate) descended fromĀ Great Grand Master Ku Yu Cheong.Ā 

Master Kisu has been a dedicated practitioner of Traditional Chinese Kung Fu for over 40 years, primarily focusing on the style of Northern Shaolim Kung Fu from his Sifu, Grandmaster Kenneth Hui (Hui Ho-Kwong), who is the founder of the Northern Shaolim Association of Los Angeles.Ā 

 

 

His daily practice has led him to understand how to transmit physical/energetic components in such a way that is open and accessible to the Western mind.Ā 

His most acclaimed works are documented in the animated seriesĀ Avatar: The Last AirbenderĀ andĀ Avatar: The Legend of Korra, where he acted as chief martial arts director and consultant. In fact, the sword master inĀ Avatar: The Last AirbenderĀ series, Piandao, is based directly on Sifu Kisu.Ā 

Lifelong experience in his craft inspired Sifu Kisu in the creation of elemental “bending” styles seen in theĀ Avatar: The Last AirbenderĀ series, which are symbolic expressions of specific styles of traditional Chinese martial arts.Ā 

 

 

TheĀ Northern Shaolim style of Kung FuĀ as made famous byĀ Grand Master Kuo Yu ChangĀ is a cumulative set of northern and southern-style Kung Fu techniques, choreographed by the Grand Master into a curriculum he taught both in the Nam Jing Kung Fu Institute and his Canton Kung Fu institute. His curriculum increased throughout his teaching years to include techniques of many styles. The Grand Master, being highly skilled in the Northern style of Kung Fu, emphasized the Northern style of Shaolim Kung Fu in his teachings.Most martial art origin stories–including that of the Northern Shaolim style–are passed down by oral tradition; therefore we discuss it as more part of legend than facts.Ā 
There are many legends about the lateĀ Grand Master Ku Yu Cheung. According to stories related by his close students, Master Ku’s father was an accomplished exponent of the Tan Toi (Snapping Kicks) Kung-Fu style. When he was young, Master Ku traveled throughout Northern China to learn all northern Kung-Fu systems. He was renowned for his Iron Palm techniques and the application of the long spear weapon. He organized all his learnings into what is Northern Shaolim Kung Fu today.Ā 

Northern Shaolim style Kung FuĀ is one of the most prominent traditional Northern styles of Chinese martial arts. The Northern styles of Gung-fu generally emphasize long-range techniques, quick advances and retreats, wide stances, kicking and leaping techniques, whirling circular blocks, quickness, agility, and aggressive attacks.
The system teaches empty-hand techniques and weaponry through pre-determined combinations, routines, or movement of sets.Students acquire the basics by practicing routines until the movements of the routines can be executed naturally and based on instinct. Subsequently, two or more opponents will perform routines to train the applications and responses of techniques learned from the original sets. The practice sets/routines are not only practical through application but also graceful and artistic in nature. The fluidity of movement — combined with acrobatic techniques — are trademarks of theĀ Northern Shaolim Kung-FuĀ sets.

 

Our special thanks toĀ Guro/Sifu Azeem McDanielĀ and his students atĀ Puget Sound Eskrima CombativesĀ for his invaluable assistance in coordinating this landmark event!Ā 

 

Our sincere gratitude toĀ Sifu Lu, Mei-hui and Sifu Chang Wu NaĀ for their generosity and hospitality in welcoming us to hold this event at their beautiful school, theĀ International Wudang Internal Martial Arts Academy!Ā 

With over 3,000 square feet, and ample parking in 2 lots and along the street, this is a perfect space for a large martial arts workshop!

WAIVER — ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST SIGN BEFORE ATTENDING CLASSĀ 

I am aware that martial arts & yoga practice involves physical activities which may result in my being injured. I voluntarily submit this waiver for participation inĀ 

Harmonious Fists Chinese Athletic AssociationĀ classes,Ā 

WuDang Internal Martial ArtsĀ classes,Ā 

Puget Sound Eskrima CombativesĀ classes, and

Vajra Visions – Mace Martial ArtsĀ classes,Ā and in consideration for my attendance in the classes, being mindful of the risks, assume full responsibility for any and all damages, injuries or losses I may sustain or incur, if any, while attending or participating in classes or related activities, and hereby waive all claims, actions, causes of action, damages, costs, liabilities, expense of judgments, including attorney’s fees and court costs, against instructors and sponsors of these classes for any claim for injuries I may sustain. I have listed all known medical conditions and physical limitations and will inform the instructor of any change in my health between classes. The instructor reserves the right to refuse services for reasons of safety or interference with other students’ learning. Furthermore, I agree to indemnity and to hold harmless the instructor and sponsors of these classes from liability arising out of my own negligence or intentional acts. I understand that Registration fees, tuition, equipment, testing fees and private lessons are non – refundable. I grant full permission to use any photographs, video/motion pictures or any other records for these classes.Ā 


Participant Signature:Ā 

Date:Ā 

Parent/Guardian Signature: Ā Ā 

Date:Ā 

(if participant is under 18years)

 

At Mace Martial Arts, we value the sanctity of all life, celebrate diversity, cultivate peace and justice, and accept students who are interested in learning how to improve and protect themselves. We have a zero-tolerance policy for bigotry and will reject any potential or current student who bullies or discriminates against others based on ethnicity, religious beliefs, or gender/orientation.Ā 

Practicing Bagua Zhang — Creativity and Transformation šŸ‰šŸŒ€šŸ’«

The only constant is change. Nature repeats in cycles of transformation.Ā Like the seasons, and cycles of birth, growth, maturity, death, and rebirth.Ā 


As a martial arts system, Bagua Zhang reflects the cycles of transformation, and harmonizes with them, in many ways and on many levels.Ā 

 

Why I got into martial artsĀ ~Ā 

Growing up as an introverted, artistic kid in South Omaha, dealing with bullies and schoolyard fights was common; while at home, I had an alcoholic father with a slow burning explosive temper. So while some of the impulse was standing up for myself and protecting my family, friends and myself, there was a deeper inspiration and connection to martial arts that transcended self preservation.Ā 


My artistic inspirations and unquenchable fascination with mythology and ancient cultures from early childhood, led to my cousin and friends introducing me to Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Jet Li and Kung-Fu Theater movies in 1982 — the chord that resonated the most was their raw expression and flow of skill and power, even in the midst of a life and death struggle; instead of succumbing to fear or control from bullies, they would take a stand to vanquish oppression.Ā 


The core inspirations of martial arts for me have always been:Ā 

  • the virtues and code of chivalry, orĀ Wu-De,Ā and
  • cultivating the ability to connect with that creative source, the raw experience of ā€œAmazing Graceā€ orĀ Wu-Wei — the state of connection and flow beyond thought — which led me ultimately to Bagua Zhang.Ā 

Shortly after that, at 12 years old, I started training with a great Judo teacher, then a few years later found Kung Fu. A couple years later I saw my Sifu practicing Bagua Zhang, and was immediately captivated. Ā 

I love all martial arts and have been blessed with the opportunity to train several styles over the years, but Bagua Zhang was the purest reflection of that experience of creative, adaptive flow of connected consciousness.Ā So over the years, Bagua Zhang eclipsed other systems I practiced and somehow seem to encapsulate them as well; I have gradually shed the excess to focus on Bagua Zhang as the pinnacle of my training, as well as what I mostly teach my students.Ā 

Dennis Mace, Bagua Zhang – circa 1998

 

What is Bagua Zhang?

As a martial arts system, Bagua Zhang (ā€œ8 Trigrams Palmā€) reflects the cycles of transformation, and harmonizing with them, in many ways and on many levels — Ā not only in self-defense situations, but also in personal development and in social interactions.Ā 


In its cyclical training methods and spiraling application of force,Ā Bagua Zhang uses the concept ofĀ 8 phases of change inspired by the I-Ching,Ā the ancient Chinese ā€œClassic of Changes,ā€Ā to emphasize a unique personal transformation, sparking our creativity to awaken and enhance each individual’s aptitude and potential.Ā 


Each of the 8 trigrams represents a phase in the states of change; each phase reflects different feelings, strategies and principles to help the practitioner develop skills to adapt to change. To deal with changes, threats, dangerous attacks and the highs and lows in life — on an innate and instinctual level. It requires insightful persistence in training, that will enhance and transform the practitioner from the inside out.Ā 


In hindsight, the many hours I spent with all my martial arts teachers seems fleeting; I cherish the lessons I gleaned from their deep wisdom,Ā each one having a uniquely valuable skill set and profound understanding.Ā 

 


AdaptationĀ 

What I learned, in seeing different students and classes from different teachers, most notably Shifu Yang Guotai, is that he would tailor his lessons to different people, and what he taught us would also change over time — no matter how peerless the instructor, the greatest ones continuously learn and grow as well… the True Path is never ending.Ā 


The changes, exercises and drills of Bagua Zhang are based on principles, connectivity of movement, adaptability and flow — more so than predetermined technical responses that are hallmarks of other martial arts systems. Ā 


As fiercely exacting as Yang Shifu was in teaching, his emphasis and methods altered with time, situation, and student… just like the art he taught.Ā What Yang Shifu taught us at one time, he would alter later and complain ā€œtsk, ah, you forget!ā€Ā Somehow the corrections he made, in hindsight, I now realize was his way of sharing different perspectives and more appropriate alternatives based on adapting to a situation and aptitudes of individuals.Ā I found all of the variations he taught to be valuable, whether he was intentionally tracking what we learned, or even if he had forgotten what he taught us before… What remained consistent, is whatever he taught was always effective.

