Smoky Mountain YSB Study Group Information

The History of Yin Style Baguazhang

Dong Haichuan: The 1930 Steles

by

Rand Cardwell

Ma Gui, a student of both Dong Haichuan and Yin Fu, along with several other bagua practitioners, erected a stele at the tomb of Dong Haichuan on March 26, 1930. Ma’s stele is known as the Third Stele. On the same day, another group led by Lu Shukui also erected a stele in honor of Dong. This stele is known as the Fourth Stele. A photograph was taken during the ceremony (see below). Lu Shukui was from a wealthy family and he funded the third and fourth steles. These two steles were from the Hebei Guo Shu Guan and its advisors. Their names are listed on the steles.

Ma Gui, Lu Shukui, and many other period Baguazhang practitioners at the dedication of the 3rd and 4th steles at Dong Haichuan’s original tomb. Near the Red Bridge just outside the East Gate in Beijing, China on March 26, 1930.

Transcription of the Third Stele erected at Dong Haichuan’s tomb in 1930 by Ma Gui

Great Master Dong

Dong Haichuan from Wen An – Hebei , was gifted with an extraordinary strength and uncommon face. He had a strong bust and an important waist. He was fond of martial arts and was unrivalled. As he reached his twenties he decided to visit Jin Hua mountain: he met there an immortal who transmitted him the essence of the art. Even facing ten opponents, Dong was still victorious. But what was even more extraordinary: Once, under the ceiling of the monastery, when some yellow bids were flying, Dong suddenly jumped once and grasp three birds in the same time. Facing sword specialists, he was able to defeat them empty handed, taking away their weapons and blocking their feet. His arms were so long that they reached the knee level when he dropped them alongside his body, this way his palm and fist can repel his opponent from very far. It was very difficult to defend against his arm lenght. His face and skills were unusual. His reputation was at it the upmost and everyone was wanted to learn from him. He had thousands of followers who studied his art. Such a great number that he feared that it could bring confusion in his art for the future generations.

 A word for the following generations:

Dong left us happiness and long age as lasting mountains from the land of Chinese Traditions,
May his art shine and expand in our nation.

He had an incredible strength and was involved in the education of his country.
He was trying to bring happiness by elevating to the origin of everything.
 

Fifth generation – 19 years of Chinese Republic – 26th of March.
Ma Gui, Men Baozhen, Feng Junyi, Dian Kai, He Jinkui, Yin Yuzheng, Lu Shukui

___________________________________________________

Transcription of the Fourth Stele erected at Dong Haichuan’s tomb in 1930 by Lu Shukui

Founder of a national art

Dong Haichuan was born in Wen An. He was naturally gifted with strength and braveness which helped him to gain an excellent reputation. More than a thousand people visited him. Even nowadays we are astonished by the development of his method. His skills were uncommon. By reading his biography one may start to recognize him as an immortal. The quality of his art and martial techniques, has inspired many, discussed with many details and are the subject of many books. Master Dong inspired everyone by the nobility of his life. His death sealed his reputation. One could hardly reach his level of achievement. Even though I do not deserve to be his successor, without any hesitation, let me bow once more in front of you with all my disciples. I have greatly benefited from his knowledge and this is why I wrote this epitaph to thank Master Dong for his benevolence.

Salutations from disciples of fourth generation: Lu Shukui and followers.

Text by Wang Hui of fifth generation.

Baguazhang in Beijing

Dong Haiquan was born in Jia Qin third year (1797) and died in Guang Xu eighth year (1882). His former given name was Jide and later changed it to Haiquan. His home county was Wen An of Hebei province. He was interested in the martial arts since his childhood, looking for renown teachers and absorbing many different styles that he encountered. From this quest he created the specific martial art known in our days as Baguazhang.

___________________________________________________

Notes concerning Ma Gui and Men Baozhen.

Ma Gui was a student of both the founder, Dong Haichuan, and his top disciple, Yin Fu. It is reported that Dong even lived with Ma for a period of time once he moved from the Imperial grounds in Beijing. Listed second on the third stele is Men Baozhen. He has great importance in the lineage of Yin Style Baguazhang. According to the statements of the late Dr. Xie Peiqi, Men Baozhen was his instructor in the art. That Men was taught the entire martial and medical aspects of Yin Style Bagua from Yin Fu. He was a contemptorary of Ma Gui and Dr. Xie, at times, studied from both men. The vast knowledge base that these two men passed on to Dr. Xie was astonding. There are those that doubt the validity of the various animal systems that are taught in our line of Yin Style Bagua, but it should be noted that Men Baozhen listed the eight animal systems and the striking methods specific to each in his book, Orthodox Bagua Penetrating Palm. This confirms that the eight animal systems were part of Yin Style Baguazhang at the time that Men Baozhen was instructing the art and are not a construction of Dr. Xie Peiqi. Likewise, verbal histories passed down from Dr. Xie states that Yin Fu, Dong’s top disciple, practiced the eight animal systems as well. The question must be raised that if Yin Fu and his student, Men Baozhen, practiced the eight animal systems, then it must have been passed to Yin Fu from Dong Haichuan as part of the complete transmission of his teachings. Other branches of bagua that are taught today do not contain the various animal systems in their teachings. It appears the many branches of Cheng Style Baguazhang works entirely from those found in only the Dragon system.

[Home] [QIAN] [KAN] [GEN] [ZHEN] [XUN] [LI] [KUN] [DUI] [Store] [Study Group]

Copyright © 2008 - Smoky Mountain Yin Style Baguazhang