一個傳授老北京尹派八卦掌的私塾
A Baguà Zhǎng Academy.
“The divine mechanics of the Eight Trigrams are infinitely profound, but the movement never starts from the palms…”
八卦神機妙無邊未從動於掌…
SPOTS ARE LIMITED!
Registration Opens March 28th - April 11th.
Class begins on April 8th. Get your spot now!
What is Baguà Zhǎng?
BaguaZhang is one of the most recently created Chinese martial arts systems.
Originally called 轉掌 Zhuǎn Zhǎng meaning ‘Rotating Palm’, the system was first developed and taught by 董海川 DǒngHǎiChuān in Beijing in the mid 1800’s. It incorporated a number to training methods Dong learned from various sources including Shaolin, Daoist and other folk martial arts but what made Bagùazhang quite unique was it’s circle walking practices which mimicked circle walking meditative techniques found in Daoism. Eventually generations later, practitioners of the art would make correlations between the training to the YiJing (Book of changes) and the manner which the visual organization of the 8 Gua and circular practices appeared to mirror each other leading to subsequent generations referring to the system as ‘Bagùazhang’.
八卦掌是最近創立的中國武術體系之一。最初稱為「轉掌」，意為「旋轉的掌法」，該體系由董海川於19世紀中葉在北京首次發展並傳授。八卦掌融合了董海川從多種來源學到的訓練方法，包括少林、道教以及其他民間武術，但其獨特之處在於其走圈練習，模仿了道教中的走圈冥想技巧。經過幾代人的發展，練習者將這種訓練與《易經》聯繫起來，發現八卦的視覺組織與走圈練習似乎相互呼應，因此後代將這一體系稱為「八卦掌」。
Remote Learning that Works
By using online streaming technology, we eliminate geographic and time limitations. Paired with our unique and unconventional method of providing personalized feedback, we can spread this incredible knowledge to every corner of the world!
利用即時網路影片與獨特的練習反饋方法來排除地域與時間的限制，將這一門老祖宗的智慧得以傳播到世界的每一個角落。
Bagùa Shú Curriculum
Bagùa Shú is a comprehensive three-year training program designed to help practitioners cultivate a "Bagùa Body" — a deep, internalized understanding of Bagùazhang's principles and techniques. Through this program, practitioners will gain a holistic, inside-out mastery of Bagùazhang, enabling them to advance confidently on the traditional martial arts journey without deviating.
YEAR ONE
天
“Tien” Phase
Traditional wushu systems develop a ‘gong fu body,’ each producing unique skills. Bagùazhǎng, however, demands specific requirements due to its unique practices and strategies. Practitioners need a strong, flexible body capable of extreme twists, rapid footwork, and instant stops while maintaining root, with or without resistance. The 八字 (8 characters) of Bagùazhǎng outline the requirements for achieving the 八卦身法 (Bagùazhǎng Body Method), ensuring structural alignment and connection for proper practice. Beginners focus on developing a rooted, wide base, and openness in the back, hips, and legs, creating the stable, strong foundation needed for Bagùazhǎng’s famous circular footwork. The 八字法 includes: 1.塌 (tā, collapse), 2.扣 (kòu, hook), 3.提 (tí, lift), 4.頂 (dǐng, crown), 5.裹 (guǒ, wrap), 6.垂 (chuí, hang), 7.鬆 (sōng, relax), 8.縮 (suō, contract).
傳統武術系統培養「功夫身體」，每種系統都能產生獨特的技能。然而，八卦掌因其獨特的練習方式和策略，對身體有特定的要求。練習者需要一個強壯且靈活的身體，能夠極度扭轉、快速移動步法、瞬間停止，同時保持根基，無論有無阻力都能做到。八卦掌的八字（8個字）概述了達成八卦身法（八卦掌身體方法）的要求，確保結構對齊和連接，以正確練習八卦掌。初學者專注於發展扎根的寬闊基礎，以及背部、臀部和腿部的開放性，創造出穩定、強壯的基礎，以進行八卦掌著名的圓形步法訓練。八字法包括：1.塌、2.扣、3.提、4.頂、5.裹、6.垂、7.鬆、8.縮。
YEAR TWO
地
“ Di” Phase
After laying the foundation and developing basic Bagùazhang body methods, students progress to understanding angles and transitioning from straight lines to curves. Straight-line drills evolve into angled and curved movements, allowing students to train the 8 fixed postures (定式, Dìng Shì) more accurately and transition to dynamic practice. Wider stepping and circular footwork build stability while changing directions at increasing speeds. The 定式 practice develops power by connecting limbs to the back, teaching whole-body power generation from the legs through the back and into the limbs. This strengthens the 筋經 (sinew channels—muscles, tendons, and ligaments) and enhances coordination. External movements drive internal momentum, opening the 經脈 (Jīng Mài, acupuncture channels) and improving circulation. Here, students discover motion within stillness.