 

On Learning Martial Arts…Ā 

Since standardization is good for beginners as well as intermediate and advanced students, I created a structured progression in lessons from the random cascade of skills and methods of my various teachers. I’ve found this progressive curriculum helps my students understand the art with much more clarity than my own experiences.Ā 


In the beginning, we often see our teachers as infallible sources of perfect truth…Ā Later, as we gain skills they cultivate in us, we start to see our teachers’ humanity.Ā As time goes on, every (martial) artist looks beyond the pedestal we put our teachers on to find our own expression of their art. Ā Every practitioner of any art, after years of devoted training, eventually looks within, and will have their own insights and perspectives,talents, aptitudes & weaknesses…Ā 

All we can really do is appreciate each practitioner’s insights, as well as our own.Ā A danger for advanced students is to confuse discernment with the extreme of criticism, and assume we know better; keep an open mind to continue learning always!Ā To call someone with years of training “incorrect” might be seeing through the lens of condescension. This is dangerous because assumption dulls focus, attention and the ability to learn.Ā 

 

Dubious Lineages & Politics in Martial Arts:Ā 

Ultimately, you get out of your training what you put into it — it helps to have a teacher that knows their chops, their basics, but lineage (good or bad) doesn’t assure this.Ā 

Real skill comes from one thing: training!Ā 

So each practitioner’s learning and growth comes down to them.Ā Find a teacher that you have a rapport with, and trust your instincts; learn with discernment, and make time to practice what you learn, on your own time, don’t just wait for class time to train — classes are for learning new material and refinement.Ā 


You Reap what you sow.Ā It’s up to you to decide your priorities, set your goals and act on them.Ā Your teacher is a guide, that should inspire you; don’t expect your teacher to carry you, and beware any instructor that warps respect into demands of worshipping their superiority. Ā 


If you find that something feels off about an instructor or the lessons, use your own discernment to find out why — is it your own misunderstanding, or is something wrong or misleading?Ā Not all instructors are legitimate, but if you are diligent, you can find good instructors that are more skilled and authentic.Ā I’ve been blessed to find some great instructors, and have had the insight to see through frauds as well; sometimes, it’s hard to tell if an instructor is authentic or not, and it’s painful to be deceived.Ā Take it from personal experience, if we spend too much time focusing on the faults of others, then it distracts us from our own development.Ā Learn from our own failures and triumphs, and the losses and wins of others, and move on; dwelling on the past and casting blame will only stunt your own growth.Ā 


Every one who trains earnestly has something of value, that they’ve learned from trial and error, and everyone has their own struggles, so if you appreciate these truths, you can learn from anyone and any situation.Ā Even fraudulent instructors will have valuable lessons to share, even if sometimes the lessons are learning to see through delusions.Ā If you get duped, instead of shaming yourself into victimhood, or descending into blame, realize that you still learned from the experience, and grew because of it.Ā Tearing others down doesn’t build yourself up, it just means you’re too condescending to have the empathy or respect required to learn and grow —good students and good instructors both understand this reciprocal truth.Ā 


If you encounter an instructor that exploits or abuses their students, by all means, seek legal help and press charges — I fully support taking down anyone who manipulates others, violates trust and abuses their status and power at the expense of other’s suffering. While those cases are rare, unfortunately it happens; bullies and predators should not be martial arts instructors. Ever. Ā When you go to learn at a school ā€œDon’t leave your common sense at the door.ā€Ā 


Martial arts begins and ends with respect: for your teachers, your classmates, your family, friends, yourself, and Life. Before you commit to learning martial arts from any school, make sure your instructor has innate integrity, and clearly values and respects their students, family and life itself.Ā 

 

 

Why are there so many branches and styles of Bagua Zhang?Ā 

Bagua Zhang is a multifaceted system designed to help build on the foundation of any practitioner’s previous training, to help them develop more well-rounded skills, understanding of mechanics and strategies, awareness and ability to adapt to any situation.Ā 
The eventual goal is to help each practitioner cultivate their own personal ā€œstyleā€, their own expression of their True Self. Which is why Bagua Zhang is considered a ā€œgraduate level martial art.ā€Ā 


Look within to heal and reveal your True Self.Ā 


Every teacher, of every art (if they care about their students and training partners), will have their own perspective, a precious gem they’ve polished, that they share because it worked for them in their own experience.Ā It is all valuable, whether we agree and assimilate those insights, or disagree and reject the material shared with us — we can learn from all of it.Ā Just as we learn from our own losses and triumphs.Ā If we can glean the truth at the core of our teacher’s lessons, they can catapult us forward in our own growth, skills and understanding.Ā Especially if we are able to empathize with their experience, walk in their shoes and learn what inspired them and how it relates to us. That includes the most fundamental basic techniques, as well as the most tragic and inspirational life lessons.Ā 


We are all fractals from the same source, yet we all have our own individual light and expression. Only we as individuals can decide what we prefer and what works best for us.Ā 


As we learn and grow, we each have our own unique perspective, path and expression of our truth — embracing this uniqueness is essential to mastering Bagua Zhang, and realizing your own potential.Ā 

 

In-Person Martial Arts Classes:

We returned to in-person Bagua Zhang training last month, for all students who have completed their COVID vaccinations!Ā More info here, in last month’s post.

 

 

New Podcast Interview:

in addition to being invited to be a guest onĀ Ken Gullette’s Internal Fighting Arts Podcast,Ā 

I was also recently invited to another interview byĀ Jonathan Bluestein on JadeCast!Ā 

Ā I am honored to have the opportunity to share my experiences with these gentlemen and enjoyed the conversations, I hope you do too! Ā Ā 

 

 

At Mace Martial Arts, we value the sanctity of all life, celebrate diversity, cultivate peace and justice, and accept students who are interested in learning how to improve and protect themselves. We have a zero-tolerance policy for bigotry and will reject any potential or current student who bullies or discriminates against others based on ethnicity, religious beliefs, or gender/orientation.Ā 

Internal Fighting Arts Podcast: interview with Dennis Mace

 

I was honored to be invited by Ken Gullette to be a guest on his Internal Fighting Arts Podcast, and appear in the newest episode, 55. Ā 


It was great catching up with Ken during the interview, and though we just started skimming the surface, I look forward to continuing the conversation and training with him.Ā 


I highly recommend listening to the rest of the interviews in the Internal Fighting Arts Podcast, there is an invaluable wealth of information there on several topics related to martial arts and healthy living.Ā 

https://internalfightingarts.libsyn.com/internal-fighting-arts-55-dennis-mace

Reminder: We will be returning to in-person training next week, April 24th, for all students who have completed their COVID vaccinations! More info here, in last weeks post.

 

At Mace Martial Arts, we value the sanctity of all life, celebrate diversity, cultivate peace and justice, and accept students who are interested in learning how to improve and protect themselves. We have a zero-tolerance policy for bigotry and will reject any potential or current student who bullies or discriminates against others based on ethnicity, religious beliefs, or gender/orientation.Ā 

 

Return to In-Person Training

After over a year of social distancing to curtail the pandemic,Ā we will finally resume in-person classes at Mace Martial Arts on April 24th, for students that have received their completed COVID-19 vaccinations!Ā 
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This will include private lessons as well as small group classes.Ā 
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I received the 2nd dose of the Pfizer vaccine Ā today — my Easter Sunday present!Ā 

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All students that plan to attend in-person training must confirm by showing a copy of your completed vaccine record card before you can attend class. Students must wait to attend in-person classes until 2 weeks after your COVID vaccinations are complete.Ā 

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We will finally be able to practice applications and partner drills for practical timing, sensitivity and skill development!Ā 
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I am very excited about training in-person again and looking forward to meet new students and finally see familiar faces in class!Ā 
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Remote Training Still Available:Ā I will continue to broadcast the group classes live remotely on Zoom, so that students that are unable to come to class, whether they haven’t received the COVID-19 vaccination yet, or are too far away, or don’t feel comfortable yet to attend in person, can still follow along online.Ā 


ThisĀ Remote MembershipĀ will give you the ability to continue training by following along with our regular group classes, and see us go through exercises, forms, applications and partner drills live.Ā Since I’ll be focused on teaching students that attend classes in person, instead of monitoring Zoom, I will be available to answer questions after class from both in-person and remote students via via the discussion board on our members-onlyĀ Mace Martial Arts private chat group.Ā 

TheĀ Remote MembershipĀ will continue to be half the price of the in-person monthly Membership, but will still give you the ability to keep training with us and access to student resources at Mace Martial Arts. Ā  Ā 

At Mace Martial Arts, we value the sanctity of all life, celebrate diversity, cultivate peace and justice, and accept students who are interested in learning how to improve and protect themselves. We have a zero-tolerance policy for bigotry and will reject any potential or current student who bullies or discriminates against others based on ethnicity, religious beliefs, or gender/orientation.Ā 


Please share with anyone you know that might be interested in joining our classes!Ā 

Our Bagua Zhang Lineage

Our Bagua Zhang Lineage at Mace Martial Arts, Front row: Yang Guotai 2nd from left, Xu Zhenbiao 6th from left (center, holding Dong Haichuan’s portrait), Wang Wenkui 7th from left, Han Wu 9th from left.
Our Bagua Zhang Lineage at Mace Martial Arts, Front row: Yang Guotai 2nd from left, Xu Zhenbiao 6th from left (center, holding Dong Haichuan’s portrait), Wang Wenkui 7th from left, Han Wu 9th from left


In Chinese martial arts, the ancestral lineage of discipleship is often considered a primary factor of the quality of a student’s skill and development. The student is often viewed as a reflection of their teacher, sometimes creating biased presumptions. 


