Tag: Dennis Mace

Announcing the Restart of my Private Massage Practice! 🙏🏻

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 at Mace Martial Arts, 🐉

I am also a Licensed Massage Therapist (MA 60155511), 👐🏼

available by request in my Private Practice on Mondays in Everett, WA,

and on Tuesdays through Fridays at Be Well Massage Spa in Mukilteo, WA.

If you need to relax and ease some pain, you can 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 👐🏼

Available on Mondays
💠 1 hour Massage – $80
💠 90 minute Massage – $120
💠 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):

💠 EO Aromatherapy – your choice of Essential Oil Aromatherapy blend

💠 PRO Enhancement – scented Pain Relieving Oil or Cream

💠 Cupping – use silicone cups to create negative pressure to release tension

💠 DTR – Deep Tension Relief Percussive Theragun

 

Share the Wisdom! 🙏🏻

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! 

The referral discount also applies to massage services at Mace Martial Arts: our massage clients receive a $20 referral discount for their next massage service 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.  Likewise, our massage clients are welcome to get the $20 referral discount for their first month of trying a Mace Martial Arts membership!   

The $20 referral discount also applies to 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.  

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. 

Special Offer – Massage in September!

Special Offer – Massage in September! 🙏🏻👐🐉

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 good 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! 

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! 
Learn about Bagua Zhang Kung Fu Classes!

 Call Our Friendly Staff at 425-381-3866

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

Meet our Team

Be Well Massage & Phoenix Rising Mental Health Therapy 🐉👐🦅

 

Dennis Mace is relocating his massage therapy practice, & Tetana Adkins Mace is launching her Mental Health Practice at Phoenix Rising Therapy PLLC! 🐉🦅

Bagua Zhang Massage Therapy 🐉💆🏻‍♂️👐🏼

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 a Licensed Massage Therapist, available by request at Be Well Massage Spa 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: 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 at +1 (425) 381-3866.

 

Phoenix Rising Mental Health Therapy 🦅💫

 

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! 🐉

 

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!

 

◊ Saturdays 11am-12:30pm
◊ Sundays 11am-12:30pm
◊ Thursdays 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. 

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. 

Foundations of Bagua Zhang Workshop Tonight! 🐉🍕Vaccine Policy

Foundations of Bagua Zhang Workshop Tonight! 🐉🍕 

 

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

 

Saturday, August 28th 
6:30pm doors open
Class 7pm-9pm
Pizza Social & Discussion afterwards! 🍕😋

 

 

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

 

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

 

Training Methods/exercises for the workshop will include the hands-on ‘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!

 

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: Shifu Dennis Mace, LMT  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   of the Seattle School of Chen TaiJiQuan  for his gracious hospitality in inviting us to host this workshop at his beautiful school!

 

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

 

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

Bagua Zhang Classes

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

1108 NW 200th St,
Shoreline, WA 98177

 

Vaccination Policy & Classes at Mace Martial Arts 

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  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 Inslee , which requires health care providers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by 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 “Health 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.  with any questions.

For additional information and updates, you can visit the .

 

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. 

Summer Returns – Massage, Workshops & In-Person Classes! 👐🏼🐉

Summer Returns — Massage Therapy, Workshops & In-Person Martial Arts Classes! 👐🏼🐉

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 the Massage Envy in Shoreline 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: 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 teaching group classes, workshops and 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 –  Workshop & Pizza!  🐉🍕

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

 

Training Methods/exercises for the workshop will include the hands-on ‘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 28th 
6:30pm doors open
Class 7pm-9pm
Pizza Social & Discussion afterwards! 🍕😋

 

held at
3517 Stone Way N
Seattle WA 98103
United States

 

 

Instructor: Shifu Dennis Mace, LMT  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   of the Seattle School of Chen TaiJiQuan  for his gracious hospitality in inviting us to host this workshop at his beautiful school!

 

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

 

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

Bagua Zhang Classes

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

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

Thank you Guro/Sifu Azeem McDaniel at Puget Sound Eskrima Combatives for being the invaluable behind the scenes coordinator and advisor!

Thank you to Sifu Lu, Mei-hui and Sifu Chang WuNa for their generosity and hospitality in welcoming us to hold this event at their beautiful school, the 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. 

Bagua Workshop & Pizza! 🐉🍕

Foundations of Bagua Zhang –  Workshop & Pizza!  🐉🍕

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: 
In this workshop you will discover the 4 Main Principles that distinguish 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 ‘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 28th 
6:30pm doors open
Class 7pm-9pm
Pizza Social & Discussion afterwards! 🍕😋

 

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: Shifu Dennis Mace  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   of the Seattle School of Chen TaiJiQuan  for his gracious hospitality in inviting us to host this workshop at his beautiful school!

 

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

 

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

Bagua Zhang Classes

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

1108 NW 200th St,
Shoreline, WA 98177

 

Please note: There will be no Bagua Zhang Classes on Thursday, August 12th, Saturday, August 14th or Sunday, August 15th. 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. 

Sifu Kisu’s Shaolim Workshop – in Seattle!

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

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

Sifu Kisu’s Northern Shaolim Workshop 

Sunday, July 11, 2021 

From 9am to 5pm

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

 

Held at

International Wudang Internal Martial Arts Academy

2411 South Walker Street 

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. 

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 Kisu is a 5th generation Bak Siu Lum Pai disciple (Northern Shaolim Gate) descended from Great Grand Master Ku Yu Cheong

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. 

 

 

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. 

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

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

 

 

The Northern Shaolim style of Kung Fu as made famous by Grand Master Kuo Yu Chang 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. 
There are many legends about the late 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. 

Northern Shaolim style Kung Fu 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 the Northern Shaolim Kung-Fu sets.

 

Our special thanks to Guro/Sifu Azeem McDaniel and his students at Puget Sound Eskrima Combatives for his invaluable assistance in coordinating this landmark event! 

 

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

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 CLASS 

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 in 

Harmonious Fists Chinese Athletic Association classes, 

WuDang Internal Martial Arts classes, 

Puget Sound Eskrima Combatives classes, and

Vajra Visions – Mace Martial Arts classes, 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. 


