Friday Practice - Day #8 in the rotation

 

The Details:

It's 58 at the house. I've got grocery shopping and preparations for our annual Harvest Dinner with Wayne, Bobby and Brooks.

The Practice:

I started on The Deck with Echo. I did a full round of The 10+ focused on 'getting 'em in' and the overall health benefits that I derive from regularly doing this magical and important set.

Next I went out to my main training area and did a Round (left side again) I used the metronome in my phone set a 60 BPM with two tones. I focused on the timing of the various aspects of the Form and I also monitored the quality of my waist and hips directing my Jin and then manifesting my Jin in my fingers.

Next I did a brief Standing (PT) and a full Healing Qigong.

Next I did a round of Cheng style Baguazhang Old 8 Palms using Mud Wading Steps. I had a little confusion at the beginning after leaving out #2 Palm. I went back and got it going correctly.

Next I did a round of Anyo Isa tuned into adding more focus to my punches and kicks.

Next I did a round of Sanchin Kata focused on the overall quality of my stances and basics as well as connecting my abdominal breathing to my techniques. With a control wave of dynamic tension for abdominal to knuckles, finger tips and palms.

Next I didi a round of Modern Arnis Cane Anyo 1-4 on both sides. I used my wooden Boken to do this. I focused on light body during #2 and the live hand throughout. I've just recently been able to get through #4 on the left side. Yay!

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

Private Lessons with Sifu

Thursday Practice - Short workout today

 

The Details:

It's 53 at the house. I have chores to do today; grocery shopping for the harvest dinner that we are hosting tomorrow night.

The Practice:

I started on The Deck with Echo doing a round of the original 10 Exercises. At first I was only going to do a brief Warm Up but then negotiated with myself to do the original 10. I mostly focused on regularity of practice in order to extract the maximum benefit for my overall health and longevity.

Next I did a Round (right side) focused on Feeling throughout the Round.

Next I drove into Greenfield to grocery shop for the Harvest Dinner tomorrow afternoon/evening.

First, I went to Fosters first to get a shrimp ring, broccoli and potatoes, next I went to BJ's for 5 tenderloin steaks. The butcher was on break so I'll need to go back tomorrow.

Wednesday Practice - Day #7 in the rotation

 

The Details:

It's 51 at the house. I've got the boy's coming at 2 for music in The Barn and Travis coming up to record us. Wayne and Ba flew in from Austin yesterday. 

The Practice:

I started with acoustic guitar practice. I'm still flushing out what to use in my right hand. I think I've settled on a pick and using my middle and ring fingers to do the Travis Picking melodies. It's still a work in progress.Changing things around is slowing my progress but hey...So what?

Next I went out on The Deck with Echo and did a full round of The 10+ focused on health and consistency. I can't really tell the difference after a single session of The 10+ but I can certainly tell the difference over the years and decades. The results seem subtle but they are actually profound; especially after 70!

Next I went out to my main practice area and did a Round (left side) I started reciting the Taiji Classics but then realized that I had segued to the right side and decided to stop reciting the Classics and pay more attention to the correct sequence, on the correct side in the correct direction. After that decision I didn't lose my place in the sequence and was able to stay on the left side. One of the pitfalls of both sides feeling comfortable is that it's very easy to slip over to the 'other' side inadvertently. Oy!

Next I did Changes 5-8 of Yin style Baguazhang 8 Palms Set mostly focused on correct sequence. The names for these last 4 Changes is proving to be challenging.

Next I did a round of Anyo Pito focused on correct sequence in the correct direction.

Next I did a round of Sunsu Kata tuned into using quality basics and correct sequence.

Next I did a round of Taiji Double Dao using two wooden broadswords focused on overall health and shoulder health during the 'round the head' movements.

I finished with Healing Qigong

Private Lessons with Sifu

Tuesday Practice - Day #6 in the rotation

 

The Details:

It's 54 at the house. I've got Echo duty this morning and an 8:30 am video call with Jeff. I'm preparing the house for the Ponton's coming at 10:00. Very busy morning!

