While I have had the good fortune to meet and interview several of the last authentic traditional martial artists since moving to China in 1986, ATS’ focus has been on documenting the knowledge within the Yin Style Bagua lineage as passed on through Dong Haichuan to Yin Fu to Men Baozhen to Xie Peiqi. I met and began working with Dr. Xie in 1993, studying and recording his knowledge until his passing in 2003.

On the martial side, Dr. Xie left two students who represent the depth and power of this art:  He Jinbao (born 1955), who carries on the martial lineage, and his first and oldest surviving student, Liu Shichang (born 1928). While many claim to be Dr. Xie’s student, only these two practitioners truly represent the martial side of this system. ATS features educational videos from both of these practitioners.

In terms of the complete system of Yin Style Bagua, which encompasses martial arts, medicine and internal cultivation, I am the only student left fully and directly taught by Dr. Xie. This sad truth is a reflection of the difficult recent history of China, the previous secrecy of this line of Yin Style Bagua, and a lack of long term commitment by the many Chinese and foreign students who came and went. I only wish my skill was a better reflection of the incredible effort he put into me.

Andrew Nugent-Head

Beijing, January 2010