Pedigree is important — but not from trivial name dropping and bragging rights, but from understanding and smart, meaningful training. Strive to learn your heritage to understand where your art comes from, to see the system from the lens of your ancestors (their lives, struggles, contributions and accomplishments) that you may glean a deeper understanding of the why and how of the system and how it relates to you, personally.  Then practice what you learn from your teacher — in your own time at home, not just during class — so that you can understand, internalize and incorporate the principles they share with you. 


That is the true measure of respect for your martial family and ancestors, to learn what they learned, in the context of why and how they learned it, and to apply those lessons to your own life. 


Blind fealty to yellowed photos and glorified legends won’t improve your health or character, or save you when your life is threatened, just as assumed privilege from pointing to a family tree won’t help you gain skill, if you don’t apply efforts to practice what previous generations of practitioners lived and bled for. We honor their legacy by striving to improve ourselves, inspired by their example. 

The following is our Bagua Zhang lineage here at Mace Martial Arts:

Dong Haichuan

Dong Haichuan ( č‘£ęµ·å· 1799-1882), a famous Chinese Martial Artist of the late Qing Dynasty, considered the progenitor of Bagua Zhang (“Eight Trigrams Palm”), though by his own accounts he credited learning the system from a Taoist Priest/Hermit named Bi Chengxia, from whom the system had been passed down in secret purportedly for many generations. Nevertheless, Dong Haichuan was the first person to teach the art of Bagua Zhang publicly. 

Dong Haichuan was born in Zhu Jia Wu of Wen An County in He Bei Province. He began practicing Chinese Martial Arts at a very young age, and became a renowned martial artist in his hometown. As an adult, he first went south before traveling all over China, studying martial arts and Daoism.
Dong Haichuan eventually moved to Beijing around 1864 to hold a post in the Mansion of Prince Su, where he began teaching “Zhuan Zhangā€ (Turning Palms), and shortly after referred to the system as Ba Gua Zhang, inspired by Daoism, stemming from the theory of 8 Changes in the classic “Yi Ching” (Book of Changes). There is some intrigue related to Dong Haichuan’s initial intentions for moving to Beijing, in that he may have been a member of the Taiping Rebellion, with the mission of assassination of the Qing Emperor, which is why he became a eunuch to serve in Prince Su’s court; when the Qing Emperor died a few years later, Dong Haichuan shifted his life path and priorities and decided to teach BaguaZhang publicly.

Cheng Tinghua, 3rd from left

Cheng Tinghua ( ēØ‹åŗ­čÆ 1848-1900), the prolific second generation Bagua Zhang Master, and creator of the Cheng Style Bagua Zhang. 
Cheng “Yanjing” (“Spectacles” Cheng) was an eye-glass maker by trade, and a Shuai Jiao expert before learning Bagua Zhang from Dong Hai Chuan.  Born the 3rd of 4 brothers in 1848 in the Cheng family village, Shen County, Hebei Province, Cheng Tinghua was fond of martial arts and in his youth he gained skill at wielding a heavy broadsword and a large heavy staff. When Cheng was around 13, he left his hometown and went to Beijing to apprentice with a gentleman who made eyeglasses. Intent on improving his martial arts skill, Cheng also began to study Chinese wrestling (Shuai Jiao) when he arrived in Beijing.
In the late 1800s, two wrestling styles were popular in Beijing: Manchurian/Mongolian wrestling and Baoding ā€œfast styleā€ wrestling. Baoding wrestling was quicker than Manchurian style, emphasizing throwing the opponent at first contact, without struggling. Baoding wrestling also combined punching, kicking, joint locking and point striking with its throwing techniques. Cheng Tinghua studied both of the popular wrestling styles when he was a young man in Beijing, and built a reputation with martial artists in Beijing as a skilled shuai jiao practitioner.
By 1870, Dong Haichuan had become very well known in Beijing. When Cheng was approximately 28 years old (1876), he sought out Dong in order to improve his skill. Some say that Cheng had become friends with Yin Fu and Shi Jidong (two of Dong Haichuan’s first Bagua students) and they encouraged him to meet Dong. When the two first met, Dong asked Cheng to use his shuai jiao against him. Cheng made several attempts at attacking Dong but was never able to lay a hand on him. Cheng knelt down and asked Dong if he could become a student. At this point, Dong hadn’t accepted many Bagua Zhang students — although Dong had taught many people martial arts in the Prince of Su’s palace, he only taught Bagua to three people prior to teaching Cheng Tinghua — those previous disciples being Yin Fu, Ma Weiqi, and Shi Jidong. The majority of Dong Haichuan’s students in the palace were said to have learned something other than Bagua Zhang.
Cheng Tinghua was Dong Haichuan’s fourth disciple, and studied with Dong for 5 or 6 years before Dong passed away in 1882.
Dong Haichuan was known to have only accepted Bagua Zhang students who were already skilled in another style of martial art. It is said that after laying a Bagua foundation with the circle walk practice, single palm change, double palm change, and smooth changing palm, Dong Haichuan would teach the student Bagua Zhang based on what the student already knew. Dong Haichuan therefore taught Cheng Tinghua using his shuai jiao background as a base.
The Bagua styles which most notably display a Xingyi Quan flavor are the styles which were taught by Cheng and his friends Li Cunyi, Liu Dekuan, and Zhang Zhaodong. The link between Xingyi and Bagua was most likely forged when Cheng Tingghua and his friends Li Cunyi, Zhang Zhaodong, Liu Dekuan, and Liu Waixiang got together to compare styles and learn from each other. Cheng Tinghua was a very open martial artist who would teach his Bagua to anyone who cared to learn it. He enjoyed meeting other martial artist to compare styles and share the techniques and theories of martial arts, and enjoyed sharing his Bagua Zhang skill with other martial artists. Cheng purportedly taught Liu Dekuan, Li Cunyi, and Zhang Zhaodong their Bagua Zhang, however, since they were very skilled in Xingyi Quan and thus were Cheng’s peers, he did not feel right calling them his ā€œstudents.ā€ Therefore, Cheng said that they should say they learned their Bagua from his teacher, Dong Haichuan.
Cheng Tinghua was killed during the Boxer Rebellion when the ā€œeight foreign armiesā€ invaded Beijing (1900). A group of German soldiers were forcefully recruiting locals for a work detail near Beijing’s Zhongwen Gate were Cheng’s shop was located. Cheng was on the street at the time and the Germans stopped him and tried to put him in line with the others. Cheng resisted and fought back; he purportedly drew a knife and may have beaten or killed a few soldiers during the struggle, before Cheng tried to run and leap over a nearby wall. As he was jumping over the wall, he was shot. He was 52 years old. 

Zhang Zhaodong

Zhang Zhaodong ( å¼ å…†äøœ 1859-1940), also known as Zhang Zhankui ( 张占魁 ), was born in Hebei Province, Ho Hung Yan Village in 1859, the youngest of three children. His father was a poor farmer and his family was often bullied by those in authority. Later in life, when Zhang became skilled in martial arts, he was very harsh on bullies because of what happened to his family when he was young. As one biographer has written, “Zhang Zhankui was big and tall, short-tempered and bold. He firmly opposed those who were roughshod over the people and disturbed public order.”
Zhang only had a primary school education because he had to quit school when he was still young in order to help his father in the fields. In his spare time he liked to practice martial arts, studying with teachers in his village. The first martial art he studied was Mizong Quan (a popular style in Northern China). When he was a teenager, Zhang Zhaodong became a Xingyi Quan disciple of Liu Qilan, a highly skilled master of the art. Zhang Zhaodong trained assiduously and became an esteemed Xingyi master as well. 
When Zhang was 20 there was a famine in his village, so he left home and traveled to Tianjin, but had difficulty finding a job because his only trade was farming. To raise money for food he demonstrated martial arts forms on the side of the road. 
Zhang hated to see people bullying others so he would always aid anyone who was being picked on. As his reputation grew, government officials recognized his talent for dealing with criminals and gave him a job as a “thief catcher” (bounty hunter). 
Shortly thereafter, the famous second generation Bagua Zhang instructor Cheng Tinghua was visiting Tianjin and ran into some trouble. Zhang Zhaodong helped Cheng with his problem and the two became friends. Zhang mentioned to Cheng that he would like to learn Bagua Zhang, and Cheng gladly accepted. Zhang frequently traveled to Beijing to track down bandits who had fled Tianjin. Cheng also introduced Zhang Zhaodong to Dong Haichuan and from that time forward, whenever he was in Beijing he studied with Dong or Cheng.
Since Dong Haichuan died shortly after Zhang Zhaodong met him, he probably learned the majority of his Bagua from Cheng Tinghua. During the early 20th century, Zhang Zhaodong and Li Cunyi ran a very well known martial arts association in Tianjin to spread the martial arts. Students in the public class could study either Bagua Zhang or Xingyi Quan, whichever they preferred. Zhang required his inner-door students to study Xingyi before they studied Bagua.  
Earlier in his teaching career in Tianjin, Zhang Zhaodong emphasized Xingyi Quan, then gradually only taught Bagua in his later years.
Since Zhang Zhaodong was a Xingyi man, his Bagua Zhang naturally had a Xingyi flavor. Zhang Zhaodong was a tall, strong man who liked to use wide, open postures in training and liked to strike down on opponents when fighting. His Bagua Zhang form and applications were direct, powerful and relatively simple, not as evasive compared to others because of his strength and Xingyi background. He did not utilize as many throwing techniques as Cheng Tinghua, who had come from a Shuai Jiao background. 
When Zhang was over 70, he was well known throughout China for his boxing skill and was frequently invited to other areas of the country to participate and demonstrate Bagua Zhang in martial arts events.
According to the writings left by his student Jiang Rong-Qiao, Zhang Zhaodong died in 1940 of natural causes in Tianjin at the age of 81. I learned Zhang Zhaodong’s Xingyi Quan and Bagua Zhang from Phillip Starr between 1985-1999.  