The Practice:

I started on The Deck around noon with a brief Warm Up using the first few of The 10 Exercises.

Next I did a Round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. I was mostly focused on consistency.

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

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

Next I went out to my main practice area and did a round of Kusanku Kata tuned into mobility and agility.

Next I did a round of Low Family Staff tuned into using the correct sequence and shoulder health when doing the 'round the head' sequences.

I finished with Healing Qigong

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

Private Lessons with Sifu

Monday Practice - Day #5 in the rotation

 

The Details:

It's 54 at the house. I don't have anything scheduled for the day. I need to get a visit to Paul and Jean in at some point. Perhaps today? I texted Jean. I haven't heard back yet.

The Practice:

I started inside reading a poem from Mary Oliver's book "Evidence"

Around mid-morning I went out on The Deck with Echo.

Once we were situated on The Deck I did a full round of The 10+. Once again I ended up doing The Dragons Back and Ba Shi after I did #8 (using 20 lbs dumbbells, adding curls to each Wuji Squat). 

Next I used a 25 lbs dumbbell to do a round of Tricep Extensions.

I mainly focused on regular (daily) practice of The 10+ for overall health and longevity.

Next I went out to my main practice area and did a Round (left side) reciting my version of The Taiji Classics during Part I. I focused on using my waist and developing a profound connection to Earth, Nature and The Universe.

Next I did a round of Cheng style Baguazhang 8 Mother (animal) Set, Changes 5-8 (both sides). I had a slight bit of confusion on #'s 5, 6 & 7 on the right side. Amazingly #8 (Monkey Palm) was the clearest sequentially and directionally.

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

Next I did a round of Chinto Kata focused on agility and mobility. I ended up facing the wrong direction at the end, but I didn't have the juice to investigate (do it again). So I just let it be.

Next I did a round of Monkey Staff. I had a slight bit of confusion right at the end. Again I didn't have the juice to investigate.

Next I did a round of Wuji Hundun Qigong. I attempted to put the exercises in the same order that I learned them in. I remember Master Duan telling the group that it's incorrect to put these exercises in any particular order but to simply 'feel' what order to do them in on a day to day basis. 

I ended with Healing Qigong

Private Lessons with Sifu 

Sunday Practice - Day #4 in the rotation

                                                 It's been raining leaves lately.

The Details: 

It's 60 at the house. Nothing scheduled today! Yay!!

The Practice: 

I started inside with acoustic guitar practice. Yesterday I decided to try using a pick (my right hand) and my middle and ring fingers to Travis Pick. I've been through all the songs in the Travis Picking Book using this method. It'll take a few weeks but I think that using a regular pick instead of a thumb pick. Time will tell if this is the way to go.I realize that I need to make a more permanent decision on what method I'm going to use. I reminds of the decision that I need to make holding drum sticks with my left hand. The dilemma is: Traditional Grip vs Matched Grip, in the end I use both depending on the groove. I practice mostly traditional grip but I'm faster (and louder)  with matched grip. I suspect something similar with happen with the right hand dilemma with picks. For some Finger Style guitar I'll probably decide to simply hold the pick and play with my Finger Only (without any pick and without growing my finger nails.)

Next I read the poem "A Lesson From James Wright" by Mary Oliver's from her book of poems "Evidence"

                                              "Silence is a Poem" 

Around mid morning I went out on The Deck. Echo declined to join me.  I started my practice with a full round of The 10+. I focused on the overall health benefits I derive from the daily practice of this very special set of exercises. I've realized that IF I don't do them I'm the only one that looses! 

                                              Don't think, just Do!!

Next I went out to my main practice area and to do a Round (right side) to Master Liang counting out the beats to his Taiji Music. I only lost my place once at the end of Part III. I've come to realize that I need to maintain Zhong Ding in-between postures, otherwise the count/music does not give the practitioner time to "Set Up" and regain relaxed balance. I first noted that paradigm while doing Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg. There's no time to set up the next move if you are not continuously in relaxed balance (Zhong Ding).

                               "Slow is Smooth, 

       Smooth is Fast"

Next I did a round of Cheng style Baguazhang 8 Mother (Animal) Palms Changes 1-4 (both sides). I'm still having a bit of confusion on Change #3 (Bear Palm) on the right side at the "Change Step" I did it correctly but it was not 'clear'.

Next I did a round of Anyo Apat tuned into the correct sequence in the correct direction. I had a bit of confusion at the very end of the Anyo.

Next I did a round of Wansu Kata focused on using quality basics throughout the Kata

Next I did a round of Taiji Staff (both sides) focused on quality Stance Work.

Next I did a round of The 21 (Taiji Qigong) tuned into the correct amount of stretch in the White Tissue using the correct sequence.

I finished with Healing Qigong.

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

Private Lessons with Sifu

 

Saturday Practice at The Studio

 

                                     Jeff and Luke practicing Da Lu (big roll back).

The Details:

It's 50 at the house. I'm going in to The Studio to meet with Jeff and teach The Taiji & Qigong Class.

Jeff and I started with the Da Lu focused on the 'internal' feeling.

Next we reviewed the first 7 sections until Luke came in and then we went back to the Da Lu explaining the details to Luke and then Luke and Jeff practiced.

Once folks started to arrive I went to the white board and explained the amount of knee bending is due to the middle body stretching. I used the chain with weights on either end to illustrate the principle. I pointed out that this principle is everywhere in Taiji Solo Form

Next I explained bend forward to release the lumbar lordosis and I related that to the angle of the knees and ankles.

Next the class did a row of Brush Knee Twist Step focused on Counter Balancing with arm or elbow and "Curve In and Go Straight" I also talked about attention to Jin coming up the Jin Lu and manifesting Jin in the finger tips.

Next we did a round of the original 10 Exercises focused on Shape and Jin Lu

Next we did Standing (PT) all 6 postures.

Next we split into two groups to work on Taiji Solo Form 1. To do a whole Round (right side) 2. Those that are working on the sequence.

Next I led through Healing Qigong

Private Lessons with Sifu

Friday Practice - Day #3 in the rotation

 

The Details:

It's 50 at the house. I've got grocery shopping, car washing and a pharmacy run to do this morning. Lot's of email work today. I'm working on The Studio closing at the end of the month and jrroy.com, mail chimp and the email about the closing of The Studio. Oy Vey!

The Practice:

I started on The Deck with Echo with a full round of The 10+ focused the consistency. If I do this set everyday there will be numerous health benefits. 

Next I went out to my main training area and started with a round of Yin style Baguazhang 8 Linking Palms (1st Set) Changes 5-8 (both sides) focused on the correct sequence and the overall quality of my postures.

Next I did a Round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Parts I & II I focused on feeling rather than thinking.

Next I did Standing Post Training tuned into counterbalancing with my waist as I was going through the upper body postures that required counterbalancing.

Next I did Healing Qigong."Qi permeates my bones" "Extend Healing Energy to all my family, friends and all sentient beings throughout the universe (s)

Next I did a round of Anyo Tatlo tuned into applications and correct sequence in the correct direction.

Next I did a round of Seiunchin Kata focused on stance work.

Next I did a round of Taiji Dao using a wooden broadsword. I tuned into the timing of Step and Sword. I kept my eyes focused on the tip of the Dao (broadsword)

Next I did a round of Pa-Kua Knife. I had the best round to date. making it most of the way through the sequence. 

Next I did Dao basics with my left hand.

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

Private Lessons with Sifu

Thursday Practice - Day #2 in the rotation

 

The Details:

It's a chilly 48 at the house. I've got a 10-11 private lesson with Lucy here in Leyden this morning.

The Practice:

I started in The Driveway with a full round of The 10+ and pulling weeds while I exercised.

Next I went out to my main practice area and did a Round (left side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Parts I&II. I ended up on the right side at the end of Part II. I remained equanimous and simply went back to the left side as I began Part III.

Next I did Changes 1-4 (both sides) of Yin style Baguazhang 8 Linking Palms. I recited the names of the postures where I could.

