Testimonials for Vajra Visions – Mace Martial Arts Instructor Dennis Mace

“Dennis is a very highly skilled and conscientious teacher. His commitment to deep practice and understanding of the applied principles of these arts allow benefits to novice and experienced practitioners. I HIGHLY recommend his classes!” — Derryl Willis, Chief Instructor at Seattle School of Chen Style Taijiquan
“Dennis is an excellent martial arts instructor who teaches practical techniques for the street as well as the rich history behind the art.” — Jason MacCoy, 3D Animation Instructor
“Dennis Mace is one of the top martial arts instructors in Seattle. If you are looking to gain realistic combat skills (both standing and on the ground), internal power, and a more healthy lifestyle then this is the man you need to learn from.” — Thomas Fox, US Navy
“Dennis Mace is one of the finest practitioners of Bagua Zhang in the Seattle area. His technique and teaching prove his passion for the art. Giving real life insight and methodology… Dennis Mace has given me invaluable techniques for improving both my mind and body. I highly recommend this class.” — Wilho Heikkinen, Ex US Navy
“I booked a couple of private lessons with Dennis, since I practice Cheng style Baguazhang, and heard he was good. I was most definitely impressed with every single aspect of the lessons! First of all he customized them for me in particular at my current level of training, and he also took a couple of injuries I have in mind. He gave me specific exercises to help my injuries heal well, as well as to increase flexibility where it is needed. What I enjoyed most about Dennis’ lessons is that he taught principals, not just application after application, but more about why you are doing each one, and what you are searching for with your body and breath when doing them. I was amazed at how much information he has about Cheng Bagua, and could tell we were only touching the tip of the iceberg. Dennis also helped me improve my circle walking, as well as added some things to my fuju gonfa. I can safely say that Dennis gave me 3-6 months of stuff to work on. Fortunately I took notes ;). The lessons were a mixture of bringing what I already knew deeper, as well as introducing some new concepts. I will most definitely be returning for a lesson everytime I am in Seattle!” — Athena Wallinder
“As someone who has practiced a range of martial arts for 30 years, I have to say Mr Mace is a top notch instructor. He is extraordinarily knowledgeable and, more importantly, is able to convey that knowledge effectively.” — Michael Hasse
“Dear Energy Workers, Our Bagua Zhang, introductory workshop was a huge success. We did theory and warm-ups At the Healing Arts Center then practiced our newly learned skills outside in the village gardens. It was so much fun, I forgot to take pictures! We plan to hold many more of these workshops & classes. Bagua Zhang is rooted in Taoism, Chinese Yoga and martial arts. It helps you to increase and work with energy, become more rooted, and build self-confidence, through spiral movement. Dennis Mace, LMP and Martial Arts Instructor offers “Highly effective training for real-life situations.” He has studied many martial art forms. However, His core training is in Xingyiquan, Taijiquan, and Bagua Zhang. Dennis is committed to empowering and cultivating authentic skills in each of his students while improving their overall health. His classes are prefect for all ages. ” — Nancy Merrifield, RN, Reiki Master Teacher, Life Solutions Healing Arts Center
“I had heard great things about Dennis for years before actually meeting him, and last Fall when we finally connected I can testify that it was all true! He is a very knowledgeable martial artist and his depth and breadth of information about the internal arts is spectacular. I attended a Bagua workshop with him this month and walked away with a lot of ideas of how to make my martial arts training better. In particular, I got to experience “sticky body” in a very thought provoking way that will improve my training, and I learned some things about how the hips can open and close to improve power generation. I highly encourage folks to train with Dennis, you won’t be disappointed!” — Daniel Cashman, EAMP, MS(AOM), NCCAOM Dipl. Ac, General Manager Seattle Asian Medicine and Martial Arts
“After 2 years Karate, 2 years TaiChi/Qigong, 2 years BoaBom/SeammJasani, yet in 8 months of Bagua Zhang, I feel I’ve learned more than I did in those 6 years. This is for 3 reasons from my perspective:
a.) I’ve practiced so many years of yoga and advanced training that I’ve received both in yoga and Massage therapy that have made more intuitive/open to learning movement arts. In other words, I’m more “receiving” than in my previous early adulthood.
b.) Those 6 years of martial arts total was too focused on “Forms” We were pushed to memorize steps/movements/dances with very little practice of application or explanation of how to utilize them, let alone even what was supposed to be going on internally. There were always excuses on why our questions were not be answered, with false promises of “later later later”
c.) You! You’re teaching method is friendly, understanding and giving. You’re enthusiasm shines through. You emphasize the importance of knowing the how/why and not getting hung up on the fluffy image stuff. In some ways you are an evolution of modern teaching that’s effective and not stuck in an outdated model of delivery.
So thanks again for all you share!” — Michael Aquino, Yoga Instructor and Licensed Massage Therapist
“Dennis is a skilled Kung Fu practition
“Today was a very good day. Martial arts all day! I had my first workshop in using the staff with Dennis P. Mace of Mace Martial Arts and held at Seattle Asian medicine and martial arts (SAMMA) in Lake city. I’m looking forward to more training with the staff and any of the weapons classes he will have in the future . It’s an exciting addition to my weekly Bagua Zhang classes. If ever you were interested in Martial arts check Dennis and SAMMA out. They have amazing instructors , and Healing arts. This has long been an interest of mine and now a big part of my life. Your never too old to follow your dreams, you just have to start :)” — Erica Keshvadian, Illustrator and Graphic Artist
“I have had around 17 different instructors over the past 50 years including being a private student of Wu Mui Pai head of system Grandmaster Wai Ming Chow; Bok Shaolin Eagle Claw head of system Grandmaster Fu Leung and a student of Tai Chi Praying Master Huy “The Dragon” Chiang to name a few. In the past few weeks I have learned more applications than I had learned in all those other schools put together! Dennis has very deep knowledge of martial arts and he has the ability to actually use and teach it. In most schools all you will ever see is some type of kickboxing as soon as they go to fight, even a well known Tiger Claw school in New York does this. The style taught here is Cheng style Bagua which is based off of Chinese wrestling and has a whole bunch of Dragon thrown in for good measure. Tons of throws; joint locks and wicked strikes. If you like Japanese styles like judo; Jiu Jitsu and Aikido you will LOVE Cheng Bagua. Dennis is also a great guy and there is zero attitude in this school. I came in with two herniated disks, bone spurs and spinal stenosis and in just a few weeks my pain is almost gone! Come here for expert Kung Fu instructon; physical therapy; stress relief; longevity exercises and the list goes on forever. Can’t say enough good things!” — Chris Perkins, retired US Navy
“Dennis is a great teacher and I love his style. He was so easy to follow and I felt amazing after the workout.” — Theresa Soucy, owner at Frank’s Bakery and Catering Service
