Sunday Practice

 The Details:

It's 63 at the house. 

The Practice:

I started inside with a full acoustic guitar practice.. I'm still not able to use my right hand index finger for Travis Picking. I've been using just my middle finger to do the picking. Although my daily practice has shortened I'm trying to not let it lapse entirely. I cancelled my guitar lesson last Thursday but I'm hoping to be able to do it this coming Thursday. Fingers Crossed (no pun intended) 

Around mid- morning I went out to my main practice area and began with a full round of The 10+. I used what I've learned from my evening oral care routine to Just Do It. It worked I got it in. My main focus was being consistent. Consistency is more important than intensity IMHO.

Next I did a Round (left side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. I had a little glitch at the end of II and beginning of III so I calmly went back in the sequence to make sure I did it. I had another glitch towards the end of III. My concentration was wavering! Oy!!

Next I did a Standing Post Training (Standing PT) focused on Soong Postures; Awareness + Alignment = Soong. The two hands clapping are Ting (awareness) & Soong (release and expand) 

Next I did a round Cheng Baguazhang 8 Mother (animal) Set Changes 1-4 (both sides). I tuned into using the correct sequence in the correct Kua on the circle. This Set is feeling better since I'v incorporated it into my daily routine. Of course that's the main idea! Yay!!

Next I did a round of Anyo Anim focused on quality basics, stances and applications.

Next I did a round of Kusanku Kata tuned into mobility and agility. I used deeper stance to enhance leg strengthening, especially during the Zen Dashi sequences.

Next I did Healing Qigong before returning to the house to journal today's practice here in this blog.

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Saturday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 59 at the house. Lot's of chores today and maybe a visit with Paul & Jean?

The Practice:

I went out to my main practice spot around mid-morning.

I started out with a full round of The 10+. I've been focusing on being consistent and not overthinking or making excuses but simply Doing Them. It's a lesson that I've learned from my oral routine every evening. I rarely really want to do the routine because I'm tired and just want to got to bed. But if I don't think about it and just do it, before I know I'm finished. The reality of this mind set is helping to inform the way I approach my martial arts and qigong practice. 

Don't think, just do!

Next I did a Round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. I tuned into a profound connection to Nature's Qi that was all around me. I felt a deep connection to the forest and individual trees, the sky, the air, the earth and the universe itself.

Next I did a round of Yin Baguazhang 8 Palms Set, Changes 5-8 reciting the names of postures and palm when I could. I need to work on memorizing the names of these postures.

Next I did a round of Anyo Lima focused on the correct sequence.

Next I did a round of Chinto Kata focused on the sequence and using a light body during the spins and jumps.I got turned around at the end. Oy!

Next I did a round of Monkey Staff tuned into the quality of my postures.

I finished with Healing Qigong and returned to the house to journal today's practice in this blog.

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Friday Practice

 The Details:

It's 69 at the house. I've texted Jean about visiting Paul later this morning. I'm waiting on a text back.

The Practice:

I went out on The Deck with my trusty assistant Echo around mid-morning to practice.

I began with a full round of The 10+ focused on health and consistency.

Next I did a Round (left side) reciting the Taiji Classics (my version) during Part I. I had a glitch in the sequence when I stopped to let Echo inside. I simply went back and repeated postures just to be sure that I got it all in.

Next I did Changes 1-4 (both sides) of Yin Styles Baguazhang 8 Palm Set. I recited the names of the postures throughout the round and stayed focused on the quality of my Circle Walking and the Postures in the Changes.

Next I did a round of Anyo Apat focused on correct sequence in the correct direction as well as applications.

Next I did a round of Wansu Kata tuned into Fa Jin my punches and kicks as well as correct sequencing and flow.

Next I did a round of Taiji Staff (both sides) tuned into lower stances during the one legged squat sequences as well as focusing on relaxed balance during the single leg standing sequences.

I ended with Healing Qigong before returning to the house to journal todays practice in this blog.

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Thursday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 63 at the house. Shubal and Bobby V. are coming over at 2 to make some music in The Barn.