Next I did a round of Anyo Dalawa focused on the overall quality of my postures and correct sequence.

Next I did a round of Niahanchi Kata tuned into the changes that I've made to that Kata.

Next I did a round of Taiji Jian using my metal Dragons Well Jian. 

I returned to the house to journal today's practice and prepare for the private lesson with Lucy.

Private lessons with Sifu

Wednesday Practice - Day #1 in the rotation

 

The leaves are starting to turn color and fall. It is September 10th!! September is going to fly by! This too shall pass......

The Details:

It's 50 at the house, it got down to 46 last night. I've got a guitar lesson at 1, music in The Barn 2-4 and dinner with Travis at 6:30. I just wrote my take on a Closing Blurb to be sent out to the email list (mail chimp?). I wrote my thoughts in an email that I sent to Jeff about the closing of The Studio at the end of the month. Tough stuff!! I spent a couple of hours editing the blurb.

The Practice:

I started on The Deck with Echo doing a full round of The 10+ I continue to work on the sequence of the new + material. I'd like to do The Dragons Back after #7 and The Ba Shi after #8, mostly for cognition and a challenge to my short and long term memory. I've been using 20 lbs dumbbells for #8 along with adding a bicep curls and overhead press to the Wuji Squats.

Next I went out to my main training area and did a Round (right side) reciting my version of the Taiji Classics during Part I.I remained focused on breathing through the nose whenever I thought about it. I just kept adjusting throughout the Round.

Next I did a round of Cheng style Baguazhang Yin/Yang (figure 8) Circle Walking. I remained focused on which foot starts the larger and smaller circles. I did enough iterations to not have to count because I could feel the changes. This set continuously changes!

Next I did a round of Anyo Isa adding full extension with more focus to my punches and blocks. I also tuned into good stance work.

Next I did a round of Seisan Kata tuned into correct technique, sequence and flow.

Next I did a round of Taiji Cane focused on whole body. I initially did a right side round and then attempted the left side. I got up to Part III on the left side before it started to get wonky. I did finish but ended up facing the wrong direction. Oy Vey! I managed to stay equanimous! Yay!!

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

Private Lessons with Sifu

Tuesday Practice - Day #8 in the rotation

 

The Details:

It's 46 at the house. I've got an 8:30 am video call with Jeff and then a 12:15 haircut in Brattleboro.

The Practice:

I started on The Deck with Echo. I did a full round of The 10+ tuned into consistent daily practice and all the health benefits of daily practice. I finally did the correct sequence of + exercises like the Dragons Back, Ba Shi, Three Swings and Song Gong. Yay!

Next I went out to my main training area and did a Round (left side) reciting my version of The Taiji Classics during Part I. I remained focused on Counter Balancing and Empty Stepping with my waist directing the hands and feet.

Next I did a round of Cheng style Baguazhang Old 8 Palms (both sides)  using Mud-Wading Step and keeping my shoulder's relaxed enough to not need a break.

Next I did a round of Anyo Walo tuned into fully extension (muscle lock) and pop on my punches and kicks.

Next I did a round of Sanchin Kata tuned into the quality of my dynamic tension and breathing with my DanTien (Hara).

Next I did a round of all 4 Modern Arnis Anyo (both sides). This is the first time I was able to get all the way through #4 on the left side. Yay! 

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

Private Lessons with Sifu

Monday Practice - Day #7 in the rotation

 

The Details:

It's 47 at the house. It's forecast to be sunny but cool with a high of 69 later this afternoon.

The Practice:

I started on The Deck with Echo. I did a full round of The 10+ tuned into being consistent with doing these marvelous exercises daily in order to extract the maximum overall health benefits. FYI - There is not a single modality that doesn't demand consistent (daily) practice. Take brushing your teeth as an example of hygiene that demands daily 'doing it'. Once it becomes a habit you will need to 'do it' in order to feel right. If you don't do (and you're used to doing it) you will feel very uncomfortable until you Do It! That's the 'Habit Paradigm'. Think of those that are addicted to alchohol or heroin....It's very uncomfortable if they don't Do It.