Participant Signature: 

Date: 

Parent/Guardian Signature:   

Date: 

(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. 

Practicing Bagua Zhang — Creativity and Transformation 🐉🌀💫

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


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

 

Why I got into martial arts ~ 

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. 


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. 


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

  • the virtues and code of chivalry, or Wu-De, and
  • cultivating the ability to connect with that creative source, the raw experience of “Amazing Grace” or Wu-Wei — the state of connection and flow beyond thought — which led me ultimately to Bagua Zhang. 

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.  

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. 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. 

Dennis Mace, Bagua Zhang – circa 1998

 

What is Bagua Zhang?

As a martial arts system, Bagua Zhang (“8 Trigrams Palm”) reflects the cycles of transformation, and harmonizing with them, in many ways and on many levels —  not only in self-defense situations, but also in personal development and in social interactions. 


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


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. 


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, each one having a uniquely valuable skill set and profound understanding. 

 


Adaptation 

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. 


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.  


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. What Yang Shifu taught us at one time, he would alter later and complain “tsk, ah, you forget!” 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. 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… 

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. 


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

All we can really do is appreciate each practitioner’s insights, as well as our own. 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! 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. 

 

Dubious Lineages & Politics in Martial Arts

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. 

Real skill comes from one thing: training! 

So each practitioner’s learning and growth comes down to them. 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. 


You Reap what you sow. It’s up to you to decide your priorities, set your goals and act on them. 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.  


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? Not all instructors are legitimate, but if you are diligent, you can find good instructors that are more skilled and authentic. 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. 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. 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. 


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. Even fraudulent instructors will have valuable lessons to share, even if sometimes the lessons are learning to see through delusions. 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. 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. 


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.  When you go to learn at a school “Don’t leave your common sense at the door.” 


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. 

 

 

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

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. 
The eventual goal is to help each practitioner cultivate their own personal “style”, their own expression of their True Self. Which is why Bagua Zhang is considered a “graduate level martial art.” 


Look within to heal and reveal your True Self. 


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. 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. Just as we learn from our own losses and triumphs. 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. 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. 


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. 


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. 

 

In-Person Martial Arts Classes:

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

 

 

New Podcast Interview:

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

I was also recently invited to another interview by Jonathan Bluestein on JadeCast

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

 

 

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. 

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.  


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. 


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. 

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. 

 

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! 

With the Grace of the Phoenix

Happy New Year ~ 2017!

Martial Totem - Phoenix, Hawk 19
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!

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!

Autumn Changes

20160927_161459

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.

20160927_160300-wilcox-park

 

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

20160927_161416-wilcox-park

 

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

See you in class soon!

Independence, Boundaries and Self Defense

DennisMace-Driftwood-07Aug2013k
Safeguard Awareness — Vision is the ability to see what others only dream

Today, we celebrate 240 years of Freedom in the United States

Freedom and Independence from oppression.

While today, we face oppression globally from corporations, we also face oppression personally, every day from the distractions and fears we give our power to, that take away from our being present and appreciating and living our lives fully.

 

Have you ever been in a situation where you felt taken advantage of, or have you felt trapped in a situation, or forced into a position were you feel berated, mocked or attacked?

 

Perhaps it was a physical attack. More commonly, on a daily basis, we face mental, emotional or spiritual attacks. All of us have been in a difficult relationship or situation at some point in our lives. You might even be living in a situation like this right now. If it happened long ago, it could still affect you in ways that you don’t even realize.

 

Most of us have had some kind of toxic relationship with a family member, friend, partner, or a professional relationship. What makes those relationships and interactions toxic? These destructive patterns and relationships trigger and control us by feeding our fears, dominating and belittling us, instead of feeding the purpose and potential of our unique soul. These toxic relationships are insidious in that they can affect our inner-dialogue and sense of self, when we believe the criticisms and fears of others.

 

Training in martial arts points to a larger truth — self-defense encompasses all dimensions of a person’s being, setting healthy boundaries for ourselves on all levels:
  • spiritually
  • mentally
  • emotionally
  • physically

 

Setting healthy boundaries with others means taking your power back from anyone who would manipulate, steal from or attack you. In any way. This applies to all relationships in your life, whether they be strangers, acquaintances, friends, family, co-workers, classmates, spouses and partners, past and present — and even yourself, if you have internalized their attacks and criticisms.

 

Setting healthy boundaries helps you maintain your focus, vitality and health — and may even save your life. To create healthy relationships with nurturing family and friends — it must first start with yourself. You must find and appreciate your own unique value and cherish your own nature. Then you can create boundaries to protect what you care about.

 

If your boundaries are crossed, get centered and present — reclaim your power, so you can deal with a potential threat to your balance and well being.

 

When we compromise our sense of what’s right for us, our boundaries are compromised, and we loose or give away our power. 
When we are irritated at others, and feel annoyed at them and feel the need to criticize or condemn them, pay close attention to the impulse behind it — is it some trait we hate or refuse to see in ourselves? 
Think back to a time when a friend or family member judged or criticized us, and made us feel flawed, unworthy, bad or wrong. If the criticism comes from a place of compassionate support — I like to call “Heavy Metta”, or “tough love” — we usually feel an “aha” moment that inspires us to catharsis and growth. 
But if the criticism is aggressive, mean spirited or cruel, it usually comes from a place of self-righteous indignation, intolerance and anger rooted in insecurity, spiteful self-loathing and internal-ignorance of the aggressor. In these situations, if we accept and believe the judgement of others, it sucks our spirit by giving our power away to the person(s) who is lashing out to fill their own internal conflict and fear.
If the attack is physical, the aim is to dominate or steal some sense of power, energy, resources or life from us — whether personal or impersonal. Likewise, if the attack is emotional, mental or spiritual, it also steals our life, energy and resources from us.
So in martial arts training, we learn to be present, and self-aware that we can create healthy, nurturing boundaries for ourselves and our families, friends, communities and country. It all starts with ourselves, to be the change we want to see in the world.

Register for Private Classes Online

Stress Less and Protect Yourself

Essential Energy Karen & Dennis 28Jan2016-35
Protect yourself with Mace Martial Arts training, and Stress Less with Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils!

