Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1945 and started learning Shaolin martial arts, Shuai Jiao, and Taiji from an early age. In 1978 he began studying Zhuang Gong Bagua Zhang with Liu Xing Han and Wang Wen Kui, while simultaneously studying Xingyi Quan. He graduated with a master’s degree in Chinese culture and literature from Beijing University. He currently lives in Seattle, Washington, where he continues to research and teach Zhuang Gong Bagua Zhang. Richard Shapiro lives in Mesa, Arizona, where he practices and teaches Bagua Zhang and Taiji Quan and practices Tui Na bodywork. He holds a master’s degree in sport science and has been training in martial arts since 1992. Randy Chung, Mark Wigzell, and Will Baller have all studied Zhuang Gong Bagua Zhang with Master Zhang for many years. Through their hard work and discipline, they have all gained a deep understanding of the Zhuang Gong Bagua system. Randy Chung and Will Baller are also studying Xingyi Quan with Master Zhang. They all continue to study Bagua Zhang under Master Zhang at his home in Seattle.