Next I did a Round (left side) to Master Liang counting out the beats to his Taiji Music.

I had a few glitches in Part III. Upon reflection I think I inadvertently segued to the right side at the beginning of Part III. I didn't notice it until the second Wave Hands sequence. Once I noticed I remained equanimous and simply changed back to the left side.

Next I went out to my main training area and did Changes 5-8 (both sides) of Yin style Baguazhang 8 Palms Set focused on the overall quality of my Lion Stepping and postures. The sequences of these Changes are feeling better and better, since I put Baguazhang Sets into my 8 Day Cycle.

Next I did two rounds of Anyo Pito. I did the second round because I realized I didn't do the beginning of the Anyo with the correct postures. I got it right the second round and feel more and more comfortable with the rest of the sequence. I remember learning this Anyo from Guro Jay Spira in between building (alleyway) at the Michigan Modern Arnis Camp back in 1988. The Prof. limited the amount of time we spent learning it and forbid us to work on it afterwards. That was the only instruction I've every received on this Anyo. I have been practicing it since I learned in '88. Thanks Jay [bow]

Next I did a round of Sunsu Kata focused on the correct sequence in the correct direction It's coming along!

Next I did a round of Taiji Double Dao Form tuned into the health benefits to my shoulders with each iteration of the 'round the head' sequences.

I finished by returning to the house for lunch and to journal today's practice.

Private Lesson on line or in person with Sifu

Sunday Practice - Day #6 in the rotation -

 

                            The color is already starting .....A bit early this year. Oy Vey!

The Details:

It's 63 at the house and raining. I got a little thrown off my training sequence yesterday working with Jeff and the Taiji Students. After looking at my list I decided to do Day #6

The Practice:

I started on The Deck solo. Apparently it was too wet for Echo.

I began with a full round of The 10+ focused staying consistent (daily as much as possible) and the overall health benefits from practicing this set daily. Like all internal exercises......It's subtle. 

Doing by Not Doing! 

Next I did a Round (right side) to Master T. T. Liang's counting out the beats to his Taiji Music. I had several times that I was out of step with the count. The music keeps you honest with the amount's of Wave Hands and Repulse Monkeys. I was able to get back on 'the beat' in real time and staying equanimous ta boot! Yay!!

Next I did Changes 5-8 (both sides) of Cheng style Baguazhang 8 Mother (Animal) Palms. I used Mud-Wading Step throughout and focused on stance work and looking behind (Like a dog chasing it's tail) throughout the set. Afterwards I realized this was NOT the correct order of practice (although I realize the order is not really important, as long as I do them.) I'm attempting to 1. Get everything into a repeated 8 day cycle in order to stimulate and check my short and long term memory, realizing that if I'm getting a bit frustrated (impatient) then I'm probably on the right track.

After realizing that I was confused about which of the Baguazhang Sets I should be doing on Day #6 I consulted my Training Sequence Sheet and realized that I really should be doing Yin style 8 Palms Set Changed 1-4.

Next I did a round of Anyo Pito (#7) before I realized I was out of sequence I did a round of Anyo Pito focused on using the correct direction and posture. This Anyo is feeling better (the sequence) since I've put it in rotation (sequence), mainly because I'm practicing and reviewing it more often. When teaching Modern Arnis to beginners I rarely had the opportunity to teach the last few Anyo's. Without teaching a form it takes forever to refine it. Yup!

Next I went out to my main training area and did Changes 1-4 (both sides) of Yin style Baguazhang 8 Palms Set. I'm back on track.

Next I did a round of Anyo Apat (#6) focused on stance work, sequence and applications.

Next I did a round of Kusanku Kata focused on mobility, agility and leg strength. This is a challenging form to practice in you mid 70's. I can imagine it's only going to get more challenging as the years go on.

Next I did a round of Low Family Staff tuned into the 'around the head, coil and thrust' sequences.

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

Private Lessons with Sifu

Push Hands with Sifu Fong Ha and Marek Wajsman