Wednesday Practice - Day # 3 in the rotation - Taiji Dao Day

 

The Details:

It's 40 at the house. Chores today in preparation for our departure on Saturday.

The Practice:

" You will never cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore"

" If you want THIS you'll need to give up THAT" This applies across the board!

I started up in The Loft with a full round of The 10+ I did use dumbbells and a 10 lbs weighted vest starting at #8.

Next I did a Round (I started on the right side but got a bit confused in Section II and inadvertently switched to the left side, once I realized my error I simply switched back to the right @ Wave Hands Like Clouds) I recited the Taiji Classics during Part I. I remained focused on expressing Jin in my fingers.

Next I did a round of Yin style Baguazhang 8 Linking Palms Changes 5-8 (both sides)

Next I did a round of Anyo Tatlo focused on using quality basics and applications.

Next I did a round of Seiunchin Kata focused on using correct techniques in the correct sequence.

Next I did a round of Taiji Dao using a metal broadsword.

Next I did a round of Pakua-Knife focused on using the correct sequence.

I returned to the house to journal today's practices.

Private lessons with Sifu Roy

Tatsuo Shimabuku "Isshin-Ryu Karate Seiunchin Kata"

Tuesday Practice - Day #2 in the rotation, Taiji Jian Day!

 

Today is Taiji Jian Day 

The Details:

It's 33 at the house. Ponton's are coming at 10 for the last time this season. I checked with Jean about a visit this morning but Paul had a Nurse appointment. 

The Practice:

It was late and I didn't feel like practicing but alas.....I went out on The Deck and did a brief Warm Up.

Next I did a Round (left side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Parts I & II. I remained focused on expressing Jin in my fingers and breathing in and out through my nose.

Next I did Standing and then Healing Qigong.

Next I did a round of Yin style Baguazhang 8 Linking Palms Changes 1-4 (both sides) reciting the names of the postures throughout.

Next I did a round of Anyo Isa

Next I did a round of Naihanchi Kata

Next I did a round of Taiji Jian using a wooden Jian reciting the names of the postures throughout and keeping my eye's focused on the tip of the sword.

Next I did a row of Lazy D with my left side.

I returned to the house to journal today's practices

FYI - I inadvertently erased this entire post once. So this is the second time around and frankly I did feel like writing it at all! But alas again.....

Private lessons with Sifu Roy

Monday Practice - Day # 1 in the rotation

 

The Details:

It's 30 at the house. I'm waiting for a call from Cherry Rum Automotive this morning once my Volvo is finished and I'll drive in and swap out my BMW. I may check in with Jean to see if today may work to visit with Paul.

The Practice:

I went out on The Deck and started with a full round of The 10+ (No weights today) I focused on overall health.

Next I did a Round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. I remained focused on breathing in and out through my nose. 

Next I did Healing Qigong

Next I did a round of Cheng Style Baguazhang Yin/Yang Figure 8 Cirlcle Walking.

Next I did a round of Anyo Isa focused on extending my punches to a full muscle lock.

Next I did a round of Seisan Kata tuned into using high quality basics, the timing of the 'shuffle' and adding more focus to my punches and kicks.

Next I did a round of Taiji Cane Form (right side) tuned into using the correct sequence and direction of techniques.

Next I reviewed Taiji Cane on the left side. I did OK with sections 1, 2 and 3 but got confused on section #4.

I returned to the house for lunch and to journal today's practices

Private Lessons with Sifu Roy

Sunday Practice - Short Practice today

 

The Details:

It's 33 at the house this morning. We're going to brunch in Keene with Peter and Susan. We are meeting them at 10:30 at their house, then walking over to the restaurant on Main Street in Keene (The Yellow Bell Cafe). 

The Practice:

I went out on The Deck to catch a quick Round before we left for Keene.

I started with a brief Warm Up and then did a Round (right side) observing principles with a meditative mind set. 

I finished with Healing Qigong and returning to the house to journal today's practice.

Private lessons with Sifu

Saturday Practice - Day #8 in the rotation

 

The Details:

It's 35 at the house. Brrrr! I'll be calling Jared about my lawn tractor and packing today. We've got dinner plans with Dylan, Guilia, Melinday and Dave this evening. 