Liu Bin with his South Gate Bagua Zhang disciples: Liu Bin is between the pillars, second row, 4th from left with a beard, Liu Shikui is in the middle of the front row with a Jian (straight sword), Wang Wenkui is in the front row wearing white jacket with twin hook swords.
Liu Bin

Liu Bin ( åˆ˜ę–Œ 1866-1930), the third generation of Ba Gua Zhang, was the disciple of Cheng Tinghua, being one of his first and top students. Liu Bin was a general in the Ching army, but quit his post in disappointment with the Ching government’s corruption and incompetence after his teacher, Cheng Tinghua was killed in 1900 by German troops. Liu Bin then focused on training, developing and teaching Bagua Zhang, and became a highly regarded bodyguard in Beijing as well.  As a former general, Liu Bin was an expert with various weapons, and specialized with the 9 Section Steel Whip. Liu Bin taught many students from his school in the Tan Tong area of Heaven Temple Park in Southern Beijing. 

Liu Shikui is in the front row, first on the right


Liu Shikui ( åˆ˜äø–é­ 1899-1969) Liu Bin’s second son, Liu ShiKui learned Bagua Zhang under his father’s strict, sometimes harsh tutorage; he trained hard and became a highly skillful master.  Liu ShiKui was humble, with a good heart and strong moral fiber. He continued his father’s legacy by teaching Bagua Zhang, including in secret during through the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), when traditional martial arts practice was banned. Liu Shikui encouraged his students to become good people, and to avoid trouble and fighting without good cause.  Despite his positive life, strong spirit and good nature, Liu Shikui was arrested, tortured, and eventually killed during the Cultural Revolution for teaching martial arts. 

Wang Wenkui demonstrating Bagua Zhang
Wang Wenkui
Wang Wenkui

Wang Wenkui ( ēŽ‹ę–‡å„Ž 1900-1986), was one of  the top disciples of Liu Bin, and close friend of Liu ShiKui. After the Cultural Revolution ended in 1976, Wang Wenkui was one of the first to teach Bagua Zhang publicly, and helped write and publish popular books about Bagua Zhang. Though short in stature, Wang Wenkui was widely regarded as a generous gentleman and prodigious martial artist of profound skill, good heart and bright spirit, and is still highly regarded in Beijing’s martial arts community. 

Xu Zhenbiao, front row, 7th from left, holding Dong Haichuan’s portrait; Wang Wenkui 8th from left; Han Wu 9th from left; Yang Guotai fourth row, 5th from left.
Xu Zhenbiao
Xu Zhenbiao
Xu Zhenbiao
Xu Zhenbiao
Xu Zhenbiao

Xu Zhenbiao (  å¾ęŒÆå½Ŗ 1913-1991), the fifth generation of Ba Gua Zhang, was the disciple of Liu Shikui (Liu Bin’s son) and student of Wang Wenkui. Xu Zhenbiao was known for being a devoted student and disciplined practitioner throughout his life, and developed a high level of skill. From Yang Shifu’s accounts, Xu Zhenbiao was a highly skilled fighter who welcomed challenges, and was both a generous and severe taskmaster as an instructor, holding a high standard for himself and his students. 

Yang Guotai
Yang Guotai
Yang Guotai
Yang Guotai, front row 2nd from left, Dennis Mace on right side (I introduced an old classmate and his students to train with Yang Shifu)
From left, David Meikle, Yang Guotai, Dennis Mace

Shifu Yang Guo Tai  ( ę„Šåœ‹ę³° July 10, 1928-November, 2013), Cheng style Dragon Shape Swimming Body Bagua Zhang teacher, was an in-door student of Xu Zhenbiao. Yang Shifu began martial arts training at an early age, with styles such as Praying Mantis and Xingyi Quan, and became a disciple of Xu Zhenbiao in his teens, training closely with him for over 4 decades, even in secret when martial arts practice was banned during the Cultural Revolution. Yang Guotai also enjoyed dancing in his youth, though his lifelong passion was martial arts. After working in a factory for several years (where he lost his right thumb in a machinery accident), Yang Guotai eventually used his martial training expertise and became the head Tui-Na/Massage Therapist at Beijing Hospital. He frequently shared stories about surviving and training martial arts in China during wars and tumultuous periods, including how they would practice in secret during the Cultural Revolution, despite the risks of being caught. Yang Guotai emigrated from Beijing to Vancouver, BC with his wife and son, Greg in the 1990’s, where he continued to teach Bagua Zhang. 


I met Yang Shifu by chance during my first visit to Vancouver, BC in 2000. I went to the Tiger Balm International Martial Arts Tournament in hopes of meeting another well known Bagua Zhang teacher, but I am forever grateful to have met Yang Guotai Shifu instead. While watching one of the competitions, I noticed someone practicing Bagua Zhang on the sidelines. I was intrigued and asked about his practice, and he graciously introduced me to his teacher, Yang Guotai, who was officiating the push-hands event; Yang Shifu was discerning and spirited, and asked me if I practiced Bagua Zhang. When I mentioned that I had, he asked me to show him what I learned before; Yang Shifu was underwhelmed with my execution of the Bagua I’d previously been training for over decade, then briefly demonstrated a few seconds of the most amazing Bagua I’d seen before, and asked if I’d like to learn real Bagua Zhang. Though I hadn’t heard of Yang Guotai before that weekend, I recognized I’d discovered a rare and hidden treasure, and enthusiastically returned to Vancouver a couple days later for my first lesson and was blown away by his profound skill, power and depth of knowledge. I continued to make the 2-3 hour drive from Seattle to Vancouver every other weekend and any extra holiday break and vacation time I had for the next several years to learn from Yang Shifu, trained hard with my new classmates and in every class had some new revelation that I continue to learn from to this day. 
The rest of my classmates under Yang Shifu all had previous martial arts experience. Most of us had already trained Bagua Zhang from various other teachers. We all considered training with Yang Shifu as graduate-level martial arts training because of the depth, complexity and refinement of skills he developed in each of us. His approach was hands-on instruction to show us the principles and functional health cultivation and self defense techniques at the heart of the system, in the old-school practical, non-sport methods of training. He showed us as well as explained the how and why of Bagua Zhang, correcting our previous training errors, from the most subtle skills to the most profound principles, for both health and self defense. We endearingly referred to Yang Shifu as “the Bagua Yoda” because of his irascible yet generous character, profound knowledge and surprising, incomparable skill. After a couple years of training with Yang Shifu, he invited a small handful of my classmates and myself to stay after training and lunch (it was a common occurrence for his wife, our Shimu, to prepare a delicious homemade lunch for us after training at a nearby park) and he conducted a private Bai Shi ceremony in his home in front of his mantle where we were formally inducted to be his in-door disciples and become lineage holders of Cheng style Bagua Zhang. It was shortly after this that Yang Shifu took me aside during a class and encouraged me to begin teaching students in Seattle where I live, while I continued training with him in Vancouver, BC. I introduced Yang Shifu to several friends and former classmates, and coordinated workshops for him to teach in Omaha, NE and Seattle, WA. 
I consider myself blessed to have known him and drink from the vast wellspring he shared with us. The time spent training with him always felt fleeting, especially in hindsight.  I miss him, though I continue to learn more from his lessons by dissecting the many layers and facets, training them and discovering more insights. Sometimes it seems as if I feel his presence, especially when I’m teaching my students, as if he’s watching over us and teaching through me, as I glean more understanding from all he passionately shared with us. 

From left, Shimu holding my son, Samuel Mace, Yang Shifu, David Meikle, Dennis Mace, Matt Schumacher.

At Mace Martial Arts, we value the sanctity of all life, celebrate diversity, cultivate peace and justice, and accept students who are interested in learning how to improve and protect themselves. We have a zero-tolerance policy for bigotry and will reject any potential or current student who bullies or discriminates against others based on ethnicity, religious beliefs, or gender/orientation. 

Weapons Training During the Pandemic – The Most Versatile Weapon – Staff

Staff Training

Starting Thursday, January 14th (7pm-8pm), and Sunday, January 17th (11am-12:30pm), during our regularly scheduled classes, we will begin a phase of Weapons Training, remotely via Zoom during the pandemic – starting with Staff, The Most Versatile Weapon.  

The staff is one of the most ancient and versatile weapons –

Learn practical techniques and strategies to improve strength, coordination, power, and how training with this weapon correlates with bare-handed self defense as well as being able to use walking sticks, gardening tools, brooms, mops and pool cues as effective self-defense weapons! 
We will be learning single and double ended staff techniques and strategies, focusing on developing coordination and power! 

