Vertical-Force Martial Arts
Mastery Reflected in Balance of One’s Three-fold Nature
By Michael Guen

Yin Fu Ba Gua Quan (Eight Trigrams Boxing)
The hypothesis set forth in this article is that the martial art Gong Baozai received from Gong Baotian, and subsequently transmitted to me, is a root ba gua quan system, and beyond that—a mystery tradition. Gong Baozai explained that the telling difference between a root system and a branch system is a root system’s wider applicability. Whereas a branch system is the fixed outer expression of a theme bearing little capacity for change, a root inquiry aims at engendering a quality only: an essential feeling or principle which, unhindered by limitations imposed from rigid structure, affords more versatility and fluidly.

The quest for “formlessness” invokes a deep sense for life’s paradoxical quality. How does one grasp this essential feeling or principle, committing oneself as one often must to an external structure through ritual of tradition, yet ultimately remain unconfined by it? A solution lies in recognizing the multidimensional nature of reality. What is apparent on the surface is in most cases merely a partial view of layers of motivating forces lying beneath. The ba gua quan system is advanced in design because layered elements of formlessness are invisibly woven into the methodology. Its core element, vertical-force, is a literal capacity to connect movement of the limbs with the intelligence of the internal organs.

Through correct physical method and principled conduct role-played within the master-disciple dynamic, cultivation of this special brand of intelligence fosters clear and direct communication between inside and out. Simultaneously honoring one’s inner needs while catering to the demands of the outer environment, helps reconcile competing lower and higher impulses.
A flexible structure is needed to conduct such an intricate and dimensional life inquiry. At the basis of ba gua quan’s framework is Chinese medicine’s three-fold relationship between heaven, humankind and earth.

This universal triad also finds expression in other languages:

Thinking, Feeling, Willing (western mysticism)
Sensory-nerve, rhythmic, metabolic (Rosicrucian medicine)
Scholarship, Medicine, Warriorship (orthodox martial arts)
Discipleship, Teachership, Mastership (traditional culture)

Balance is accomplished when, within oneself, the three relationships are brought into alignment. Mastery is achieved when extraordinary goals reflect in the ordinary.

History suggests that first generation ba gua quan Patriarch, Dong Haichuan, had attained formlessness of character. His most famous students, Yin Fu and Cheng Tinghua, acquired markedly different methods from the eight trigrams model Dong drew from. How could their methods have differed so significantly? We must return to the fundamental distinction between root and stem, principle and form. Having grasped the formless principle of eight trigrams, Dong Haichuan was able to “adapt” training methodologies to the individual bents and temperaments of his students.
The Yin Fu system offered at Vertical-Force Martial Arts seeks to emulate this high ideal. Elaborate and complex, it is as rich in scholarship and medicine as in warriorship. Verbal transmission is equal in importance to physical instruction, supporting the premise that the task of shaping physical habits is relatively easy as compared to reforming the character and expanding the mind.

The Outer Method
Like any conduct-based life practice system, ba gua quan is nevertheless committed to a prescribed form. Yet amidst this form the divine is sought. Its core physical rituals, eight postures known as eight mother palms (ba mu zhang), are a direct outward manifestation of the body’s invisible organ realm. In shaping the neuromuscular and fascia systems through specific postures and movements, a main objective of “separate parts training” is fulfilled. Based on the notion that awakening individual parts fully actualizes the whole, the method prescribed by the Yin Fu system is designed to bring the intelligence out completely.

Research versus Application
Hand-to-hand combat is an essential component of any martial arts training. The basic awareness and control needed for self-defense should be the same as that required for the mature adult to efficiently handle life’s multi-faceted duties and responsibilities. However, as necessary such experience is, from the vertical-force perspective, free-fighting can only take place outside of regular training. Due to their radically differing motives the division between research and application must be strictly upheld. The aim of research is to prepare one for life—to provide a safe forum where one can withdraw to rest, repair, and perfect one’s separate parts inquiry. The aim of practical application, by contrast, requires that one think, speak and act spontaneously as an integrated whole. The difficulty in translating higher principles to action under real life stresses and threat is well known to history.

Vertical-force training is therefore single-minded in its devotion to cultivation of higher biological and spiritual laws. Character training and family/community relationships provide an indispensable container wherein one can maximize lessons from the world. By adhering to the clear cut boundary between formal training and free application, unforeseeable problems can be circumvented, increasing the chances that highest technical and moral standards can be achieved.

Character Medicine and Change
Ba gua quan as a whole-life discipline foremost encourages expansion of mind-body-spirit intelligence, and from that, mastery of conduct for evolution and healing. Character reading and character transformation, in addition to their practical usefulness in correcting imbalances, is also an invaluable source of spiritual nutrition. Knowing how to relate powerfully yet healthily with others in community supplies a form of life nourishment that food and drink cannot. Challenges are better dealt with when one possesses tools derived from surrender and clarity. Living on behalf of one’s higher purpose engenders detachment from suffering.

Lineage: Since 1977, formal 5th generation disciple from the line descending from Dong Haichuan – Yin Fu – Gong Baotian – Gong Baozai.

Curriculum
Please refer to Ba Gua Quan Essential Guide by Dr. Michael Guen

Class Schedule:
Men’s and Women’s Classes held weekly in Sebastopol, CA.
Intensives held throughout the year.
Private instruction available.
For information write or call: michael@wasahinstitute.com, 707-815-4014