Stress Less with Essential Oils

 

I’ve been familiar with the benefits of essential oils for several years, from when I was studying and practicing massage therapy. I’d heard of doTERRA, but I hadn’t actually used the brand until September of last year, when I was invited to attend the International doTERRA annual convention in Utah. I have to admit I was blown away by the high quality and diversity of their products, and even more so with the integrity of the company and their leadership in environmental and social consciousness. That weekend was a life-changing experience, and I knew this was something I had to be a part of.

I’ve been using the oils daily since then, learning about the benefits first hand as I feel steady improvements in my health, energy levels, focus and balance; after sharing with my family and martial arts students, I’m grateful for witnessing their excitement with the results they’ve experienced too. I’ll be sharing the oils again with 2 free presentations I’ll be giving to family and friends when I visit Omaha in March:
Stress Less with Essential Oils – Friday, March 11, 2016 – Bellevue, NE
Stress Less with Essential Oils – Saturday, March 12, 2016 – Papillion, NE

If you are open to alternative forms of health care, tell me some of your health goals — I’m happy to share some samples of essential oils for you to try for yourself. If you’d like to learn more, I’d love to meet with you, either one on one, or to set up a small gathering with some of your family and friends for a personal presentation.  I’m confident these oils will have a profound impact on your life as well!

 

Protect Yourself with Mace Martial Arts

Also during my next visit to Omaha in 2 weeks, I will be teaching a 2 part workshop on Bagua Zhang (“8 Trigrams Palm”) and Self Defense, on Sunday, March 13th, from 10am to 2:30pm.

Learn to boost your confidence, awareness, strength and flexibility with practical, hands on training and no-nonsense techniques for defending yourself.

Part 1: Moving Meditation ~ Bagua Zhang : The Circular Art of Transformation — focusing on developing awareness and coiling power for flexibility, health and self-defense

Part 2: Self Defense and Awareness — focusing on awareness, evasion, and body weapons that women and even small children can use to protect themselves

Instructor:

Shifu Dennis Mace 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.

 

Start the New Year with Essential Energy

Rejuvenate your vitality with the Essential Energy Online Course starting next week — each Monday in January!

Karen & Dennis - EssentialEnergyWorkshop - Arcata CA 11Oct2015b

Essential Energy 4-Week Online Course

 

Over the last few months since Karen and I began sharing our Essential Energy Workshops, we’ve been flooded by the gratitude and rejuvenation of the participants –ranging from children to seniors — and that has been so rewarding for us!

 

We received invitations to teach in different parts of the world from people who are eager to learn this powerful and unique combination of vitality cultivation and certified pure therapeutic grade Essential Oils. Since we can’t make it to all of those places, we created an Online Essential Energy 4-Week Course — coming to your living room each Monday in January — starting next week!

 

The key to building your energy is consistency. Let us help you be more consistent!

 

In each of the 1 hour lessons, we will review and build on the basics we covered in the Essential Energy Live Workshops, as well as introduce new exercises and principles to help you create your own life-enhancing daily practice.

 

The class will be held via Zoom Video at 10-11am Pacific Standard Time.

http://restoremethod.com/essential-energy-online-course-recording/

 

 

If you are eager to learn, but can’t make the live class time — or if the live sessions are already reserved — we are offering access to a recording of the Essential Energy 4-Week Online Course, for a limited time.

 

Register now for the Essential Energy 4-Week Online Course here!

 

We’ll see you in class soon — Happy New Year to you and your dear ones!

 

Sincerely, with Love,

Dennis and Karen

About the Instructors:

Karen Atkins – AdvCBP, AdvCBI, LMT, Certified Wudang Qigong Instructor

Karen Atkins Mandala 05
Karen Atkins cultivates practices that help people take better care of themselves and find their optimal state of being on all levels. Through “Restore Your Soul”, an awareness based business, Karen supports lifestyle education and transformation through nourishment, Qi Gong, essential oils, BodyTalk, music, and other therapeutic methods. She has recently been featured on Ted Talks and Good Morning America.
* Dennis Mace – LMT, Yiliquan Kung Fu Black Belt, Formal Disciple of Yang Guotai

Dennis Mace 29Sep2015

Shifu Dennis Mace 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.

Sharing the Dream of Essential Energy and Bagua

Sharing the Dream of Essential Energy

When Karen Atkins & I started collaborating to create the Essential Energy Classes a couple months ago, we were both deeply inspired to share the integration of the Energy Cultivation of Qi-Gong traditions we’ve practiced for decades, with the naturally supportive qualities of Essential Oils — both of these ancient technologies have had a profound impact on our lives, and we know that these simple daily practices can improve the lives of millions of people, by restoring their vitality and youthful joy.

Since then, we’ve already taught Essential Energy Workshops from coast to coast:

Karen & Dennis - EssentialEnergyWorkshop - SAMMA 24Oct2015d
Essential Energy Workshop Seattle 24Oct2015

from Arcata, CA and Seattle, WA,

Karen & Dennis - EssentialEnergyWorkshop - Bangor 07Nov2015g
Essential Energy Workshop in Bangor, ME 07N0v2015

 

Essential Energy Workshop in Bangor, ME 07N0v2015
Essential Energy Workshop in Bangor, ME 07N0v2015

to full capacity in Bangor, ME, New York City and upstate New York

Essential Energy Workshop in Bangor, ME 07N0v2015
Essential Energy Workshop in Bangor, ME 07N0v2015

— in each event, Karen and I have loved to see the inspiration catch like wildfire in the attendees!

Essential Energy Workshop in Bangor, ME 07N0v2015
Essential Energy Workshop in Bangor, ME 07N0v2015

 

Karen & Dennis - EssentialEnergyWorkshop - Upstate NY 14Nov2015b
Essential Energy Workshop inUpstate NY 14N0v2015

 

So, Karen and I are riding the wave and expanding our campaign, and teaching our next Essential Energy Workshop in Hayward, CA on Sunday, December 6th at the True Fight Club from 2pm-4pm — Space is Limited — you can enroll here!