The Practice:

It was late morning before I went out on The Deck with Echo to practice. It was sunny, cool and just perfect for outside practice.

I started with a full round of The 10+ focused on overall health.

Next I did a Round (left side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Parts I & II. I remained focused on observing the principles from a meditative point of view. I had a glitch right at the end where I realized I had inadvertently switched to the right side. Oy! I remained equanimous and simple switched back. These errors are good for developing the Indomitable Spirit. I used a Weight Vest starting at Ba Shi and continued wearing it for the rest of my practice.

Next I did a brief round of Cheng style Baguazhang Yin/Yang Figure Eight Circle Walking before I realized that Day #8 in rotation is actually Old 8 Palms.

Next I did a round of Cheng style Baguazhang Old 8 Palms Changes 1-8 (both sides) using Mud-Wading Stepping. I recited the names of the postures throughout the round. I keep skipping over #2 (circulating Yin energy) and I have to go back and 'get it'.

Next I did a round of Anyo Walo focused on using quality basics in correct order, direction and sequence.

Next I did a round of Sanchin Kata focused on Abdominal Breathing connected to my strikes.

Next I did a round of Modern Arnis Cane Anyo's 1-4 (both sides). I had a glitch at the end of #4 on the left side. Oy!!

I finished with Healing Qigong and returned to the house to journal today's practices.

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Kaizen

 

Click on the link to learn more:    Kaizen

Friday Practice - Day #7 in the rotation

 

The Details:

It's 38 at the house and sunny. I've got a vehicle switch this morning (or afternoon!). GG is going to NETA and we are having dinner with Genna and Ali tonight at 6 in Brattleboro at The Echo Restaurant. Whew, it sure does get busy as we approach migrating to NSB.

The Practice:

I started on The Deck with a full round of The 10+ sans the dumbbell routing at #8. I tuned into being consistent for my health.

Next I did a Round (left side) about 1/2 way through I realized that I did the left side yesterday and today should have been on the right, but I stayed on the left regardless. I recited the Taiji Classics during Parts I & II.

Next I did a full round of Yin style Baguazhang 8 Palms Set, Changes 1-8 (both sides) I recited the names of the postures throughout. I had most of the names for #5 (Phoenix Palm) and #6 (Unicorn Palm) 

Next I did a round of Anyo Pito tuned into using the correct sequence, direction and techniques. 

Next I did a round of Kusanku Kata focused on mobility and agility.

Next I did a round of Sunsu Kata focused on using the correct sequence and techniques as well as catching up with the rotation.

Next I did a round of Double Dao using wooden broadswords. I tuned into the 'Bind the Head' sequences for my shoulder health.

I ended with Healing Qigong and returning to the house to journal today's practice.

Private lessons with Sifu

Thursday Practice - Day #6 in the rotation

 

The Details:

It's 47 at the house. I've got a hair cut scheduled for 11 in Brattleboro. I've the Boy'z coming to play music from 2-4. I've got to bring my Volvo S70 to Cherry Rum Automotive late afternoon, so that it will be there when they open. After the Volvo is done I trade it out with my BMW CSi. One more thing taken care of. Oy! So many details to leave Leyden for 6 months.

The Practice:

I started in The Driveway with a brief warm up and getting the leaf blower running.

Next I did a round of Taiji Staff (both sides) using deep stances and little hops.

Next I did a round of Monkey Staff (one side only) tuned into the correct sequence.

Next I did a round of Lo Family Staff (one side only) tuned into the pool cue movements and 'bind the head' movements. I had a glitch towards the end.

Next I did a Round of Part I tuned into 'getting it in'

After I arrived at Northern Roots for my haircut I was early so I chose a spot outside to finish my Round.

I did Part II and III focused on observing the principles.as I practiced.

Next I did a round of Anyo Apat tuned into using high quality basics as well as applications.

I ran out of time, tomorrow (Friday) I'll do a round of Kusanku along with a round of Sunsu Kata.