Later, when the pandemic is under control and we’re finally able to train together in person again, we will introduce partner drills and more refined locks, throws and strategy work using the staff to its fullest potential! 
Before you join in to the Zoom class, make sure that you have at least 10 square feet to move around in front of your computer/laptop in a space with a good internet connection (plus additional clearance for the weapon). Wear loose, comfortable clothing, and get a notebook to write down what we cover after each class — that goes a long way to retain and absorb the material. 

How to Find Your Own Staff

You do need to bring your own staff to this event to train with, and to practice with after you attend the workshop. It’s best to buy the staff locally, in person, instead of ordering from a catalog or online, because you need to double check the following:

  1. The ideal length of the staff should be at least as long as coming up from the floor to your chin, or the top of your head when standing (usually between 5 to 6 feet long, longer is ok, but avoid getting something too short). Another test is if you hold the staff horizontally, balancing it at shoulder height along your outstretched arms, you should barely be able to touch the ends of the staff with your extended fingertips.
  2. The ideal diameter of the staff should be at least 1-1/8 inches to 2-1/4 inches ā€” if it’s too thin, it will snap during training.
  3. The staff should be made of hardwood ā€“ it should pass ā€œthe thumbnail testā€ (you shouldn’t be able to dig your thumbnail into the wood). Pine and bamboo are unacceptable because they aren’t hardwood — Pine dowels won’t work, they will splinter and crack under the very lightest training. Suggested woods are Hickory, Maple, Oak, Waxwood, Ironwood, Treated Rattan, etc.
  4. One shop option is Seattle Martial Arts Supplies, located on King Street at the South end of Seattle’s Downtown International District. Another option is your local hardware store ā€“ Ace, Lowes or Home Depot, etc – go to the section with hardwood broom and shovel handles, and get a straight, un-tapered Hickory broom/mop/shovel handle — it will probably be cheaper and more durable than some of the maple and oak staffs in the martial arts shops (make sure it is at least 5 feet long and at least 1-1/8 diameter, and use the thumbnail test in #3 to make sure it isn’t Pine).
  5. Make sure the staff isn’t cracked or has splinters. Check to make sure there aren’t large ā€œeyesā€ in the grain – it’s common for stress-fractures in the staff around these brittle areas when subjected to regular training – even with hardwood. Avoid staffs with fancy engraving along the shaft, as they lend to cracking and splinters during practice.
  6. Make sure the staff isn’t warped ā€“ look down the shaft from one end to check if it’s warped or bowed. Warping in the wood throws off the balance of the staff and makes it unwieldy.

If you have any  questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!

Beginners Bagua Zhang Kung Fu classes 

We have a few spots available if you would like to start training Remote online with our Beginners Bagua Zhang Kung Fu class, held Saturdays at 11:30 am to 12:30 pm PST! 

With all the uncertainty of the tumultuous times we are all living in, Bagua Zhang is an excellent practice to help you improve your health, increase your vitality and awareness, and develop self defense skills to meet the challenges we are facing with focus and confidence. 

Once you get some of the basics down, you are welcome to join in our other regular group classes on Thursdays 7-8pm PST, and Sundays 11am-12:30pm PST. 

The Remote Membership will give you the ability to continue training by following along with our regular group classes, and see us go through exercises, forms, applications and partner drills live. Since we are training Remotely via Zoom, you can join us from anywhere in the world, as long as you have a good internet connection. I will be available to answer questions after class from students via the discussion board on our members-only Mace Martial Arts private chat group

The Remote Membership is only $50 per month, half the price of the in-person monthly Membership, but will still give you the ability to keep training with us live via Zoom and access to student resources at Mace Martial Arts. Also, we are in the process of creating instructional videos and workbooks to help you learn and grow with your practice! 

If you are interested in joining for the first time, or it’s been awhile since you’ve attended our classes, please respond to this message so we can get you started with our Bagua Zhang Martial Arts classes

At Mace Martial Arts, we value the sanctity of all life, celebrate diversity, cultivate peace and justice, and accept students who are interested in learning how to improve and protect themselves. We have a zero-tolerance policy for bigotry and will reject any potential or current student who bullies or discriminates against others based on ethnicity, religious beliefs, or gender/orientation. 


Please share with anyone you know that might be interested in joining our classes! 

Exhausted? Revitalize with Meditation and Qigong – Sealing the 5 Senses šŸ§˜šŸ»ā€ā™‚ļøšŸŒ€šŸ’«


I often use the expression ā€œLook within to reveal and heal your True Self.ā€ Why? 


Our attention and energy gets scattered and depleted by focusing on everything going on around us. Busy-ness of the world, survival, work, school, family, obligations, politics, hobbies, sports, recreation, games — all the 10,000 things of the world have their place and time, but worrying about all the things can become overwhelming, even to the best of us. 

As life seems to be getting more hectic and stressful, it’s easy to loose ourselves and feel disconnected, scattered and exhausted. This year has been exceptionally stressful — all of us have been affected by the distressing pandemic, exacerbated by divisive politics, leading to economic recession and social discord, and more anxiety and fatigue than we’ve faced before. 


Especially now, as Autumn and Winter seasons set in, many people feel discouraged because they feel even more tired. 
But the truth is, this is a natural cycle — as the days get shorter and the nights get longer, notice how plants and animals go into a state of hibernation. Yet because of the demands of a disconnected society, we feel pressured to compensate with fake energy boosters and stimulants, or ā€œnumb-outā€ from the stress with drugs and alcohol, then feel even more exhausted, scattered and depleted after the false-energy boost wares off. 

Instead, the  best way to revitalize is the natural way — instead of struggling against your natural rhythms, listen to your body’s needs to rest and sleep more — you’ll be able to stay more focused and present. 


To restore our energy even more, as well as heal and enhance our senses, we must ā€œseal the 5 sensesā€ and turn inward. This aspect of mindfulness in meditation will focus your mind and help you to harness your energy:   

  • Still your body, heart and mind. 
  • Let go of worries, doubts, grief and longing, and call your attention to the present moment. 
  • Let go of all distractions from the present moment, and reclaim your Spirit. 
  • Be here, now. 
  • Feel the movement of air as you breathe in and breathe out, feel the blood coursing throughout your body from your heart, notice any sensations of tension or pain, as you release them and let go. 
  • Smell your own breath and body and wonder at all the countless processes happening automatically within you. 
  • Taste your own saliva as you swallow to assist your digestion, and lubricate your organs. 
  • Listen to your heartbeat, the sounds of your digestive system, the sound of your breath. 
  • Look inward to see the colors behind your eyelids, shifting your gaze to the kaleidoscope of your mind’s eye, and the light shining within you. 
  • Feel the buzzing hum of electricity through your brain and nervous system, feel the waves of the bio electric field flowing within you, through you and around you. 

Each cell within you is its own organism, symbiotically coming together to encompass you, seamlessly working and dancing together in myriads of systems to become whole — just as the vast space between the particles of atoms that convene into the molecules composing each cell are miraculously interwoven and connected, just as vibrant as a solar system, yet deep within you, bringing life and consciousness. Galaxies of energy and matter spiraling within us, composing our mortal coil, just as we are each of us cells, an inseparable and integral part of the countless solar systems in the Cosmos. 

This awareness of the vastness of the Universe is paradoxically also where we discover our most essential inner-selves, and how we are all connected in consciousness. 


To conclude any meditation practice session, draw your attention to your physical center of gravity, which is just below your navel in the middle of your lower abdomen at your body’s core. Allow the energy you cultivate with Qigong practice to spiral to your center, to assimilate, or ā€œdigestā€ there. This grounds your energy, calms the mind and emotions, allowing you to remain centered even in stressful or startling situations. It is by this mindful process that you may discover the deepest, most essential part of yourself, and feel how integrated you are with the world. That you may ā€œlook within to reveal and heal your true self.ā€ 


Meditation and Qigong enhances awareness of yourself and your surroundings, which contributes to your mental and physical health, as well as your self-defense skills. Clarity of focus and sharpening the mind are indispensable skills for a warrior, as it enhances awareness of one’s inner world, as well as a deeper awareness of the world we live in, and creates the space where you can discover your hidden reservoir of latent essential power. This is why these practices have been invaluable to warriors and martial artists for several millennia. 

Beginners Bagua Zhang Kung Fu classes 

We have a few spots available if you would like to start training Remote online with our Beginners Bagua Zhang Kung Fu class, held Saturdays at 11:30 am to 12:30 pm PST! 

With all the uncertainty of the tumultuous times we are all living in, Bagua Zhang is an excellent practice to help you improve your health, increase your vitality and awareness, and develop self defense skills to meet the challenges we are facing with focus and confidence. 

Once you get some of the basics down, you are welcome to join in our other regular group classes on Thursdays 7-8pm PST, and Sundays 11am-12:30pm PST. 

The Remote Membership will give you the ability to continue training by following along with our regular group classes, and see us go through exercises, forms, applications and partner drills live. Since we are training Remotely via Zoom, you can join us from anywhere in the world, as long as you have a good internet connection. I will be available to answer questions after class from students via the discussion board on our members-only Mace Martial Arts private chat group

The Remote Membership is only $50 per month, half the price of the in-person monthly Membership, but will still give you the ability to keep training with us live via Zoom and access to student resources at Mace Martial Arts. Also, we are in the process of creating instructional videos and workbooks to help you learn and grow with your practice! 

If you are interested in joining for the first time, or it’s been awhile since you’ve attended our classes, please respond to this message so we can get you started with our Bagua Zhang Martial Arts classes

At Mace Martial Arts, we value the sanctity of all life, celebrate diversity, cultivate peace and justice, and accept students who are interested in learning how to improve and protect themselves. We have a zero-tolerance policy for bigotry and will reject any potential or current student who bullies or discriminates against others based on ethnicity, religious beliefs, or gender/orientation. 