Essential Energy Workshop Flyer 06Dec2015
Register here for the Essential Energy Workshop in Hayward, CA on 06Dec2015

 

For people that have attended an Essential Energy Workshop and want more tools to make it a daily practice, Karen and I will be teaching an Essential Energy 4-Week Online Course on each Monday in January, 2016, from 10am-11am (Pacific Time Zone) — enroll for the Online Course here!

We are planning more Essential Energy Workshops and programs, so let us know if you’d like us to teach in your area, share with others that would enjoy these classes, and stay tuned for upcoming events!

Intro to Bagua – the Root of my Energy & Martial Arts Practice

The culmination and pinnacle of my training and teaching in Martial Arts and Energy work over the last 33 years, is the holistic and esoteric art of Bagua Zhang (“8 Trigrams Palm”), The Circular Art of Transformation.

Are you looking for holistic exercise with real world self-defense?

Bagua Zhang 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. You will learn how to increase energy, become more grounded, increase intuition and connection with patients and your environment, and build self-confidence through the spiral movements and coiling power of Bagua Zhang.

Discover your inner-power and evolve with the ancient wisdom of Bagua Zhang  ~ the Art of the Vortex! For children and adults, beginners and experienced practitioners welcome!

 

Next month, I will be teaching 2 Intro to Bagua Workshops:

The first at the Dreamclinic in Seattle, WA on Saturday, December 12th, from 5pm-7pm,

Bagua Workshop at Dreamclinic 12Dec2015
Register here for the Bagua Workshop at Dreamclinic in Seattle, 12Dec2015

 

and the second at Dragon Arts in Omaha, NE on Sunday, December 20th, from 1pm-4pm.

Bagua Workshop at DragonArts 20Dec2015
Register here for the Bagua Workshop at Dragon Arts in Omaha, 20Dec2015

 

Bagua Workshop Attendees get $20 off their 1st Month of Membership at Mace Martial Arts!

 

Karen Atkins Mandala 05
Karen Atkins – Instructor, Owner of “Restore Your Soul”

About the Instructors:

Karen Atkins – AdvCBP, AdvCBI, LMT, Certified Wudang Qigong Instructor

Karen Atkins cultivates practices that help people take better care of themselves and find their optimal state of being on all levels. Through “Restore Your Soul”, an awareness based business, Karen supports lifestyle education and transformation through nourishment, Qi Gong, essential oils, BodyTalk, music, and other therapeutic methods. She has recently been featured on Ted Talks and Good Morning America.

 

 

Dennis Mace 29Sep2015
Dennis Mace – Instructor, Owner of Mace Martial Arts

 

* Dennis Mace – LMT, Yiliquan Kung Fu Black Belt, Formal Disciple of Yang Guotai
Shifu Dennis Mace 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.

Restore your Essential Energy

Essential Energy Workshop Flyer 24Oct2015

Fulfilling a Dream

I’ve been dreaming of sharing this wisdom since I was introduced to energy building practices of Qi-Gong over 30 years ago.

Every day I hear people complain about “feeling old”, having low energy, low sex drive, weak immune systems and burdened with emotional overwhelm. I want to encourage all of them, and say “you know what? There’s another way. You don’t have to feel this way. You can reclaim your energy and feel vital again!”

Thank you to Karen Atkins of Restore Your Soul for helping to realize this dream and co-create this workshop that combines Energy Building and Essential Oils — 2 of the most powerful ways to start cultivating a culture of wellness.
Let’s take one step closer to living in a world filled with happy, healthy people!

I hope you can join us at one of these workshops — the first ones will be held in Seattle next week at Seattle Asian Medicine and Martial Arts, on Saturday, October 24th and Sunday, October 25th.

Our next workshop will be in Bangor, Maine on Saturday, November 7th – if you’re in the area you can register here.
We’ve also been asked to do one in New York City on Tuesday, November 10th — if you want to attend, please let us know, and we’ll email/message you the location and times.

We are getting requests for teaching the workshop in other cities, so if you’d like to host an event in your area, let us know!

 

What are “Mixed Martial Arts”?

Bagua Zhang Throwing technique
Bagua Zhang Throwing technique

What are “Mixed Martial Arts?”

From Mace Martial Arts — The Other MMA!

What we call “Mixed Martial Arts” today is mostly a sport-based amalgamation of Western Boxing, Muay Thai, and Brazialian jiu-jitsu, usually practiced in sporting events where fighters compete in a matted “cage” or ring. There are often other systems that influence the athletes in the sport, but these systems are the most common and popular. “Mixed Martial Arts” is the newest fad in martial arts training, and became popular in 1993 with the heavily promoted ‘Ultimate Fighting Championship.’

Actually, all traditional Martial Arts are “Mixed Martial Arts.”

Modern Muay Thai is a sport that comes from a root of older “Muay Boran” (traditional combat styles from Thailand), and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu comes from a simplified combination of Japanese Jujutsu systems and Judo.

Judo itself is a blend of several different Jujutsu systems compiled by Dr Jigoro Kano, simplified to be presented to the public at large in Japan, with a focus on self development at its core.


Taijiquan (Tai Chi) comes from 5 different martial arts systems, combined by a battle hardened Chinese General 500 years ago. Though it’s the most widely practiced martial art in the world, most people only learn the outer shell of it for exercise and meditation, without any understanding of the practical self-defense roots at the core of Taijiquan.


Choy Lay Fut is a well-known Chinese Street-fighting martial art combination of 3 different systems (that were also combinations of other family systems).

Wing Chun is widely popular Chinese Martial Art, with roots in various martial arts from the Shaolin Temple, made famous by it’s most legendary proponent, Bruce Lee. Bruce Lee is often credited as the “Father of Mixed Martial Arts”, as his philosophy “Jeet Kune Do” (“Way of the Intercepting Fist”) was to learn the basics of a system, then adapt, “use no way as way”, and express one’s self without the limitation of style. Though Bruce Lee was an inspiring visionary, the practice of mixing and adapting in martial arts has been with us since their inception several millennia ago.

The legendary Shaolin Temple and Wudang Temple are both important melting pots of hundreds of different systems in China. The Shaolin (“Young Forest”) temple is often credited as the birthplace of Chinese Martial Arts, but this is not so — the Chan (Zen) Buddhist Shaolin Temple was built in the 7th Century AD, and Chinese martial arts were already deeply systematized over 4,000 years before that (refer back to Sun Tzu’s “Art of War”).


Karate is commonly translated today as “Empty Hand”, however, it originally meant “China-Hand” in Okinawa, because it was comprised of multiple different systems imported from China. Later, in the early 20
th Century, when Karate began to be taught in Japan, the Imperialists in Japan changed the characters’ meaning Kara (Chinese) to Kara (Empty), because of racist politics of the fascist regime at the time.

Tae Kwon Do & Tang Soo Do are both Korean derivatives of Shotokan (“Shoto’s House”) Karate, Shoto meaning the nickname for the Okinawan Instructor Gichin Funakoshi, who brought Okinawan Karate to Japan.


Silat are a collective of hundreds of very different martial arts styles from Malaysia, Burma, Indonesia, and the Phillipines, many of which are heavily influenced by Chinese styles of martial arts.

Dong Haichuan
Dong Haichuan (1797-1813)

The system taught here at Mace Martial Arts is Bagua Zhang (“8 Trigrams Palm”),

the origins of which is credited to Dong Haichuan (1797 – 1882), who was already an accomplished expert of several different Shaolin martial arts styles, before he purportedly traveled to live at a Taoist Monastery for a decade. It is there, where Dong Haichuan learned the the ancient Taoist circle walking practices (at least 4,000 years old) and secretive martial arts that formed the foundation of what he synthesized with his previous martial training and later started teaching in Beijing as “Zhuan Zhang” (“Turning Palms”), which was eventually termed “Bagua Zhang” (“8 Trigrams Palm”). Dong Haichuan is therefore acknowledged as the primary transmitter of the system, not the actual founder, as the original arts arts Bagua Zhang was based on were taught secretly for thousands of years before he was introduced to them.* 

Dong Haichuan selectively accepted many disciples, though purportedly only ones that were already experts of other martial arts. Dong Haichuan then took each students’ individual background training, and enhanced it with the dynamic circular principles of Bagua Zhang, resulting in myriads of different branches of the system. The differences between branches of Bagua Zhang is further widened, as each disciple was encouraged to find their own natural expression of the art, after they had built a solid foundation with the basics of Bagua Zhang.


* Regarding Bagua Zhang’s ancient history before Dong Haichaun, please read this fascinating article by Bruce Frantzis.

Thank you for being a part of this rich tradition here at Mace Martial Arts!

Introducing new Bagua Zhang Package Programs at Mace Martial Arts!

Now offering Package Programs — for students that want an immersive learning experience, with more support and resources to help guide you to your goals.
Bagua Zhang Package Programs Online

The Most Versatile Weapon – Staff Workshop

Dennis M - Sam B Bagua Staff 15Jul15 9a

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!

Dennis M - Sam B Bagua Staff 15Jul15 12a

We will be learning single and double ended staff techniques and strategies, as well as various sensitivity drills, strikes, locks and throwing methods using a staff to its fullest potential!

Dennis M - Sam B Bagua Staff 15Jul15 28a

 

Please bring your own staff to the event!

When: Sunday, August 16, 2015

12:30pm-2:30pm

Held at

Seattle Asian Medicine and Martial Arts 
12025 Lake City Way NE, Suite B
Seattle, Washington 98125

Dennis M - Sam B Bagua Staff 15Jul15 30a

Pre-registration $30
Day of event $40
Click Here to Register Online!

Update, July 25, 2015 –

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 — if it’s too thin, it will snap during training.
  3. The staff should be made of hardwood – it should pass “the thumbnail test” (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 – 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 “eyes” 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 – 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!

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!
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"
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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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
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
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
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

Are you Ready to Change Your Life? Learn how any obstacle can be an opportunity

Are you ready to change your life?

Have you encountered problems in your life where you feel attacked, dominated or just overwhelmed?

We all have at some point – maybe your job, an irritating family member, financial burdens, a painful injury, severe weather, an obnoxious neighbor, a bad haircut, or who died in the last “Game of Thrones” episode – most of us are struggling with some tragic situation almost every day.

When I was growing up, one of my greatest struggles was with my father — a quiet, funny, tough, street-wise man — who was also domineering, alcoholic, sometimes cruel, demeaning and abusive. I learned to deal with it by isolating myself, being introverted, and becoming very sensitive to my Dad’s slow-burning, explosive temper — especially after he’d been drinking.
There were times I remember my little sister hiding behind me in a corner of my room, as I pushed through our terror to try and protect us from Dad’s rages after he’d been out drinking.

Instead of being bitter about it, I realize the experience fostered attributes I might not have otherwise: empathy, being protective of family, vowing never to become alcoholic, and a passion to express myself through art, and martial arts.
Despite the turmoil, my Dad encouraged my passion for artwork and martial arts. I’ll never forget when, at my High School graduation, with a tear in his eye and lump in his throat, my father told me how proud he was of me (since he’d dropped out), and how sorry he was for many of the things he did; he said he wanted to make sure I grew up to be a better man than he was. He passed away just 4 months later.

Even though it was rough growing up sometimes, I realize — especially after becoming a parent myself — my Mom and Dad were both doing the best they could, and I appreciate all the opportunities they gave me. I miss Dad more as time goes on, and wish I could have thanked him before he passed. I wouldn’t change my childhood at all, even if I could. It’s helped me grow to be who I am.


Dad and I, 1982.

Through the courtesy and rigor of martial arts practice, we learn to defend ourselves from physical attack — the first, most obvious threat to health and well-being. In the beginning, we learn a system of strategies, that teach us attacks targeting us are bridges to opportunity for survival, learning, and improvement.
As we progress in training, and integrate those strategies into our being, we realize that those physical techniques are metaphors for how the strategies can be applied to any aggression or obstacle in our daily lives, to improve self-expression and communication in how we relate with friends, coworkers, and family.
Even further, as we continue to train, we realize those same strategies are powerfully effective in overcoming personal barriers in our own spiritual growth.

Here at Vajra Visions, I share an innovative system that integrates
the principles of the Taoist martial art Bagua Zhang (“8 Trigrams Palm”, the art of transformation),
with the mystical Elements of Tantric Buddhism – a holistic system designed to cultivate each student on all levels.

Experience the Vortex — Discover your inner-power and evolve with the Ancient wisdom of Vajra Bagua Zhang (金剛八卦掌 “Thunderbolt 8 Trigrams Palm”), the Circular Art of Transformation!
Take the next step in your evolution – join our classes today!
www.MaceMartialArts.com

Training available in person and remote/private video classes online!

Instructor: Shifu Dennis Mace began Martial Arts in 1982, and now teaches in Seattle, WA
with thorough, hands on detail, emphasizing courtesy and ethics, and is committed to cultivating each student’s authentic skills and improving their overall health and empowerment. He is also available for workshops and seminars!

Introducing 3 new Bagua Zhang Package Programs at Mace Martial Arts!

Introducing 3 new Bagua Zhang Package Programs at Mace Martial Arts — quarterly, 6 month, and full year — for an immersive learning experience, with more support and resources to help guide you to your goals. Each of these 3 programs include group classes, private lessons, full uniforms (shirt, pants & sash), half-off workshops, testing fees and membership fees all at a package discount.

online

Let Freedom Ring!

Happy Independence Day!

We wish you a safe, liberating, joyful Summer, and we have some excellent workshops and classes coming up soon — and a special announcement about our rates — see below!

Let Freedom Ring!

Freedom.

As we come together this holiday weekend to celebrate the liberation of our nation, we want to extend to you our gratitude for entrusting us to help relieve your burdens in your pursuit of happiness.

Buddha once said that just as we can know the ocean because it always tastes of salt, we can recognize enlightenment because it always tastes of freedom.

Here in the Land of the Free, we often get caught up in the rat race, trapped by the work we do, overwhelmed by personal drama, or stuck in the clutter of our possessions. All of those clinging doubts, fears and obligations create tension in our minds and bodies. Actually, we have the power to choose joy over fear, and release our “shoulds”, “have to’s” and “cant’s”.

Massage Therapy is a powerful way to help release those burdens, and to free yourself in body, heart and mind. That release helps us to remember gratitude for all we have received, and find all the ways we can serve others.

So let Freedom Ring, throughout all aspects of your life, take care of yourself, and let us help relieve you of some of your burdens! Click here to schedule your next massage appointment online.

by Dennis Mace, LMP

Special Announcement – Rate Increase

Lock in current pricing by purchasing a gift certificate!

As of August 1st, pricing for massage will increase to the following prices:

  • 30 min $50
  • 45 min $67
  • 1 hour $84
  • 1 hour 15 min $100
  • 90 min $118
  • 120 min $168

We know that a price increase is difficult for our clients but it’s necessary at this time to cover the steadily increasing costs of doing business.
However, you can lock in the current pricing by purchasing gift certificates now! We thank you for your continuing support!

Thank you,
From everyone here at New Seattle Massage

Upcoming Workshops at New Seattle Massage

 

The Eclectic Bodyworker — Head, Neck and Face
with Pam Foster, LMP and Kate Bromley, LMP

Sunday, July 13, 2014, from 11:30am-8:30pm
Price: $150.00               8 hours of instruction, 8CE
Come learn new strokes and points, and review important muscles and fascia for head, neck and face.  Class is taught by Pam Foster and/or Kate Bromley to share the most effective, efficient techniques learned and utilized over a combined 45+ years of practice.  Explore the effects of stress on the body and discuss some of the most common conditions found in this area. (Minimum of 6 students needed for class to run)

Instructor Kate Bromley, LMP: Kate is a 24 year veteran massage therapist and educator.  She was employed for years as an instructor at Seattle Massage School and Ashmead College and is currently teaching at Denton Massage School in Arlington as well as teaching a variety of continuing education and personal growth classes.  She has previous experience working in a naturopathic clinic setting, chiropractic clinic and private practice and is currently seeing clients at Seattle Asian Medicine and Martial Arts, located in Lake City Way.
Her specialties are neuromuscular therapy, lymphatic drainage and Polarity therapy.  She is a Registered Polarity Educator.

Instructor Pam Foster, LMP: Pam has been a Licensed Massage Practitioner since 1990 and an instructor of massage, the Business of Massage and Ethics for the Massage Professional since 1997, initially with Seattle Massage School which eventually became Everest College. She currently teaches for Bluestone Academy in Ellensburg, Washington, with Seattle Reflexology and Massage Center in Seattle, and Denton Massage School in Arlington. Pam teaches continuing education hours of four or six hours in Ethics for the LMP.  Her practice is in the Eastlake district of Seattle, as well as a secondary location in Mountlake Terrace.  Although her focus is clinical treatment, she uses a fusion of techniques to treat the client’s needs.

TAO BASICS — A PRACTICE FOR LIVING

with Daniel Lee
Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July 20, 2014
Sat. (11am-5pm), Sun. (11:00-4:30pm)

Tao means “the Way,” not as a religion, but as an ancient Chinese philosophy and a way of life that is in harmony with nature.
In this workshop, you will learn practical ways to transform stress into vitality, calm the mind, and strengthen the body. We will practice Tao Yoga, Chi Kung,and Tao Meditation in a friendly environment.This workshop is for beginners or advanced practitioners who wish to deepen their practice. At the end of the workshop, you will have a simple practice to discover balance in your life, and find your own personal Tao or “Way.”

  1. Standing Dynamic (moving) Qigong: Ba Duan Jin (8 Sections of Brocade)
  2. Sitting Qigong (Tao Meditation): Inner Smile, 6 Healing Sounds, & Small Heavenly Circle (Microcosmic Orbit)
  3. Tao Yin Qigong (Tao Yoga); movements while sitting or lying down.