During my practice I received a text from Wayne saying that Tipi Tom has had a relapse and the cancer is now in his bones. Ugh! Tough stuff!! Sending him Healing energy>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The Practice:

I started out on The Deck with Echo around mid-morning.

I began with a full round of The 10+. I used reverse breathing and Hee/Haa sounds during #7, then the Dragons Back. I used 25lb to assist with #8, then a round of Ba-Ji. Full squats during #9 and The Three swings and Song Gong for #10.

Next I did a Round (right side) reciting my version of Taiji Classics (principles) during Part I. I maintained a light and nimble energy at my crown, as if my head was being held by a string from above but actually it was being expressed upward with Jin from within.

Next I went out to my main practice area:

and resumed my practice with a round of Yin Baguazhang 8 Linking Form Changes 5-8 (both sides). I'm starting to feel the effect of more regular Baguazhang practice. This set felt as good as it has for years.

Next I did a round of Anyo Tatlo tuned into quality basics and stances as well as applications.

Next I did a round of Seiunchin Kata focused on performing the Kata more system specific; releasing Jin at every opportunity.

Next I did a round of Taiji Dao using a wooden broadsword focused on correct sequence and flow.

 Next I reviewed what I could remember of Pa-Kua Knife. I can reconstruct the beginning and ending but get confused in the middle. I looked on YouTube but so far I haven't been able to locate anyone doing that particular version 

I ended with Healing Qigong before returning to the house to journal today's practice here in this blog.

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Wednesday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 67 at the house. It's Wed. so we are tentatively scheduled to run the 'crash boat' if the wind is 10 mph +

Ginnie has a SYC Board Meeting this evening. 

The Practice:

I went out to The Deck to practice around mid-morning.

I started with a full round of The 10+ focused on the changes I'm making and the order that I'm doing them in. I monitored principles throughout the set and used TL Breathing and a Calm Centered Mind (CCM) throughout.

I used a 25 lb dumbbell during #8 and triceps. I also did a bicep session with 20 lb's.

Next I did a Round (left side) reciting my version of The Taiji Classics during Parts I, II and III. I focused on Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast and using The Dragons Back during the Soong Jin and Peng Jin phases of postures.

Next I did a full round of Healing Qigong:                  

                                                      "Qi permeates my bones"

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

Next I did a round of Anyo Dalawa tuned into sparking up my punches and overall flow, posture to posture. I also focused on applications.

Next I did a round of Niahanchi Kata focused on the changes that I'm making to this Kata.

Next I did a round of Taiji Jian with a wooden Jian. I recited the names of the postures throughout.

I finished with Lazy D with a wooden Jian in my left hand.

I came inside to journal today's practice here in this blog.

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Tuesday Practice at The Studio

 

The Details:

It's 59 at the house. I'm going to drive into Greenfield to The Studio to teach the 8:30 this morning. It's one of the last classes before closing The Studio next month.

The Practice:

After opening up, unlocking the doors, windows and starting the fans. I began with a round of Cheng Style Baguazhang Yin/Yang Walking focused on practicing long enough so that I could just feel the changes instead of counting the steps.

Next I did a round of Anyo Isa focused on full extension and pop on my punches and blocks.

Next I did a round of Seisan Kata using quality basics and stances as well as correct sequence, techniques and stances.

Next I did 1-6 of The 10+ and then Read and Phil came.Phil just stood at the doorway with a mask on, evidently Rob who was in Arnis class last night with Phil called to say he was sick but hadn't tested for CoVid 19 yet. Oy!!

After some conversation and discussion about the theme for the day's class:

"Calm Is A Super Power"

Start......Middle.......End

Part of the discussion is know when a part stops and during movements what moves and what doesn't move.

Next I finished The 10+ explaining what I was allowing to move and what parts I intended to keep still. I also talked about opening and closing the Kua without the knee moving as in the 3 swings and Song Gong.

After Phil left Read and I did a Round (right side) I recited the Taiji Classics during Part I. Read was able to get through Parts 1 & II and I did Part III on my own.

