Tag: Classes

November 28, 2021

Forge Ahead — No Going Back! We’re Moving 🐉

Forge Ahead — No Going Back! 🐉

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 Step

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…
🌎💫🌌

The past is a memory, the future is a dream, but the present is a gift. 🎁

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. 🐉

We’re Moving! 🐉

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. 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.

August 10, 2019

Kung Fu Theater Open Dojo & New Weeknight Classes!

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

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!

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?

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

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

Big Trouble in Little China, and Kung Fu Hustle!

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:

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

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

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

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!

Update – Mace Martial Arts Dojo/Guan:

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!

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

I’m teaching private lessons in the same space. It would be great to have you join in!

December 31, 2016

With the Grace of the Phoenix

Happy New Year ~ 2017!

We’ve all faced many challenges over the last year. It’s been a chaotic and unpredictable ride for me personally, with tragic lows and exhilarating joys, shocking surprises and wonderful new changes. You can probably relate, as I have witnessed similar experiences for many of my family, friends and students, and have seen the same extremes on national and global levels as well.

May we embrace our struggles as lessons for our growth and celebrate our triumphs.

May we leave behind disappointments as ashes from the past and embrace the blessings as we rise like the Phoenix, and soar forward into this New Year with gratitude and grace!

January 2017

There are 5 Sundays this coming month,

I will be holding a bonus Bagua class tomorrow to ring in the New Year together with a renewing practice at Wilcox Park!

Enroll for Mace Martial Arts monthly membership here.

Please RSVP if you are able to join us!

I am currently teaching Bagua Zhang classes on Sundays from 11am-12:30pm at Wilcox Park in Lynnwood, and offering private lessons as well.

I’m seeking another indoor facility in the Lynnwood/Edmonds/Mountlake Terrace area

to teach, that would include regular Bagua Zhang and Taiji Quan (Tai Chi) classes.

If you know of a good place, I’m open to suggestions!

Referral Bonus: $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!

October 25, 2016

Sacred Spirals, Classes Reduced

Sacred Spirals

Throughout the Universe, energy tends to move in spirals, naturally forming matter into spheres.

The polarity of opposites creates vortexes throughout nature — from galaxies, the movement of solar systems and the gravitational fields that create planets, hurricanes and typhoons, tornadoes, are also seen in the eddies in the currents of wind and waves. Reflected even in the growth of plants, DNA strands, and in molecular and atomic structures, the swirling patterns of the Golden Mean and Fibonacci’s Curve are omnipresent throughout the universe.

Taoist sages recognized these patterns as well, and these universal truths are reflected in Bagua Zhang, the “Eight Trigrams Palm“, a refined and formidable martial art founded on an ancient practice of meditative circle walking. The goal of this ancient circle walking practice was to increase vital energy and find attunement with the energy of the universe and enlightenment.

The Sacred Spiral is reflected not only on molecular and cosmic levels, but also in the structure of our muscles as they dynamically curve around our bones, and even in the muscle fibers themselves, like rope, or cable. Bagua Zhang systematically uses these structures in our bodies to naturally develop strength, health and maximize expression of power. Bagua Zhang emphasizes circularity and the principles of spiraling and the dynamic sphere more than any other martial art, for:

structure and fluid expression of force,
health and strength development,
strategies and principles of application in self defense, and
energetic dynamics for alchemical internal cultivation.

More specifically, in Bagua Zhang training, the Spherical Structure is expressed in each of its foundational principles:

Moving from Center – with gyroscopic Centrifugal and Centripetal Force, going with the flow with continuity and non-resistance.
Opposite but Complimentary Force and Movement – this unifies the whole body, for maximum expression of power. Bagua is the most ambidextrous martial arts system, emphasizing training both sides of the body bilaterally.
Maintaining bows and curves in the body and limbs – stretching open like the arches in bridges, and bows in archery, it also applies to powerful stances and footwork, and efficient expression of force through the body, arms and hands.
In striking along straight lines, the force spirals like drilling.
In circular strikes and kicks, the hands and feet cut in elliptical arcs from one’s center.
In grappling, the arms & legs coil and wrap the opponent’s to counter, lock and sweep.
In throwing, body and hands spiral in elliptical arcs to disrupt balance of the opponent.