在打好基礎並發展出基本的八卦掌身體方法後，學生開始學習角度和從直線到曲線的轉變。直線練習逐漸演變為角度和曲線動作，使學生能更準確地訓練八個固定姿勢（定式，Dìng Shì）並過渡到動態練習。寬步和圓形步法在加快速度變換方向時增強穩定性。定式練習通過連接四肢與背部來發展力量，教導學生從腿部經背部到四肢的全身力量生成。這強化了筋經（肌肉、肌腱和韌帶）並提升了協調性。外部動作驅動內部動能，打開經脈（Jīng Mài，針灸經絡）並改善循環。在此階段，學生在靜止中發現動態。
YEAR THREE
人
“Ren” Phase
In the third year of body method training, diligent students should master advanced Bagùazhǎng techniques. Their core strength will enable them to maintain stability in precarious positions, using these postures to generate power for attack, defense, and countering. This year focuses on developing strong waist, core, and back skills, as well as mastering the often-misunderstood concept of rubbing/grinding, transforming it into a powerful full-body skill.
在第三年的身體方法訓練中，勤奮的學生應能掌握八卦掌的高級技巧。他們的核心力量將使他們能夠在不穩定的姿勢中保持穩定，並利用這些姿勢產生攻防和反擊的力量。這一年專注於發展強健的腰部、核心和背部技能，並掌握常被誤解的「磨擦/研磨」概念，將其轉化為強大的全身技能。
Testimonials
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Jon Dyer
DAI STYLE XINYI INSTRUCTOR
I’ve known Simon since we were teenagers in New Zealand and have followed his incredible journey from professional skateboarder to respected martial arts teacher.
Simon has excelled in everything he’s pursued—whether it was running a successful English school in Japan or becoming one of the most dedicated and skilled Baguazhang practitioners I’ve ever seen. His background as a pro athlete gives him a rare focus and discipline that shows in both his practice and teaching.
I began studying the “Lian Gong Shi Ba Fa” qigong system with Simon about three years ago and have continued to benefit from his guidance through regular online coaching. He’s patient, caring, and committed to his students’ growth—but he also expects effort and sincerity.
It’s an honor to endorse Simon as both a teacher and a friend.
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Corey Brown
L.Ac., INTERNAL MARTIAL ARTS ENTHUSIAST
"Marc doesn’t do anything half way. His knowledge of Chinese Medicine is top tier and he and Simon are only ones I would want to learn Bagua from.
I met Marc in an online martial arts group 10+ years ago but we really became friends during the pandemic when he was treating terminally ill covid patients with Acupuncture. He is the one that got me to go to school for Chinese medicine and he continues to mentor me even now."
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Takahiro Abe
GERMAN INFRASTRUCTURE COMPANY TEAM LEAD, JAPAN
Simon Laoshi
I started learning Baguazhang from Simon in 2017. Back then, I had no experience in any martial arts or any combat sport. Baguazhang is quite complicated and comprehensive so it is a long journey to go to learn it.However, even if I cannot perfectly imitate his techniques and body manipulations, I can get a glimpse of a practical and pragmatic Bagua, as well as a traditional and evolved martial arts, by watching his body movements.
Marc Laoshi
Training with Marc was very impressive. His knowledge of Bagua is very deep and his explanations, backed up by his specialty of Oriental medicine, are very convincing. He was also very faithful to the basic movements of Bagua, which was very useful for me as a beginner, even though there are many difficult movements in Bagua. -
Ben Munro
ESSENTIAL BAGUA, TAIJI, ROPE DART IG FOUNDER
Simon has taught me Baguazhang since 2011, and has a very high dedication to training and a willingness to pass that on and help develop his students into the best that they can be.
His guidance and teaching have been invaluable, and I highly recommend him to anyone seeking authentic Baguazhang taught in a very straightforward, down to earth manner.
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Anya Rise
ANIMATION ARTIST, TOKYO JAPAN
I began training Baguazhang with Simon in 2020, knowing nothing about the style. Yet from the very beginning, his mastery and clarity stood out.
Simon is not only a skilled martial artist but also a genuinely kind and attentive teacher. He has a rare ability to explain even the most intricate movements in a way that’s accessible to everyone, regardless of experience.
His passion is contagious, and training with him has transformed me—both physically and spiritually.
Simon doesn’t just teach techniques—he shares the essence of the art with sincerity and warmth.
Marc and I have trained together only a few times, but those sessions left a strong and lasting impression. His skill in Baguazhang is truly inspiring.
While Simon is my main teacher, I deeply appreciate the unique perspective Marc brings. As a practitioner of Chinese medicine, his explanations often reveal subtle layers of meaning within the movements.
I trained with him in a group setting, and, like Simon, Marc has a natural ability to guide and support multiple students while still addressing individual needs.
Their teaching styles are slightly different—like two complementary facets of the same Baguazhang tradition.
Whenever I get the chance, I always look forward to joining Marc’s classes.
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