Please share with anyone you know that might be interested in joining our classes! 

Training during the Pandemic — Forms & Tempering the Body & Mind

Bagua Zhang training at the Mace Martial Arts Guan

Over the last 9 months, I’ve been grateful to continue teaching all our group Bagua Zhang Kung Fu classes remotely on Zoom, thanks to modern technology.Ā 


Though I miss teaching my students in person, and look forward to training with everyone again with in person classes, we’ve found some creative approaches to traditional training methods to be very constructive and practical in these challenging times.Ā 


Time honored practices for developing self-defense-specific fitness, attributes, capacity and skills — which are especially valuable now, while person to person contact is limited due to social distancing measures help to keep us safe from the highly communicable COVID-19 virus.Ā 


The various practice methods we have been focusing on include Forms, Basics, Supplemental Exercises, Qigong/meditation, Iron Palm/Iron Body, Weapons, and Strategy Training.Ā 


Forms practice — in traditional martial arts, forms are similar to shadow-boxing; forms are prearranged sequences of self-defense techniques, strung together to teach various combinations, principles and strategies. The self defense techniques are ā€œcodedā€ into the forms, like parables with layers of meaning and interpretation based on distance, timing and situations. Learning to decipher the techniques coded into traditional forms is both a skill and a riddle to solve.Ā 


Bagua Zhang forms practice has a slightly different goal than in many other martial arts. Where the solo forms of all traditional martial arts styles are catalogs of prearranged self defense techniques, Bagua Zhang has an emphasis on progressively developing principles and attributes that alter the efficacy of techniques as well as gradually transforming the health, ability, efficiency Ā and vitality of the Bagua Zhang practitioner.Ā 
Forms — Benefits and goals for Forms practice:Ā 

  • balance and structural alignment 
  • Coordination, timing and dexterity 
  • Mental focus and body awareness 
  • Stamina, range of motion, strength and flexibility 
  • Refinement of techniques and  efficiency of movement 
  • discovery of layers of self-defense techniques, dissecting movement by range and underlying principles, deciphering the parable of techniques 

Basic techniques — drilling to refine and streamline the efficiency of techniques, as well as attributes of timing, strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance.Ā 


Supplemental Calisthenic exercises — to develop principles and attributes to enhance self defense capability.Ā 


Qi Gong, Tao Yin, Yoga, meditation  — clear and focus your mind, balance your emotions, cultivate your vitality and circulation to stimulate your strength and immune system.Ā 


Iron Palm, Iron Body — tempering your body safely and gradually to build your striking power and grappling effectiveness, as well as your resilience to pain and injury. Develops the capacity to realize Bagua Zhang’s full potential as an effective martial art.Ā 


Weapons Training — develops focus, strength, stamina, balance and coordination that enhance your ability to defend yourself with weapons, every day objects, and enhances bare-handed efficacy.Ā 


Strategy Work — in lieu of training partners, using hanging heavy bags and grappling dummies, by swinging them to develop footwork, distance and timing.Ā 

Beginners Bagua Zhang Kung Fu classes

We have a few spots available if you would like to start training Remote online with ourĀ Beginners Bagua Zhang Kung Fu class,Ā held Saturdays at 11:30 amĀ to 12:30 pm PST!Ā 

With all the uncertainty of the tumultuous times we are all living in, Bagua Zhang is an excellent practice to help you improve your health, increase your vitality and awareness, and develop self defense skills to meet the challenges we are facing with focus and confidence. 

Once you get some of the basics down, you are welcome to join in our other regular group classes on ThursdaysĀ 7-8pm PST, and SundaysĀ 11am-12:30pm PST.

The Remote Membership will give you the ability to continue training by following along with our regular group classes, and see us go through exercises, forms, applications and partner drills live. Since we are training Remotely via Zoom, you can join us from anywhere in the world, as long as you have a good internet connection. I will be available to answer questions after class from students via the discussion board on our members-only Mace Martial Arts private chat group

The Remote Membership is only $50 per month, half the price of the in-person monthly Membership, but will still give you the ability to keep training with us live via Zoom and access to student resources at Mace Martial Arts. Also, we are in the process of creating instructional videos and workbooks to help you learn and grow with your practice! 

If you are interested in joining for the first time, or it’s been awhile since you’ve attended our classes, please respond to this message so we can get you started with our Bagua Zhang Martial Arts classes

At Mace Martial Arts, we value the sanctity of all life, celebrate diversity, cultivate peace and justice, and accept students who are interested in learning how to improve and protect themselves. We have a zero-tolerance policy for bigotry and will reject any potential or current student who bullies or discriminates against others based on ethnicity, religious beliefs, or gender/orientation. 


Please share with anyone you know that might be interested in joining our classes!Ā 

New Beginners Bagua Zhang Kung Fu Class Starting in August!

New Beginners Bagua Zhang Kung Fu class starting in August!Ā 

We have a few spots available if you would like to start training Remote online with our Beginners Bagua Zhang Kung Fu class, starting this Saturday, August 1st, at 11:30 am to 12:30 pm PST! 

With all the uncertainty of the tumultuous times we are all living in, Bagua Zhang is an excellent practice to help you improve your health, increase your vitality and awareness, and develop self defense skills to meet the challenges we are facing with focus and confidence. 

Once you get some of the basics down, you are welcome to join in our other regular group classes on Thursdays 7-8pm PST, and Sundays 11am-12:30pm PST.

The Remote Membership will give you the ability to continue training by following along with our regular group classes, and see us go through exercises, forms, applications and partner drills live. Since we are training Remotely via Zoom, you can join us from anywhere in the world, as long as you have a good internet connection. I will be available to answer questions after class from students via the discussion board on our members-only Mace Martial Arts private chat group

TheĀ Remote MembershipĀ is only $50 per month,Ā half the priceĀ of the in-person monthly Membership, but will still give you the ability to keep training with us live via Zoom and access to student resources at Mace Martial Arts. Also,Ā we are in the process of creating instructional videos and workbooks to help you learn and grow with your practice!
If you are interested inĀ joining for the first time, or it’s been awhile since you’ve attended our classes, please respond to this message so we can get you started with ourĀ Bagua Zhang Martial Arts classes!Ā 

At Mace Martial Arts, we value the sanctity of all life, celebrate diversity, cultivate peace and justice, and accept students who are interested in learning how to improve and protect themselves. We have a zero-tolerance policy for bigotry and will reject any potential or current student who bullies or discriminates against others based on ethnicity, religious beliefs, or gender/orientation. 

Bullying and Oppression; Return to Class on Father’s Day!

What’s going on?Ā 

As we celebrate Emancipation Day/Juneteenth here at Mace Martial Arts, we also recognize bullying and oppression have been on the rise in recent years. All over the world we continually see examples of it, especially in current events that painfully expose America’s unresolved legacy of bullying and oppression, in ā€œthe land of the free, and home of the brave.ā€ Ā 

I’ve had to deal with a couple bullies in the last 3 years, while teaching martial arts classes at a local park. The first incident, a man approached and asked what martial art we were practicing, but his demeanor was off, and his stilted questions shifted to provocations; I redirected him, encouraged him to give it a try, but he backed down and watched for a while before wandering away.Ā 

The second time, a few months later, another man walking his dogs approached our class, inquiring about what we were practicing.Ā  I was cordial, despite feeling his skewed intentions. His questions became increasingly rude, then he veered off topic and asked my students and me ā€œwho’d you vote for?ā€ He then escalated to making inane, disgusting racial slurs to my diverse students and accused us of witchcraft, proclaiming how ā€œTrump is going to make America great again!ā€ and would send us all back where we belong. I got between him with his dogs and my students, telling him I’d be happy to show him how it works.Ā  As much as I hoped he’d back up his hate speech with action, he backed down, and grumbled as he wandered off.Ā 

My own experiences of bullying and oppression

On a personal note, among the reasons I started learning martial arts when I was young was to protect myself, not only from any bullies at school, but also from my own father, who had a slow burning explosive temper, that sometimes led to abuse. While my father tried to shelter me from the gang life he grew up in, the threat of brutality lingered throughout my childhood.Ā 

This also encouraged me to keep my martial arts training practical, as much as it was a way to channel my emotions constructively towards personal development, and taught me to deescalate confrontations.Ā 

I also grew up around a lot of racism being expressed from my father and extended family and his friends. Strangely enough, I have always been revolted by racism, even when I was very young.Ā  Some of my earliest memories were being deeply confused and offended by the vitriol and callousness of the condescending slurs I would hear. Even though it was my own family vomiting this hatred, nothing else made me feel more alienated from them. Though I’ve always respected my elders, I couldn’t tolerate their blind hatred, and frequently confronted my father and members of my family in defense of my diverse friends and interests, even if it meant refusing to eat holiday meals with them, or getting another beating.Ā 

To this day, I’m continually amazed and disgusted by the systemic hatred exposed by past and recent events that continues to divide and threaten us.Ā  I wonder why so many people are so blind to see that we are all connected brethren, spinning together on this tiny jeweled planet, circling a star, on the fringes of a galaxy swirling among countless others in a vast cosmos. But I digress…Ā 

The Bully within: where do bullies come from?Ā 

Bullies come in many forms, from the domestic violence of threatening partners and family members, cruel classmates and demeaning coworkers, to abusive superiors, oppressive government officials, and brutalizing police officers.Ā 

Bullies feel superior to and are intimidated by someone who is different; in response, they seek to dominate and attack. Bullies are predators incapable of having empathy for their prey, and lack any appreciation of diversity. The more bullies feel threatened, the more they escalate and lash out, either individually or collectively.Ā 

They may dominate and attack individuals or entire communities. The Bully/predator may threaten, demean, humiliate or attack their victims verbally, emotionally, physically or sexually, by direct or indirect means.Ā 

Racism, misogyny, homophobia and religious suppression are all forms of bullying, extremes on the spectrum of predatory behavior; the condescending supremacy is rooted in fear and control.Ā 

While bullying and oppression is nothing new, bigots of all kinds have been emboldened to crawl out from under their rocks by the recent torrent of hateful rhetoric flowing from a divisive US government administration helmed by a bully who openly gaslights and encourages hostility to such an extreme degree that it has become a sickening ā€œnew normal.ā€Ā 

As these toxic behaviors increase, the predators who participate in this cult of personality try to normalize their oppressive power as they worship their supreme leader. Thankfully, these bullies are being exposed on a larger scale as most people have video cameras and social media to share these incidents on a wide scale, increasing awareness and activism.Ā 

Where we stand today

At Mace Martial Arts, we support the massive protests represented in the Black Lives Matter movement demanding a long-overdue end to systemic racism and police brutality.Ā  We also acknowledge that there’s a vicious backlash as police and white supremacists retaliate by escalating attacks on minorities, protesters and innocent bystanders. I have deep respect for good police officers that put their lives on the line to protect and serve the people every day, just as I am revolted by any bigots in cop-clothing who try to hide behind their badges while continually terrorizing their communities — these corrupt officers serve injustice and must be rooted out.Ā 

My hope is extreme measures are swiftly enacted to put an end to the existential threat of systemic bigotry. But in the meantime, as a martial arts instructor, it’s become necessary that I teach my family and students self-defense to survive attacks from white supremacists, as well as confrontations with anyone else who represents a threat on some level, including those police officers that may abuse their authority. Sadly, as we’ve seen over the generations, and especially recently, sometimes the police are the white supremacist terrorists.Ā 

The problem with self-defense for civilians against police brutality and unlawful arrest, is that for legal reasons, the police currently hold legal authority in most states to use excessive force without restraint under the guise of ā€œresisting arrest.ā€ Which is why abusive cops are often heard repeatedly shouting Ā ā€œstop resistingā€ while they butcher their victims, so that body cameras can correspond with the bogus reports they cook up, and why so many bad cops get preferential treatment in the courts after their abuses of power.Ā 

I know the majority of police officers are good, respectful people, but the code of silence of the ā€œthin blue lineā€ that keeps protecting these racist terrorists in their ranks is reprehensible and unacceptable. Respect is earned through responsibility, and for law enforcement to gain trust and respect, the entire law enforcement community needs to step up, hold each other accountable, and be systematically overhauled.Ā 

We at Mace Martial Arts support all civilians, officials and officers who encourage these reforms that take a stand for social justice, and reject those in favor of maintaining the warped and evil status quo.Ā 

So what do we do about it?Ā 

There areĀ 4 ways of dealing with a bullyĀ (an individual predator, or group of oppressive predators):Ā 

Ā·Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Cave in to their demands and attacks in hope that they stop; the problem here is that you give the predator all the power, enabling and teaching them they can get whatever they want from you, or others.Ā 

Ā·Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ignore or avoid them, and hope they stop or go away; this might diffuse the predator’s threat if they decide to walk away, but it won’t stop them from attacking you or someone else later, and it will not stop a physical attack.Ā 

Ā·Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Deescalate, distract or reason with them, to diffuse the conflict; if the bully is self-aware, they might learn to stop their aggression; realistically, this is rarely ever the case.Ā 

Ā·Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Confront them, call them out, or take them to task; they may cower, but if they escalate, defend yourself to eliminate the threat, by whatever means appropriate and necessary. Bullies must be held accountable for their actions for them to stop attacking others and be forced to take responsibility for their actions.Ā 

Confronting bullies requires courage, but it is the only way that you stand up for your own rights and life, and the rights and lives of others the bully/predator may target.Ā 

To stop bullies, we must learn to say ā€œno!ā€ to them, draw a line to end their attacks and hold them accountable.Ā 

At Mace Martial Arts, we value the sanctity of all life, celebrate diversity, cultivate peace and justice, and accept students who are interested in learning how to improve and protect themselves. We have a zero-tolerance policy for bigotry and will reject any potential or current student who bullies or discriminates against others based on ethnicity, religious beliefs, or gender/orientation.Ā 

Return to Class on Father’s Day!Ā 

As King County received approval today from the Washington State Secretary of Health to enter into Phase 2 of the Safe Start program, we will be returning to in-person classesĀ this Sunday, June 21stĀ on Father’s Day!Ā 

We are ramping up on sanitation protocols and will require face masks in class for the instructor and students. This includes private lessons and small group classes of up to 5 students.Ā 

Remote Membership Option:Ā I will continue to broadcast the group classes live remotely on Zoom, so that students that are unable to come to class, are too far away, or don’t feel comfortable yet to attend in person, can still follow along online.Ā 


ThisĀ Remote MembershipĀ will give you the ability to continue training by following along with our regular group classes, and see us go through exercises, forms, applications and partner drills live.Ā Since I’ll be focused on teaching students that attend classes in person, instead of monitoring Zoom, I will be available to answer questions after class from both in-person and remote students via the discussion board on our members-onlyĀ Mace Martial Arts private chat group.Ā 

TheĀ Remote MembershipĀ will be half the price of the in-person monthly Membership, but will still give you the ability to keep training with us and access to student resources at Mace Martial Arts. Ā Ā 

Memorial Day 2020, Phase 2 & Remote Memberships

Training self-defense at Mace Martial Arts

I wish you a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend with your family, as we honor those who have served our country and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, especially now in light of the unprecedented and unpredictable changes we are all facing this year. 


The next step in gradually lifting social distancing restrictions for the pandemic may come in early June — When Phase 2 rolls out, we will resume in-person classes at Mace Martial Arts, as Washington Governor Inslee indicated that martial arts is part of the activities allowed for small gatherings. This will include private lessons as well as small group classes of up to five people. 


I will confirm when in-person classes will resume when Governor Inslee gives the order to move into Phase 2 of the gradual lifting of the Pandemic quarantine measures. 


But wait, there’s more: I will continue to broadcast the group classes live remotely on Zoom, so that students that are unable to come to class, are too far away, or don’t feel comfortable yet to attend in person, can still follow along online. 


ThisĀ Remote MembershipĀ will give you the ability to continue training by following along with our regular group classes, and see us go through exercises, forms, applications and partner drills live.Ā Since I’ll be focused on teaching students that attend classes in person, instead of monitoring Zoom, I will be available to answer questions after class from both in-person and remote students via via the discussion board on our members-onlyĀ Mace Martial Arts private chat group.Ā 

TheĀ Remote MembershipĀ will be half the price of the in-person monthly Membership, but will still give you the ability to keep training with us and access to student resources at Mace Martial Arts. Ā Ā Ā 

Weeknight classes starting December! šŸ‰

ā€œThe greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches, but to reveal to them their own.ā€ – Benjamin DisraeliĀ 


The martial art that we practice at Mace Martial Arts, Bagua Zhang, is fundamentally based upon transformation — not only in the dynamics of a chaotic situation to a harmonious resolution, but also in the evolution of the practitioner.Ā 


At early stages, the Bagua Zhang student is taught basic structural principles and strategies, that through progressive training, evolves into a creative, raw and intuitive expression at advanced stages of practice.Ā 


This is one of my favorite aspects of this art, tapping into that creative flow, feeling the state of grace, and helping students discover their hidden potential and creativity.Ā 

Weeknight classes starting December! šŸ‰

StartingĀ December 12th, we are addingĀ Thursday eveningĀ classes,Ā from 7-8pm!Ā 


Please advise if you plan to attendĀ Thursday 7-8pm, and/orĀ Sunday 11am-12:30pmĀ classes.Ā 


Invite friends and family – receive Ā a $20 discount from your next month for the referral, and they get $20 off their first month as well!Ā 


Reminder: no class held thisĀ coming Sunday, November 17th, so we’ll be making up for the time when we resume classĀ on Sunday, November 24th.Ā 

Update – Mace Martial Arts Dojo/Guan:Ā 

We’ve been here in Shoreline for a year so far, and the training hall is coming together nicely. Come join us in class and check it out!Ā We are holdingĀ Bagua ZhangĀ classesĀ on Sundays,Ā 11am to 12:30pm, with a new weeknight class on Thursdays, 7pm-8pm, starting December 12th!

I’m teaching private lessons in the same space.Ā It would be great to have youĀ joinĀ in!Ā 

 

 

Kung Fu Theater Open Dojo & New Weeknight Classes!

Kung Fu Theater Open Dojo & New Weeknight Classes at Mace Martial Arts!Ā 

Join us for the open house celebration of my new Guan (Dojo) in Shoreline, & I’m eager to add a weeknight class starting in September!

