月山館

The Gassankan or Yuèshān Guan (月山館) is a private training activity in the Pacific Northwest focused on the development of skill at traditional internal martial arts. Its name translates as Moon Mountain Hall, and is chosen in homage to the Gassan grand shrine in the Dewa Sanzan area of Japan, where in 2004 I decided to shift my training to classical and traditional, especially internal, martial arts.

I am a formal lineal student of traditional Bagua, Xingyi, and Taiji under Zhang Yun laoshi, disciple of the late grandmaster Wang Peisheng, as part of Yin Cheng Gong Fa North America (YCGF).

From time to time, I have worked with experienced martial artists seeking to deepen their understanding of traditional internal martial arts. More information on my training history can be found on the background page.

Training in older martial arts is different to what many people are used to in contemporary culture. The recommended reading page has a list of books and articles that are helpful to gain a proper understanding of traditional martial arts and their mental, physical, and cultural prerequisites before training.

My writing on traditional martial arts and culture can be found at my blog Inner Dharma.

I may be reached at the email address below.

Mark Raugas