After my haircut I drove home to journal today's practices

Wednesday Practice - Day #5 in the rotation

 

The Details:

It's 51 at the house. It rained overnight . I've got a dental cleaning at Dr. Goldsher's at 11 am this morning.

 I'm having dinner with Travis at 6:30 tonight at the new Mexican restaurant (El Nopalito) where the old Athens Restaurant in the Montague Plains.

The Practice:

I started downstairs (inside) with a full round of The 10+ I was focused on being consistent for overall health benefits. I did not use dumbbells for #8. I did Dragon's Back and Ba Shi as well as the three swings (tuned into stimulating the Belt Meridian) and Song Gong (focused on the Triangles, starting at my feet and adding as I go up the body).

Next I went upstairs to The Loft and did a Round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. I remained focused on feeling Jin expand upward from my feet and form in my fingers. I also tuned into Taoist LB in and out through the nose.

Next I did Cheng style Baguazhang 8 Animal Palms (Mother Palms) Changes 5-8 (both sides) I focused on Mud-Wading Stepping and Square Stepping (#5 Phoenix Palm).

Next I did a round of Anyo Lima tuned into the correct sequence and applications.

Next I did a round of Chinto Kata focused on developing mobility and agility.

I finished with Healing Qigong. 

I returned to the house to prepare for the Dentist visit and to journal today's practices.

Questions or feedback?

Muscles secret chemicals and proteins when you contract them!

 

                                                          Muscles secret hormones

Yutori

 

                                                                       Yutori

Wisdom

 

Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom!

Tuesday Practice - Day #4 in rotation

 

The Details:

It's 47 at the house. 

The Practice:

I began the day with planning for the trip Barre Italy. Yikes!! That is complicated! Are we having fun yet?

I also did a medium acoustic guitar practice.

Next I did a round of The 10+ in the living room focused on overall health and consistency.

Next I did a Round (left side) reciting my version of the Taiji Classics during Parts I & II. I remained focused on Taoist Longevity Breathing through my nose and feeling the ground pushing up through my feet. 

Next I went out to my main practice area and did a round of Yin style Baguazhang 8 Linking Palms Changes 5-8 (both sides) focused on using the correct sequence and good quality postures.

Next I did a round of Cheng style Baguazhang 8 Animal Palms (Mother Palms) Changes 1-4 (both sides) focused on correct sequence at the correct Gua, I was mostly focused on catching up with the Day #4 in the rotation. Meeting Jeff on Sunday and driving to Lebanon NH on Monday has thrown me off my rotations. Oh ya and my lack of enthusiasm and difficulty in approaching my practice.

Next I did a round of Anyo Tatlo tuned into applications and the specific details and techniques of this Anyo.

Next I did a round of Anyo Apat tuned into the correct sequence and the specifics of this Anyo. I was focused on catching up to Day #4 in the rotation; meeting with Jeff on Sunday and driving to Lebanon NH on Monday has thrown my rotations off. Oh ya and my lack of enthusiasm and difficulty in approaching my practice hasn't helped either. Every since CoVid and me simply aging I've been having a challenging time approaching and 'getting into' my practices. I'm sure it would help if I just took some time off.....But that's NOT in the cards. Luckily I have developed a fair amount of self-discipline. 

Next I did a round of Seiunchin Kata focused on the particular techniques in the Kata.

Next I did a round of Wansu Kata focused on using the correct sequence and techniques that are unique to this Kata. I focused on getting back on track with my Forms rotation. As I wrote earlier...Meeting and practicing with Jeff on Sunday and driving to the doctors in Lebanon NH on Monday has thrown me off my rotations. Oh ya and my lack of enthusiasm and difficulty in approaching my practice.

Next I did a round of Taiji Dao using Master T. T. Liang's Broadsword. I focused on doing the correct techniques in the correct direction in the correct sequence.

Next I did a round of Pa-Kua Knife focused on the correct sequence. I got a bit confused towards the end. The sequence is becoming more familiar but I still have a ways to go for the sequence to be accurate all the way through.

I finished with Healing Qigong and returning to the house to journal today's practices.

Questions or comments: