Li Xiuren, daughter of Bagua Zhang master Li Ziming and founder of the Beijing Bagua Zhang Museum, beside the commemorative wall recognising contributors to the restoration of Dong Haichuan's tomb. My Chinese name, Wei Long (威龙), is highlighted among the donors.
In September 2026, restoration work was completed on the tomb of Dong Haichuan (董海川), founder of Bagua Zhang, at Beijing's Wan'an Cemetery.
As I explained in my previous article about the restoration, this project has particular personal significance for me. My grand-teacher, Li Ziming (李子鸣), was instrumental in relocating and establishing Dong Haichuan's memorial tomb in the early 1980s, and my teacher, Di Guoyong (邸国勇), personally participated in the excavation and relocation of Dong's remains and memorial stele.
The recent restoration was organised by Li Ziming's daughter, Li Xiuren (李秀人), my martial aunt, who established and runs the Beijing Bagua Zhang Museum.
Although I could not be present in Beijing to assist with the work, I was pleased to make a financial contribution towards the restoration and preservation of the tomb. I regard this as a responsibility that comes with inheriting and practising the martial tradition established by Dong Haichuan.
Certificate of Honour (荣誉证书) presented to Byron Jacobs, under his Chinese name Wei Long (威龙), by the Beijing Bagua Zhang Museum and Beijing Ziming Wushu Culture Communication Centre in recognition of his financial contribution to restoring Dong Haichuan's tomb.
A Certificate of Honour
Following the completion of the restoration, Li Xiuren kindly sent me a beautiful Certificate of Honour (荣誉证书), issued by the Beijing Bagua Zhang Museum and the Beijing Ziming Martial Arts Culture Communication Centre.
The certificate, bearing my Chinese name, 威龙 (Wei Long), acknowledges my contribution towards the restoration.
Its inscription reads:
Motivated by respect for the masters of the past and a desire to honour their virtues, Wei Long has generously contributed towards the restoration of the founding master's tomb.
This benevolent act embodies the spirit of righteousness and compassion and serves as an example to future generations.
This certificate is hereby presented in sincere appreciation and recognition of this contribution.
I was particularly touched by this thoughtful gesture.
A commemorative inscription accompanying the Certificate of Honour, expressing gratitude to those who supported the preservation of Dong Haichuan's tomb and honouring the responsibility of later generations to safeguard their martial arts heritage.
The commemorative inscription accompanying the certificate also expresses a sentiment that I believe is especially appropriate to the preservation of traditional martial arts:
A handful of ancestral earth preserves the noble spirit of the masters of old.
A generous contribution reflects the sincerity of those who follow in their footsteps.
May the heritage of martial learning endure through the generations, and may the spirit of benevolence remain everlasting.
For me, the significance of this recognition lies not in having my name recorded, but in knowing that I have been able to play a small part in preserving an important historical site associated with the origins of Bagua Zhang.
Commemorative wall recognising contributors to the restoration of Dong Haichuan's tomb.
A Permanent Record of Those Who Contributed
In addition to issuing certificates, the museum has established a commemorative wall listing those who helped fund the restoration.
The wall bears the heading:
大爱无疆，携手共建
Boundless Generosity — Working Together to Preserve Our Heritage
捐赠光荣榜
Honour Roll of Contributors
My Shifu, Di Guoyong 邸國勇 is listed as am I by my Chinese name, 威龙, which appear alongside those of the other contributors.
Remembering Our Roots
The Chinese expression 饮水思源 (Yin Shui Si Yuan) When drinking water, remember its source, seems particularly fitting.
The preservation of traditional martial arts extends beyond the practice and transmission of physical techniques. It also involves protecting their history, commemorating those who came before us, and ensuring that future generations can maintain a meaningful connection to their origins.
I am sincerely grateful to Li Xiuren, the Beijing Bagua Zhang Museum, and everyone who contributed to organising and carrying out this restoration.
It is a privilege to have participated, however modestly, in continuing the work that my grand-teacher Li Ziming and his generation began more than four decades ago.
Related Article
Liang Style Bagua Zhang Volume One: Foundational Practices presents the history, principles and essential training methods of Liang Style Bagua Zhang. Written by fourth-generation master Di Guoyong and translated, co-authored and edited by his disciple Byron Jacobs, this volume provides a structured introduction to the system and its traditional practice.
The book traces the origins and development of Bagua Zhang before examining the formation of the Liang style through its founder, Liang Zhenpu. It follows the transmission of the system through successive generations and includes Di Guoyong’s personal account of studying under the renowned master Li Ziming.
The instructional chapters introduce the fundamental practices used to establish the body method, stepping, coordination and principles required for further study. Particular attention is given to the Eight Fixed Posture Palms, an important foundational practice within Liang Style Bagua Zhang.
Clear explanations, detailed illustrations and supporting video references help readers study the movements and underlying principles. The material is suitable both for practitioners beginning their study of Liang Style Bagua Zhang and for experienced martial artists seeking a deeper understanding of the system’s foundations and lineage.
This volume includes
The origins and historical development of Bagua Zhang
The life of Liang Zhenpu and the formation of the Liang style
The transmission of the Liang lineage through successive generations
Di Guoyong’s experiences studying under Li Ziming
Essential principles and foundational training methods
Detailed instruction in the Eight Fixed Posture Palms
Illustrations and supporting video references
Book details
Authors: Di Guoyong and Byron Jacobs
Language: English
Paperback: 224 pages
Interior: Black and white
Dimensions: 156 × 234 × 14 mm
Weight: approximately 480 g
ISBN: 978-9925-8003-4-6
Publication date: May 2025
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