Price: $160 ($135 with Early Registration — before July 4, 2014)

Daniel Lee created the Being Balance System to integrate traditional Tao practice with our modern lives. He is a disciple of Sifu George Liew (Hong Kong Tai Chi Assoc., Cheng Tin Hung lineage), and a direct student of Taoist Master Mantak Chia, and the Country Coordinator for the Universal Healing Tao System in Austria. For more information, please see his website:www.beingbalance.com

The Eclectic Bodyworker — Shoulder Girdle to Fingertips
with Pam Foster, LMP and Kate Bromley, LMP

Sunday, August 17, 2014, from 11:30am-8:30pm
Price: $150.00               8 hours of instruction, 8CEWorkshop presents an eclectic approach to upper extremity work combining the most effective and efficient technique learned, taught and utilized over the instructors combined 45+ years of practice.  Explore the effects of stress on the body and discuss the most common conditions found in this area.
(Minimum of 6 students needed for class to run, Instructor bios above, on July 13th Workshop)

Interested in teaching a workshop at New Seattle Massage?
Check out our Class Space, and email dennismace@newseattlemassage

 

Published on: Jul 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

Why Martial Arts & Massage Therapy?

“Vision is the gift to see what others only dream”
“Vision is the gift to see what others only dream”

 

Why Martial Arts and Massage Therapy?

I hear this question a lot.

While it seems contradictory, the practices are actually complimentary – on several levels.

Martial and Healing Arts have been practiced in tandem in most cultures for several millenia. Though this tradition has been lost in the West, in most of Asia it’s stereotypical for the village martial arts instructor to also be the village doctor. As I was growing up, each of my martial arts instructors had a background in some form(s) of healthcare, from first aid and western medicine to Chinese medical theory & Tui-Na — and we learned those healing methods as part of the martial arts curriculum.

Why’s that?

Well, not only does first aid come in handy for training injuries, but other healing methods keep us in top shape to continue training on the path of personal refinement.
Also, a strong working knowledge of physiology and anatomy makes self-defense skills much more practical; alternately, learning self-defense also makes a healthcare practitioner aware of not only the frailty of life, but also it’s limitless potential to heal and grow. From an ethical perspective, martial arts teaches responsibility to help ourselves, and help others.

“With great power comes great responsibility…”

For me, massage therapy is a facet of my martial arts practice, the goal is to help others heal and find balance.
I view Healthcare and Martial Arts as flip sides of the same coin, and believe that martial arts is a Fourfold Path:

  • Warrior
  • Scholar
  • Sage
  • Healer

Becoming a professional healthcare provider has been a rewarding step in fulfilling this Fourfold Cycle. My martial arts background enhances my bodywork practice with refined sensitivity and intuition. I integrate Deep Tissue, myofacial release and energy work in each therapeutic session. My commitment is to provide each client their own individual treatment plan, and a uniquely fluid, integrated bodywork experience that is seamlessly restorative and relaxing.Schedule your appointment today, and enroll in my life-changing classes — I will help you return to your center, health and wellness!

P.S. Announcing new Bagua Zhang classes!

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

Call or email to register for classes!

Published on: May 13, 2014

Ride the Horse – Happy Lunar New Year!

Lunar New Year of the Horse 2014

Riding the Horse to Health and Happiness!

In Chinese Astrology, 2014 is the year of the Green Wood Horse, leading us from the trepidation of the last Black Water Snake year, into a bold, new era.
According to this ancient wisdom, we are at the brink of startling new growth and exhilarating potential.So saddle up, and let’s ride the Horse to Health and Happiness!If you’re feeling blocked, stiff or sore, come in to get some relief, clear your body and mind with a soothing massage so you can get focused and back on track!

If you’d like to try something new to

  • get in better shape,
  • get more confident,
  • gain new skills and
  • discover your inner-power,

come try my Bagua Zhang class!

 

 

Starting Saturday mornings, later this month on February 21st, from 10am-11pm at
Seattle Asian Medicine and Martial Arts 
12025 Lake City Way NE Suite B
Seattle, Washington 98125
www.sam-ma.com

Looking forward to helping you again soon ~ Happy Lunar New Year to you and your dear ones!

Sincerely,
Dennis Mace, LMT
Look within to reveal and heal your True Self!
Vajra Visions – Mace Martial Arts & Massage Therapy
cell/text 206-440-9187

恭贺新禧, 萬事如意!

Gōnghè xīnxǐ, wànshì rúyì !
“Happy New Year, may all your wishes be fulfilled” !

Published on: Feb 1, 2014

Sleep Well & Happy Holidays!

Winter Dragon by Dreoilin - Ashley Stewart2013
Winter Dragon by Dreoilin – Ashley Stewart 2013

 

Season’s Greetings!

Tonight is the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year, and you might feel a bit sleep deprived, with Holidays and the Year’s end upon us.

While the days are shorter and the nights are longer, do you find yourself wanting more sleep than usual? Maybe waking in the middle of the night and struggling to get back to sleep?

Rest assured, you probably don’t have a sleep disorder — I can certainly relate, and am looking forward to catching up on rest!

Sleep is necessary for us to “recharge our batteries” energetically, to “reset” and heal our body, mind and spirit. Good, restful sleep is deeply restorative in many ways:

  • keeps our mind sharp and alert
  • keeps our heart healthy with stress recovery
  • reduces weight gain by balancing metabolism and cortisol levels
  • keeps our nervous system functioning at the optimum level
  • increases vital energy — therefore boosts our immune system and pain threshold
  • boosts motivation and libido
  • improves mood and relationships

One of my Bagua Zhang instructors recommended waking up in the middle of the night to train and meditate because of the lack of distractions and optimal energy flux in our bodies’ natural cycles. There are ancient Taoist manuals that recommend practicing Qi-Gong around 2am because of this energetic circadian rhythm.

I remember when I was child waking up in the wee hours of the night and having profound moments of clarity and calm. I sometimes still do this, but because of our modern perception of what our sleep cycles “should be” (8 hour blocks), I wondered if I had a sleep disorder.

You might be surprised, as I was recently, to find out it was once common to have a bi-modal sleeping pattern, referred to as ‘first sleep‘ and ‘second sleep‘ before electric lighting in homes, where people would go to sleep around 8pm, wake up between 11pm and 1am to read or write for a couple hours before returning to sleep again… therefore the expression “burning the midnight oil.”

