Formal & Informal Lineage

The tradition of "lineage" predates other methods of ranking. Although technically all llneage is formal, meaning that a disciple has been accepted as an initiated "Inner Door" member of the art transferred via formal Confucian ceremony,  the term is loosely used by many to mean "line of instruction" showing how the art has passed through generations from teacher to student. Since Master John Bracy, founder of Hsing Chen and Chi Arts Associations has both formal and informal lineage, both formal lineage and teaching lines are passed on to qualifed members.

[Link to Hsing Chen and Chi Arts Association ranking & ranking standards]

FORMAL BA GUA ZHANG LINEAGE

Ba Gua's founder, Dong Hai-chuan initiated the use of formal lineage in the Art in the late 1800s. In this tradition, and to ensure that authentic lineage holder could be identified to other initiates, Master Dong developed a lineage name system in order that initiates would be able to identify each other within the proper lineage relationship. For example, 4th generation lineage disciple Liu Xing-han [add link] was given the lineage name "Peaceful Mountain," in this case the word "mountain," the fourth word of Dong's poem indicates Liu's fourth generation lineage placement. In the same manner, the handful of formal lineage disciples accepted by Master Liu, including John Bracy, all include "yong" (always)  the fifth word of Dong's poem in their lineage name. (John's lineage name is "Yong Wei'). [View John Bracy's Fifth generation lineage certificate]

John Bracy's Formal 6th Generation Ba Gua Zhang Disciples

Each of the following disciples were accepted via formal Confucian ceremony, continuing an unbroken line from Founder Dong Hai-chuan to the 6th generation initiate. (Note: Gulbrandson and Quach were initiated in Beijing with participation and witnessing by 4th generation disciple Liu Xing-han, and other 5th and 6th generation lineage disciples.

[Read more about lineage and rank standards]

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The above photo of our 1917 Ba Gua Zhang lineage "family" shows 3rd Generation master Liu Bin with students..

(photo given to Shrfu John on his 1988 trip to Beijing)

6th generation lineage disciples Zack Gelbaum and Dr. Don Crone after lineage ceremony