Energy flows in a torus spiraling around the body, as in all magnetic and gravitational fields. The Intrinsic Life-Force Energy (Qi) naturally flows to and from spherical, spiraling fields, or centers in the body – expanding (reeling outward) and contracting (reeling inward) vortexes — understanding this dynamic maximizes efficient force with minimal effort – conserving strength by utilizing the power of spherical structure and stability. Bagua Zhang’s emphasis on these coils and spirals naturally increases the practitioner’s vitality. The rigorous and balanced training stimulates the mind, increases strength, flexibility and dexterity, while also cleansing impurities, and promotes healing on physical, emotional and spiritual levels.

Bagua Zhang is truly a profound, life-changing holistic method of self-cultivation and self-defense, and why I am so passionate about sharing this amazing, life transforming practice with as many people as I can.

Bagua Zhang Group Classes will be held on

Saturdays 11am – 12:30pm,

Sundays 11am-12:30pm,

Thursdays 7pm-8pm,

at:

1108 NW 200th St,
Shoreline, WA 98177

Please RSVP to all classes you plan to attend.

This new schedule will provide us the opportunity to create more instructional video and written reference material of the Mace Martial Arts curriculum for my students. We are also seeking a more stable indoor location for our classes. Stay tuned for more details!

This will also free up time for private lessons —
Private lessons now $80 per hour, and $240 for a package 4 private lessons
— please *Contact me* to schedule times to continue your training.

Family and and referral discounts available — for the referring student and the new students — spread the word about our Bagua Zhang classes!

September 30, 2016

Autumn Changes

Welcome Changes

I am grateful and happy to announce that I have found a wonderful new location for our Bagua Zhang classes! Starting tomorrow morning, Saturday, October 1st, I will be offering class at beautiful Wilcox Park in Lynnwood.

This park will be much easier to get to for those of you a little further North of Seattle, and there are many bonuses to our practicing Bagua at this lovely park.

First, there is plenty of off street parking, with two separate parking lots–one in front and one in back!
Second, there are proper, easily accessible bathroom and drinking fountain facilities.
Third, there are two covered shelters for practice in case of inclement weather–one smaller band shelter that could be a small space for a one-on-one lesson, as well as a larger, covered picnic shelter a little higher up the same hill.
Fourth, this park is located very near my new home, and my fiance, Ana Maria and I have decided that the most practical solution to an indoor class space during cold weather should be our living room, which we intend to set up as a convenient Bagua practice space, as well as one conducive to meditation and yoga.

20160927_160408

In addition to all of these positive aspects of our new practice location, my favorite things about Wilcox Park are it’s gorgeous wooded areas, with sizable, mature trees, and that there several places within the park where we can actually practice with more serenity and privacy. Not only do the trees provide excellent shade cover for many parts of the park, but I found a few specific, really awesome spots within the canopy of trees, which are large enough to accommodate a decent sized class. These areas feel to me like a natural, open air temple, and the whole area feels very uplifting and inspirational for practicing Bagua. I trust you will love this park as much as I do!

The resonant feel and privacy of various practice spots within Wilcox Park, and the prospect of bringing classes into my home in case of cold or rainy weather, will offer a more welcoming, personal, and family atmosphere for us all. I am really excited about this, as I have desired this sense of community for our classes for some time.

Speaking of family, one last thing to mention about this park, is that it has a children’s playground and a basketball court for those of you with children, in case you care to bring them and someone to watch them while you practice!

Bagua Zhang Classes are held on

Saturday & Sunday mornings 11am-12pm,
and Tuesday & Thursday evenings 6pm-7pm

at:

Wilcox Park

5215 196th Street SW,

Lynnwood, WA 98036

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

See you in class soon!

July 15, 2015

Featured

Do you want to study Bagua Zhang, but don’t have a teacher in your area?

Start or deepen your martial arts training with Bagua Zhang!

Do you want to study a holistic martial art – Bagua Zhang, but don’t have a teacher in your area?

Here’s your chance to learn with a devoted instructor who cares about you, with live remote video classes!

Bagua Zhang Instructor Dennis Mace correcting a student’s posture in “Zhi Tian Cha Di”

While it may not be as personal or effective as learning in person with an instructor, it’s the next best thing, thanks to developments in technology. Here are

5 reasons why Live Online Video Classes are one of the best ways to learn:

Books are great insightful references, but the information may be difficult to decipher, and the author can’t respond to your questions. But with live online remote video classes, the teacher is right in front of you helping.
Recorded videos are great for getting the idea of a skill, but you can’t get corrections or feedback from the instructor in a recording — but with live remote online video classes, you get immediate feedback and insight from your instructor.
Online remote live video classes give you an opportunity to learn a style you want to learn – on a regular basis and from anywhere in the world – when the style or teacher you want to study from isn’t available where you live. Let’s face it — it’s unrealistic for most people to move just to follow a teacher or a system, based on family and work obligations, travel visas and financial feasibility.
Remote Live online video classes allow you the convenience of training from home, on a regular basis, especially if you have moved away from your instructor and want to continue training with them. Giving you skills to work on in the meantime until you can travel to train with your instructor in person, or invite them to a workshop in your area for more personal training.
Remote Live Online training gives you the chance to learn under an instructor’s watchful eye, and correct errors or misalignments that you might be oblivious to in your own solo training; an experienced instructor will notice subtle differences that could save you years of mistakes and potential injuries from incorrect training, and accelerate your learning curve, with much more depth to boot.

Teaching Bagua Zhang Strategies

All you need to get started with remote online video classes is:

a high speed internet connection,
an account on Zoom.us ,
a space big enough to practice in front of your webcam, laptop, tablet or smart phone so I have visibility of what you’re doing,
a decent video camera and microphone that you can plug in to your computer (most laptops & tablets already have them built in!),

and you’re set!

Bagua Bridging Counter

Before we get started, here are

10 keys to enhance your online (or in person!) learning experience:

1. Be real (authentic) and courteous with your self and your instructor: keep your training realistic, honest, safe, and fun. Respect and honor yourself, your instructor, 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 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. Commit to practicing at home at least 30-60 minutes a day 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.
4. Be mindful of how the art you’re learning relates to all aspects of your life: Consider you are practicing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — constantly learning and growing.
5. Stay humble: what you’re learning can make you healthy, as well as powerful — but that power doesn’t entitle you to manipulate, bully, or use others to try out new skills — that’s what the classroom is for! Like the saying goes: “with great power comes great responsibility.” Martial Arts is about nurturing one’s self, and protecting the sanctity of life. Remember, keep a beginners mind — because there is always potential to grow!
6. Private Classes can include more than just yourself: a) invite up to 2 other people to join your private lesson, get feedback while training with each other, and split the tuition of $80 per hour. b) If you can get 3 or more people to join you during your private class, you can create 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!
7. Try to join Group Classes: if 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.
8. Ask questions! Be thoughtful about your training, if there’s something you’re unsure about, don’t hesitate to ask — this is for your growth, and I’m here to help you!
9. Take notes after your lessons! 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.
10. Invite a local school or several friends to join you and a) Sponsor your instructor for a workshop where you live, or b) schedule times when you can come train in person with your instructor to get the hands on training you need to progress!

Bagua Zhang Throwing technique

So all that’s left is to sign up and schedule your classes – I’m looking forward to training with you soon!
Register for Private Classes Online

Introducing new Package Programs at Mace Martial Arts!

Now offering 2 package programs — 6 month Essential Package, and full year Journey to Mastery Package — for students that want an immersive learning experience and are ready to commit to lifestyle change and certification, with more support and resources to help guide you to your goals. Each of these programs include all regular group classes, private lessons, half-off workshops, testing fees and membership fees all at a package discount.

Bagua Zhang Package Programs online

July 4, 2014

Can I get your feedback for Mace Martial Arts?

Please give your feedback to improve classes and materials — New Classes, Workshops and video material coming soon!

Tell us what you think!

We’d love to get your feedback

If you’ve had a chance to try my classes or workshops, thank you for your interest and commitment!

Your invaluable input would be immensely helpful as I develop more effective, meaningful lessons and materials.

This brief, anonymous 6 question survey should only take a few minutes to complete:
Mace Martial Arts Survey

If you’ve been considering taking my classes, I’m teaching an Introduction to Bagua Zhang Workshop tomorrow, Saturday, June 21st at New Seattle Massage, from 1pm – 4pm. Join in and give it a whirl!

If you would like to continue with regular training,
Join our New Bagua Zhang Classes!

Saturday mornings 10am-11am, at Seattle Asian Medicine and Martial Arts,
Tuesday evenings 6pm-7pm, at Seattle Asian Medicine and Martial Arts, and
Monday afternoons 12pm-1pm, at KeyArena at Seattle Center (outdoors, North Courtyard)

Please let me know if you have any questions — Talk to you soon!

Sincerely,
Dennis Mace, LMT
Vajra Visions – Mace Martial Arts & Massage Therapy
www.MaceMartialArts.com
The Other MMA ~ Look within to reveal and heal your True Self!

Published on: Jul 4, 2014