Apparently, bi-modal sleeping patterns are more natural, and our modern perception of sleep cycles are distorted and need some revision… This lends credence to the adage “early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise“…

Here’s a great article that challenges the myths of getting “a proper night’s sleep”:

How Our Ancestors Used to Sleep Twice a Night and Highlighting the Problem of Present Shock

By

Other research suggests sleeping more than 6 hours at once can be detrimental

  • to our muscles (due to inactivity),
  • to our use of nutrients (starving then stuffing your body), and
  • to our mind and perception (long periods of consciousness being separate from the body can lead to anxiety about physical reality, a sense of unnatural separation of the personality, causing a distorted view of the polarity of good vs. evil, etc).

A better solution could be sleeping in 4-6 hour blocks, and then taking a nap later on if necessary.

The truth is, we all have different individual needs that change season to season, and under different conditions. So, listen to your body’s needs, including following your own sleep patterns, and you’ll feel much better!

Wishing you and yours very Happy Holidays and a refreshingly restorative Winter!

Sincerely,
Dennis Mace
Look within to reveal and heal your True Self!
Vajra Visions – Mace Martial Arts
cell/text 206-440-9187

P.S.: The impressive dreamlike vision is called “Winter Dragon“, by talented artist Ashley Stewart, enjoy!

First Published on: Dec 21, 2013,
Edited on: Dec 20, 2016

Fresh Start! 2013

Relax and Recharge at

New Seattle Massage!

 

NewSeattleMassage_Sign

Come in to check out my new space and get a great massage at New Seattle Massage in Seattle’s University District!

Starting this month I will be consolidating my practice from Bothell and Seattle to one central location, with more availability for your schedule at New Seattle Massage.

To enhance your healing experience, this tranquil and beautiful environment offers

  • warm spacious massage rooms with heat lamps and soothing music,
  • a sauna,
  • a steam room,
  • a spacious class room and
  • showers for after your massage session!

NewSeattleMassage_SessionRoom

To schedule an appointment with me at New Seattle Massage,
call (206) 632-5074.

New Seattle Massage
4519 1/2 University Way NE
Seattle, WA 98105

Validated Parking available for the nearby lot on Brooklyn Ave NE between NE 47th Street and NE 45th Street.

I’ll be looking forward to helping you again soon!

Sincerely,
Dennis Mace, LMT
Look within to reveal and heal your True Self!
Vajra Visions – Mace Martial Arts & Massage Therapy
cell/text 206-440-9187

P.S.: If you have a massage package or gift certificate that hasn’t been completed or redeemed yet, please schedule with me at either my Wallingford or Bothell office before they expire at the end of October ~ you can forward the credit to a friend or family member as well ~ email or call me if you have any questions!

 

Published on: Oct 2, 2013

NewSeattleMassage_Logo

Relax & Recharge: Massage Therapy & Epsom Salt

The Wondrous Benefits of Massage Therapy & Epsom Salt

 

Wonder why I recommend an Epsom Salt bath after massage therapy? Well, let me break it down for you!

During your massage therapy sessions, I release metabolic waste from your muscles. Drinking extra water helps flush some toxins, but you might be sore for a couple days after the massage. Just add 2 cups of Epsom Salt to your warm bathwater, to enhance the toxin-flush by increasing perspiration and draw wastes (like uric acid) through your skin.Caution: stand up slowly after the bath, and drink plenty of water, as Epsom Salt will dehydrate and could make you feel more light-headed than a regular hot bath. Seek the advice of your physician before you take an Epsom Salt bath if you have high blood pressure, diabetes or a heart or kidney condition, or before you start any new treatment plan.
What is Epsom Salt? Magnesium Sulfate is a natural mineral, named after the town of Epsom, England, where the salt was produced from a saline spring. Used as a natural remedy for numerous ailments for hundreds of years, Magnesium plays an important role in several bodily functions:

  • helps produce serotonin, which improves sleep and creates feelings of calm and relaxation,
  • increases energy & stamina by encouraging production of ATP (cellular energy), and
  • reduces irritability by lowering adrenaline effects.

Epsom Salt is therefore a natural stress reliever: stress drains the body of magnesium — when Magnesium Sulfate dissolves in warm water it is absorbed through the skin, replenishing your body’s magnesium. The salt draws toxins from the body, sedates the nervous system, relieves inflammation & joint pain, making it beneficial in treatment of

  • sore muscles,
  • bruises, abrasions and cuts,
  • sprain/strain injuries,
  • bronchial asthma, and
  • migraines.
Furthermore, soaking in an Epsom Salt bath
  • improves neuromuscular function by regulating electrolytes that govern muscular & nervous systems,
  • therefore relieves muscle cramps;
  • removes odor and softens skin,
  • relieves colds and congestion,
  • reduces soreness from childbirth,
  • prevents heart disease and strokes by lowering blood pressure, preventing hardening of arteries and blood clots to reduce risk of heart attacks,
  • as well as increase insulin effectiveness, helping to lower the risk or severity of diabetes.

So treat yourself ~ you’ll be happy you did!

Sincerely,
Dennis Mace, LMP
Look within to reveal and heal your true self!
Vajra Visions – Mace Martial Arts & Massage Therapy
Tel (206) 440-9187

P.S.: Back to School Special! If you register for a Vitality Package this week,

you get a $50 September Discount!

I’ve designed this Neck & Shoulders Vitality Package to help you reach your optimum health, for Stress RELIEF and Injury RECOVERY, so you can enjoy your work, play without care, and live your life without limitation!

Each Vitality Package includes:

  1. Three 90 minute Massage Sessions,
  2. a personalized treatment plan to achieve your health goals,
  3. a 15 minute Consultation where I will share customized exercises & stretches that compliment the bodywork,
  4. Aromatherapy Epsom Salts from O’Malley & Potter, and
  5. Relaxing Stretch Video so you can progress faster at home in just minutes a day

You can expect:

  • Reduced Stress Levels
  • Increased Range of Motion
  • Faster recovery from injury or chronic pain (without drugs)
  • better sleep
  • increased efficiency and performance at work (and play!)
  • Reduce the frequency/intensity/duration of headaches
  • Increase Vitality with more efficient muscle function (less energy wasted on tense muscles)
  • Increased Immune System Function

Click HERE to register now and get on the path to health and vitality!

Published on: Sep 8, 2013