I finished with Healing Qigong, closing up and then went to the YMCA for a round of CYBEX strength training. 

I saw Don McCauley on the street as I was walking to the YMCA. I'm going to get my Roger's Bass Drum Hoop back. Yay!

Monday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 59 at the house. I have a 10:45 doctors appointment in Amherst this morning.

The Practice:

I went out to The Deck and did a full round of The 10+ focused on consistency and overall health.

Next I did a Round (left side) reciting the Tauji Classics during Part I

I finished with a Healing Qigong before returning inside to prepare for my appointment at 10:45. I wanted to get there about 15 minutes early to do the paperwork.

It was a tough appointment! Blair shot my finger full of Novocaine. Once I was numb enough, he cleaned out the wound and removed the dead skin, I broke out in a cold sweat and I felt a little sick to my stomach. I was happy when it was over! It needed to be done. The way my body's was with dealing with it was to get the area infected. The doctor ordered me a 10 day cycle of Doxi (antibiotic)

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Sunday Practice with Jeff

 

The Details:

It's 57 at the house. I've got Jeff scheduled for 10 this morning. My right index finger started off as a simple sliver (metal?) and has turned into this very swollen, puss filled, painful injury. I have an appointment with a dermatologist tomorrow morning in Amherst. I may try to relive some of the pressure on my own later this afternoon,

The Practice:

I started on The Deck with Echo doing a brief Warm Up.

Next I did a Round (left side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. I was mostly tuned into being consistent and observing the principles without much conscious thought. 

Once Jeff arrived we started by chatting and drinking tea, I talked about the system I have implemented to regularly do a round of all the particular forms in American Karate, Modern Arnis, both sides of the Taiji Solo Form and all the weapons forms.

Next we practiced one side of The Taiji Dance. We did an isolated Vertical Push Hands session mostly focesed on fixed step (stationary) and identifying the 4 techniques during Vertical Push Hands and saying Hwa, Na and Da at the appropriate times throughout The Dance.

Next we did the intro and outro to Wuji Hundan Qigong and reviewed The Tea Cups and Look Far And Close as well as the Wuji  and Taiji Mudras along with the one that I used

Next we did Taiji 13 Spear with good results. I found a worksheet about the 13 Spear Two Person from 2008 and that helped me to flush it out.

Next we did 6, 8. 10 and 12 count drill (s) mainly focused on correct sequence.

Next we did Tapi Tapi session focused on remembering the discreet entrenches, exits and techniques. I've lost a lot from not having a regular practice partner.

Next we reviewed the Ice Pick Knife Disarm Drill...But my sore fingers got in the way and it was time so we stopped.

I came inside to journal today's practice in this blog.

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Saturday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 56 at the house. It's a busy day, first a Celebration of Life for Janee in Northfield at 11 and then a Wedding Party for Dylan and Giulia at Melinda and Daves. 

My right index finger has been really sore. I'm not sure what I need to do to help it heal. Hmmm!

The Practice:

Busy day! I got the chance to see family a couple of times today. Very nice service for Janee and wonderful wedding party for Dylan and Giulia

Before I went to Janee's Celebration of Life I went out on The Deck and started with a full round of The 10+ focused on being consistent and overall health.

Next I did a Round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. I focused on the peristaltic action in my lower and upper legs and the effect that it has on my heart and circulatory system.

Next I did a round of Cheng Style Baguazhang Old 8 Palms (both sides) focused on using relaxed shoulders and cultivating nature's Qi.

Next I did a round of Anyo Walo tuned into the quality of my basics. I remained focused on full extension and focus on my punches and blocks.

Next I did a round of Sanchin Kata focused on the quality of my dynamic tension and it's connection to my breathing. 

Next I did 1-4 Modern Arnis Cane Anyos (right side). I tuned into using a light body during the progressive steps and applications.

I finished with Healing Qigong before getting ready for the service.

After the Wedding Party I came home to journal the days practice here in this blog.

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Friday Practice - Day 8,798

 

The Details:

It's a cool 61 at the house this morning. We're scheduled to help out this evening at Melinda's in preparation for Dylan and Guilia's Wedding Party tomorrow afternoon. Our new IPhone 15's came yesterday. GG is attempting to transfer data from our old phones to the new 15's. EVERYTHING is complicated and confusing....Ugh!

The Practice:

I did a full acoustic guitar practice as is evidenced by the callouses on my fingers. I continue to apply my main training idea to the guitar; I.e. approaching the practice daily whether I feel like it or not. A goal is to have at least one 15 minute practice session per day. The other idea I use is to 'invest in loss' by practicing very specifically trying to play as 'cleanly' as possible. Even though playing a chord (especially F major) without inadvertently muting strings (cleanly) slows the process....It's the only way to become a good player. 

Next I went out to The Deck and did a full round of The 10+ focused on being consistent and overall health. I added 'Spiral Down, Spiral Up' at the end of the set. I've also added 25 lbs to my Wuji Squats (#8) as well as a dumbbell routine using 20 lbs dumbbells to do 1. Curls 2. Triceps 3. Back.

Next I did a Round (left side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. I stayed focused on 1. Tongue at the roof of the mouth 2. Breathing in and out through the nose 3. Observing and monitoring with a meditative (third party) state of mind.

Next I did Standing PT and Healing Qigong.

Next I did a round of Anyo Pito monitoring the sequence and direction of postures.

Next I did a round of Sunsu Kata focused on the flow and sequence of postures as well as using high quality basics.

Next I did a round of Taiji Double Dao focused on shoulder health and hand/forearm strength. 

I finished by coming inside and journaling today's practice in this blog.

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Thursday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 70 at the house. I'm going to be preparing clothes and camera's for Dylan and Guilia's Wedding Party on Saturday. I talked to my sister about plans to attend both Janee's Celebration of Life and Dylan's wedding party. The timing is unfortunate but that's the way the cookie crumbles.

The Practice:

I started with reading the poem "It Was Early" from Mary Oliver's book Evidence.

Around mid-morning I went out to The Deck (with Echo) to practice.

I began with a full round of The 10+ focused on being consistent and developing more strength, flexibility and agility. I've successfully added the Dragons Back, Ba-Ji as well as The Three Swings and Song Gong. I'm currently at the limit of my level and don't foresee adding anything else for a while. At the 1/2 point I came inside to do a few 'spiral down to the floor and spiral up from the floor to a standing position.

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

Next I did Changes 1-4 (both sides) of Cheng Style Baguazhang 8 Mother (animal) Palms focused on the correct sequence and direction of postures. I had a glitch on the right side of #3 (the bear). 

Next I did a round of Anyo Anim (#6) focused on applications and using quality basics with more pop and focus on my punches.

Next I did a round of Kusanku Kata focused on mobility and agility and mobility. I'm finding this Kata particularly challenging as I age. It's all the low Zen Dashi and the jumps in the progressive steps and flying front kicks. After I hurt my knee skiing in 1998 I haven't been doing any jumping or running, it's too much shock for my knee.

Next I did a round of Low Family Staff focused on correct sequence and shoulder health.

I finished by coming inside to journal my practice here in this blog.

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Wednesday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 68 at the house. It's forecast to be another hot one!

The Practice:

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

I started with a full round of The 10+ focused on consistency and overall health; Strength, flexibility, coordination and relaxed single leg balance.

Next I did a Round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. I focused on feeling Jin forming in my fingers. I monitored Jin (Soong Jin) down from my Dan Tien & hips and is rooted in my feet > (develops in my) legs > (directed by my) waist > (flows up my) spine > (is formed in) fingers

Next I did a round (both sides) of Yin Baguazhang's 8 Palms Set. I realized that yesterday I was supposed to do Changes 1-4 of this set but I mistakenly  did a round of Cheng Style 8 Mother (animal) Palms instead. I've yet to get through an entire rotation of Baguazhang and Weapons Forms without inadvertently doing the wrong form for the sequence that I have worked out. FYI - It's still a work in progress. I have to admit that I'm at capacity and I don't think I'll be able to add anything else and still be able to discipline my self to do all of it daily. Luckily I operate almost entirely on self-discipline.

