Benjamin H.

I am a San Shou Referee and judge certified by Xia Ba Hua of Beijing. I am the Owner and Director of my own Boxing School. I have tirelessly worked to promote Ba-Gua as a complete Martial Art. From 1992-94, I created and ran the after school Martial Arts program for the Beacon Centers of New York. From 2000-03, I was the host of the Annual All Ba-Gua Zhang Championship Tournament. I have judged numerous tournaments and conducted Seminars and Workshops on the East and West Coast. In 2010, I published my first book on the system. One of my students is the current MUSU Traditional fighting tournament, Middleweight Champion. My future goals include various Training DVD’s, the publishing of a second book and a revamp of the All Ba Gua Zhang Championship Tournament, expanding it internationally.

In 1969 I began my Martial art training at the age of 5 with Shotokan Karate. At 9 years old I was introduced to Monkey style kung fu. Between 12 and18 years of age, I learned Northern Mantis with Tony Chu and I also learned Eagle Claw with Leung Shum. From Leung Shum, I became very skilled in Chin Na. (Locking Skill). From 1980-82, I trained Ba-Gua with Kenny Gong 5 days a week and Eagle Claw on the weekends. At 20 years of age I decided to dedicate my life to the mastery of Ba Gua. I spent 17 years with Kenny Gong, until his passing in 1996, Learning Jiang Rong Qiao Style Ba Gua Zhang in which I’m certified. In 1994 I met and began to learn The Cao Branch of the Yin Fu Style Ba Gua with Successor Chen Xiao Ping for 5yrs. From 1995-97, I also studied under Famed Shi Pei Qi and Ha Jin Bao of the Yin Fu style of Ba Gua Zhang as taught by Men Bao Zhen .I also studied with Lou De Xu (Eric Lou) of the Gao Style Ba Gua Zhang (94-95) and Lin Chao Zhen of the Fu Style Ba Gua Zhang for 2yrs (91-93). I served as the NY Representative of Johnny Kwan Ming Lee – Fu style (94-95).
1992 – 94 officially began teaching At the Pilot School for the Beacon Center of New York after school Program, where I developed and taught the Martial arts program.
1993 – 96 Taught Ba Gua Zhang at the YMCA & DAYA Center (NY)
1994 – I was certified by Xia Ba Hua (Beijing San Shou President) as a Judge and Referee. (San Shou – Free Fighting)
1994 – Created and Opened The Ba Gua Zhang Research & Boxing Association International. An organization created for the preservation and promotion of this art.
1994 – Featured in the Military Magazine “The Leatherneck” For my teaching of the ROTC Program for The Beacon Center of New York.
1995 – 97 Students began competing in tournaments such as THE SUMMER BASH, and the annual WONG FEI HONG. ETC… Open Hand, Weapons and Fighting.
1997-98 I Taught at Morehouse University in ATL, GA, where I taught a kids class and a woman’s self defense class as well as a public class on the grounds until 1999.
1997- Hosted and promoted Master Shi Pei Qi’s (Ba Gua) very successful Visit to the US for his annual weeklong workshop.
1996 - 99 I worked at Motown Universal, Doing Security and Driving.
1999- 2004-5 Head Judge of the Internal Division (Tai Chi, Xing I, and Ba Gua Zhang) of the annual WONG FEI HUNG TOURNAMENT.
2000 -03 I began teaching Traditional Martial Arts at Syracuse University.
2000-06 – Taught Self Defense at the Westcott & Southwest community Centers in Syracuse, NY
2000-03 – Created and hosted the 1stAnnual all Ba Gua Zhang Tournament. An international event.
2000-09 I conducted various workshops and seminars in Phoenix, AZ, Upstate NY Saratoga springs, Rochester, Oneonta, Atlanta, GA, Jersey city, NJ
2004-06 Taught Qi Gong (Breath/health) At Onondaga Community College and Worked on an accredited Martial arts based program with School Officials
2010- Published First Book “Ba Gua Zhang A Historical Analysis”
2010 – Student won the MUSU (Traditional Martial Arts Fighting Tournament)
To Date I have been in the Martial Arts field for 42yrs. I have also received many awards and certificates for my contributions to the Martial Arts
My future goals include various Training DVD’s, publishing my second book and a revamp of the All Ba Gua Zhang Championship Tournament, expanding it internationally.

Generally sessions are tailored for the needs of the Individual, a normal session will begin with first, relaxing Qi Gong which leads to the 5 core warm up exercises after which the fundamentals are learned and trained. A general list of these fundamentals are. Stance, Body alignment , coordination, Breathing and conditioning. It's a progressive art, so as you get better, you learn more.