饒静思

Taijiquan

I began training in Gao lineage baguazhang in Maryland in late 2004 and over time was introduced to a number of traditional groups practicing near Washington, DC. I began training in Northern Wu style Taijiquan, and the Yin and Liu styles of Baguazhang under Paul Cote in 2005 and then with his teacher Zhang Yun in Pittsburgh in 2008. I became a formal lineal student of these arts under Zhang Yun laoshi in Princeton, NJ during the summer of 2015.

YCGF Seminar Photos

Today, I continue my study of traditional Bagua, Xingyi, and Taiji as part of Yin Cheng Gong Fa North America. My school is recorded under the name Yuèshān Guǎn [ 月山館 ] in the catalogue of Yin Cheng Gong Fa practitioners — I emphasize classical Taijiquan and traditional Chinese weapons in my practice. I practice Taijiquan in a traditional manner — training is conducted on an individual basis and is usually held outdoors in natural settings.

Kenjutsu

Gassankan is the Japanese reading of Yuèshān Guǎn. I studied Shinkage-ryū kenjutsu at the Hōbyōkan founded by Dr. David Hall in Rockville, MD before moving to Seattle in 2016. Once in Seattle I worked with a small number of people to maintain my practice.

Gassankan Keiko 2021

Tōsha Dōjō [ 闘者道場 ] is now led by my senior students Jake Harlin and Nicky Sayah Sina at Lonin League in SODO. Weekly training focuses on hōjō, tō-no-kata, and jigeiko (free practice) using fukuro shinai and HEMA armor.

Resources

Please consult the bibliography for a list of published works I have found inspiring over the years.

The writing project Inner Dharma was an activity where I documented my travels and thoughts concerning traditional martial arts and culture — I want to thank the readers who offered their feedback and encouragement over a period of almost twenty years.

A selection of my writing about koryū (classical Japanese martial arts) — especially about historical Shinkage-ryū and my current practice — can now be found at jikishinkageryu.org.

Much of my martial arts photography is now available at Inner Capture.

I may be reached via email at the address below.

Seattle, WA