Next I did a round of Chinto Kata (#5) focused on agility and mobility. I usually do an Arnis Anyo first but today I did a reverse order. The most important aspect is to do these forms regularly, not the order I do them in. The order just helps to organize and keep me on track.

Next I did a round of Anyo Lima (#5) focused on correct sequence and direction of postures, applications and using good quality basics throughout.

Next I did a round of Monkey Staff focused on 'Change Step'. Since I did this form on The Deck I needed to conserve space. I mostly monitored the sequence, looking for the health benefits of the form. I need to use a heavier Staff to acquire some of the health benefits.

I finished with Healing Qigong and coming back inside where it's much cooler to journal today's practice here in this blog.

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Tuesday Practice @ The Studio

 

The Details:

It's 67 at the house. It's forecast to be in the 90's later today....and humid! The air quality is low too!!

I plan on going into town to teach the 8:30 am Taiji and Qigong class. I hope I get a few students to show up. So far I've received two no shows because of health and the heat/humidity makes it difficult to breath.

The Practice:

I dropped off birthday gifts for Travis and put a bag of trash in the dumpster at The Studio.

After I unlocked the doors and opened the windows and started the fans I started my practice with changes 1-4 (both sides) of Cheng Style Baguazahang 8 Mother (animal) Set.

Next I did a round of Anyo Apat (#4) tuned into correct sequence, quality basics, and applications.

Next I did a round of Wansu Kata focused on consistency and overall health.

Well it took a decade but I didn't have a single student show up. I did have two students reach out and let me know that they would not be able to make it to class. Practicing on my own reminded me about how it was back in the 1970's when I first started teaching. Back then I had to come to grips with what I would do if nobody showed up for class. The answer I came up with is simply to do my own practice. I guess I've come full circle? 

Next I did a full round of The 10+ focused on consistency and overall health.

Next I did a Round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. I monitored Jin moving down and up the 9 Zig Zag Path through the Jin-Lu

Next I did a round of Taiji Staff (both sides) using my original maple staff. I focused on correct sequence in the correct direction. I tuned into lower stances, especially  the 'Tiger Crouches".

Next I reviewed Taiji 13 Spear. I did fine with #1 but got a bit confused during #2 and even more confused when I got to #3.

I focused mostly on consistency. I realize that I really need at least one regular practice partner to seriously approach The Taiji 13 Spear Form.

I finished by closing up a long with a little triaging of books and weapons.

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Monday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 70 at the house. It's forecast to be in the 90's later today. I've got a 8:30 video meeting with Jeff.

The Practice:

I started my practice on The Deck with Echo assisting. I did a full round of The 10+ tuned into being consistent. I did a brief Warm Up yesterday so I was determined to do a FULL round this morning. It took disciplining myself to not over think the set ....but to just do them even if it's a bit less quality than I'm capable of. 

It got too hot on the Deck so I moved to my main practice area to finish my practice.

Once I got I did a Round (left side) reciting The Taiji Classics during Parts I & II. I stayed focused on having a light energy at my crown and breathing in and out through my nose; Slow, Fine, Even and Soft.

Next I did Changes 5-8 (both sides) of Yin Style Baguazhang 8 Linking Palms focused on relaxed balance when doing the 'Kick Ups' and looking behind during "Hide The Flowers Beneath the Leaves'

Next I did a round of Anyo Tatlo tuned into applications, quality basics and correct sequencing and direction of postures.

Next I did a round of Seiunching Kata focused on correct sequence, postures and using quality basics and stances throughout the Kata.

Next I did a round of Taiji Dao using a metal broadsword that I had brought from The Studio recently.

Next I did a round of Pa-Kua Knife as much as I could remember. I'm having more than one glitch on the sequence starting about 1/2 way through. I'll see if Jeff is keeping it up.

I finished with Healing Qigong as I was returning to the house to journal today's practice in this blog.

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