Kung Fu Theater Open Guan (Dojo) Double Feature!Ā 

Have you been wanting to check out our new training hall in Shoreline, or just have a fun, relaxing evening with the rest of us at Mace Martial Arts?Ā 

Join us for the open house celebration of my new Guan (Dojo) in Shoreline on my birthday,Ā Saturday, August 17th, 2019, from 6pm-10pm!Ā 

I’m setting up the projection TV in the training hall, to play a Kung Fu Theater Double Feature:Ā 

Big Trouble in Little China,Ā andĀ Kung Fu Hustle!Ā Ā 

All current, previous and new students are invited to the party — Please RSVP to this event here or to this email as space is limited!!

New Weeknight Classes:Ā 

For the last couple years, we’ve only had one weekly class on Sunday.Ā I’m eager to expand availability in our new space to add a weeknight class, based on your demand, starting in September!Ā 

Are you interested?Ā If you are, please let me know which day and time you prefer to attend:Ā 

either Wednesday or Thursday,Ā from eitherĀ 6-7pm, orĀ 7-8pm.Ā 

Based on your feedback, I will confirm later this month with a follow up email which evening and class time we will start training on weeknights next month!Ā 

Update – Mace Martial Arts Dojo/Guan:Ā 

Since moving to Shoreline in November, we’ve transformed the 2-car garage into our new training hall. We have finished painting, have all the mats, some of the training equipment already, and planning to get training mirrors next!Ā 

We are holdingĀ Bagua ZhangĀ classes in the new space on Sundays,Ā 11am to 12:30pm, with a new weeknight class coming soon!

I’m teaching private lessons in the same space.Ā It would be great to have youĀ joinĀ in!Ā 

Vajra Visions Newsletter

Magical Thinking in Meditation & Martial Arts

Vajra Visions Newsletter
Vajra Visions

Magical Thinking in Qigong & Martial Arts
In my previous post, I referred to Magical Thinking in regards to self-image, and choosing to (re)start an enjoyable form of exercise.Ā Now I’d like to share this concept to transform your approach to training, and being, especially in meditation and martial arts practice.Ā Ā Most people interpret Magical Thinking as being unrealistic, immature, flaky or just plain weird. What I’m suggesting, instead, is to open your perception to realize the wonderful and miraculous in everything around us and inside of us, that most of us take for granted.Ā 


The Bridge Between Science and MagicĀ Ā 

Life, by its own existence is miraculous.Ā If we consider the prevailing theory for the creation of the Cosmos, the myriads of particles, molecules, atoms, space and energy that manifest in our Universe, to the evolution of life and ourselves, is incomprehensibly vast and magnificent.Ā 
We are stardust manifest into conscious, living beings.Ā Consider the incredible diversity of life on this planet Earth, to the boggling complexity of our bodily systems, all the processes that happen within us to create the living, breathing symbiotic beings that we are, to live in synchronicity with our world.Ā 


If we bring this deeper awareness of ourselves in connection to our world, we arrive to a profound appreciation for not only our lives, but of the living Cosmos as well, and the ways in which we are all connected.Ā And if we bring that awareness, appreciation and inspiration to our Qigong and Martial Arts practice, it transforms us from the inside out.Ā 


The Magic of QigongĀ 

Consider the amazing energy and space harnessed in each oxygen molecule, the profound mechanisms in the process of our cardiovascular system as it cycles the oxygen and carbon dioxide in and out of our entire body, a process we most often don’t think about or feel, because it is a basic autonomous process that keeps us alive. Ā In Qigong, or ā€œBreath/Energy Workā€, we are consciously gathering the essence and energy of the air we breathe to refine and heal ourselves, from an internal, vibrational and cellular level, from the inside out; microcosm to macrocosm. We are consciously harnessing and refining this Essential Energy to increase our awareness and empower us, to tap into the hidden potential we all have.Ā 


The main point is to have a paradigm shift in your perception of life, to being completely present to the miraculous, magical potential we all hold within us.Ā In each and every moment.Ā To go from rushing around in life, worrying and spinning to exhaustion from all the distractions, stuck in our heads, lost in our fears and self-doubts, longing to escape from the monotony of the daily grind — to becoming fully aware of your being, here and now, in the amazing universe we’re all a part of. Embrace the magical, wonderful power of it all. Spark your imagination to tap into your vast potential.Ā 


It all starts with our own daily meditation and martial arts practice.Ā Instead of being stuck in your head, rushing through reps of exercises and forms, watching the clock as you cram training time by forcing yourself to change from the shame of some aspect you despise into a projection of perfection — focus onĀ beingĀ here, now, centered,Ā feelingĀ who you are, where you are at, what you are doing in the moment. Let go of who youĀ thinkĀ you are, andĀ feelĀ what you truly are. This is the first step in reclaiming your power and feeling the magic within you and all around you.Ā 
In meditation and mindful martial arts practice, this is the way to let go of our fears, break through barriers of self-limitation, to tap into the limitless potential of what we can become.Ā 


Update – Mace Martial Arts Dojo/Guan:Ā 

Since moving to Shoreline in November, we’ve been transforming our 2-car garage into our new training hall. We have finished painting, have most of the mats already, and plan to get the rest of the mats and training equipment soon. While still a work in progress, we are holding Bagua Zhang classes in the new space on Sundays, 11am to 12:30pm. 

I’m teaching private lessons in the same space.Ā It would be great to have youĀ joinĀ in!

Guan, West, February 25, 2019
Guan, NW, Feb 25, 2019
Guan, NE, Feb 25, 2019
Guan, SE, Feb 25, 2019
Guan, SW, Feb 25, 2019

Happy New Year — with Magical Thinking & a New Location!

Welcome to our new Dojo, renovations underway!
Welcome to our new Dojo, renovations underway!

Happy New Year! A lot has changed over the last couple years since I’ve sent a message, and I’m excited to share new developments in the works!

(Re-)Starting an exercise regimen 

As many of us are setting intentions and resolutions for better self care, diets and exercise regimens with the New Year, I encourage making a fresh start with some helpful advice. 


Magical Thinking 

Most of us interpret ā€œMagical Thinkingā€ as being unrealistic and naive. I invite you to re-interpret ā€œMagical Thinkingā€ as seeing the miraculous in the most mundane things. To be completely present to experiencing the moment. Having the wonder of a child at the simplest things sparks the imagination, lighting the fire of genius we all have, and is the first step to Mastery. Specifically, use ā€œMagical Thinkingā€ to cause a paradigm shift in how you see yourself, how you perceive your exercise and training, and it will change your whole life, from the inside out. 

Instead of comparing yourself to others, convincing yourself that you’re somehow less than (complaining that you are too tall, too short, too skinny, too fat, etc) — start with self-compassion, be patient with yourself, accept yourself for who you are, where you’ve been, where you are now, learn from your failures, and appreciate the unique miracle that you are. This is the first step to real, continual healing and growth. 

Many of us struggle with feelings of inadequacy, doubt, failure and self-loathing. Those impulses of self-disdain motivate most of us to start an exercise program — to change us from what we hate about ourselves into something else that we are not. These struggles with self-image lead many of us to force ourselves through exercise routines we don’t like, widening the rift between our mind, body, heart and soul — we check out, and the disconnect can lead to injuries, more downtime and ā€œdis-ease.ā€ Your mindset, perspective and intention can either sabotage your health goals, or be your most powerful first step and motivator. So instead of starting from self-hatred, embrace the unique miracle that you are, so that you can appreciate all that you could become as your best self. 


Your Path to Joy 

As you find your way, choose an activity you love to do, or have always wanted to try, so it isn’t a chore, self-punishment or obligation. The key is to choose something that you would enjoy doing daily, with enthusiasm! Training that feels more like play to you, that has a purpose and recharges your spirit and nourishes your soul, is the best way to grow and heal day by day. Some people enjoy dancing, yoga, or a sport. 

Defaulting to a quick path for change, like a random gym or infomercial machine, and forcing yourself to mindlessly grind through self-imposed torture is often the kind of mind-body disconnect that leads to injuries, and short lived solutions that rarely yield long term results. It’s always healthier and more effective to choose a purpose-driven activity that brings you joy, that builds long-term healthy habits because it inspires you be totally present in mind, body, heart and soul, so you can loose yourself to experiencing the moment.  


I love Martial Arts as a path because it is progressively challenging, multifaceted practice for developing the whole person; it has aspects of artistic expression, scientific exploration, athletic achievement and spiritual cultivation rooted in meditative yogic forms of exercise, as well as teaching life protection skills. Martial Arts is the most mindful, purpose driven and wholistic path for health, fitness and personal growth. The martial art that I practice, Bagua Zhang, is to me the purest integration of all these multifaceted life cultivation practices. 


Set Goals and Practice!

Set a goal, create a routine that will move you to that goal, and do the practice. Every day. Self care starts with appreciating yourself for who you are. ā€œMagical Thinkingā€ means being totally present with the wonder of the moment, and discovering the hidden potential that lies dormant within you. Find a path, a system that you love so that you enjoy doing it everyday. So much so, that when life happens and derails your plans, you will make other time in your day to treat and take care of yourself, so you continue to heal and grow, even when you can’t see the changes that continue happening from within you. Appreciate yourself enough to do what you love to do, to create the best version of yourself to share with the world! 

New Dojo Location 

We have a new Dojo location! Since moving to Shoreline in November, we’ve been cleaning out the garage and have started transforming it into our new training hall. We have started painting, have some of the mats coming in the next few days, and have specific plans for getting more training equipment soon. While still a work in progress, we are holding Bagua Zhang classes in the new space on Sundays, 11am to 12:30pm. 

It would be great to have you join in!

Please spread the good news, and advise if you plan to attend. ⛩