J. R. Roy Martial Arts System Blog

Friday, October 10, 2025

Friday Practice

Jeff and I at the commemoration of The Studio closing at China Gourmet last month.

The Details:

It's the coldest morning yet at 30 degrees. It's our 40th anniversary of dating. Columbus Day weekend 1985.

Time sure flies when you're having fun!

The Practice:

I started with acoustic guitar practice before going out on The Deck with my trusty practice partner Echo.

Next I did a very brief Warm Up

Next I did a Round (left side) with 10 lbs weighted vest. This was the first time I used a weighted vest during practice.

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

Next I did a round of Anyo Dalawa focused on moving and stretching my fascia.

Next I did a round of Naihanchi Kata. I noticed that the changes that I've made to this Kata are becoming easier with more conscious iterations.

Next I used a wooden Jian to do a round of Taiji Jian reciting the names of the postures throughout the form. I focused my eyes on the tip of the sword.

Next I did a line of Lazy D with the Jian in my left hand.

I finished with Healing Qigong

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

Email Sifu with feedback or questions

Thursday, October 9, 2025

Thursday Practice

The Details:

It's 43 at the house. I've got the guy's coming this afternoon (1:30 ish) to play music in The Barn, then dinner in Keene with Peter and Susan.

The Practice:

I began the day with acoustic guitar practice. I've been working towards using a pick and middle and ring finger when practicing Travis Picking.

Next I went out on The Deck and 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 Parts I & II. I remained focused on monitoring my tailbone in relation to the weighted foot.

Next I went out to the middle field and did a round of Cheng style Baguazhang Yin/Yang Figure Eight Walking I used Lion Walking throughout this set.

Next I did a round of Anyo Isa using high quality basics throughout.

Next I did a round of Seisan Kata focused on the timing of the rear heel landing simultaneously with my blocks and punches. I also tuned into 'splitting the stance' where it is applicable.

Next I did a round of Taiji Cane (both sides). The left side remains challenging but I'm working on it. I got a little confused right at the end of Part IV.

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

Email Sifu with feedback or questions

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

More photos from the end of The Studio gathering at China Gourmet

Sensei Jeff his wife Veronica and sons Alex and Eli

More photos from the end of The Studio gathering at China Gourmet

AKS Black Belts Teryn and Elo at the End of The Studio gathering at China Gourmet

It's a balmy 65 at the house. It rained overnight. I've a few chores to do today. I did get the lawn tractor up to Jared yesterday along with the motor for my weed whacker and my little chain saw too. Both needed to be serviced. I may go it and get my flu shots for the season. I may check with Jean about a visit with Paul too.

The Practice:

I was experiencing inertia this morning and having a challenging time approaching my practice.

It was getting later and later so I finally disciplined myself to start (that's key). I had been negotiating with myself most of the morning. I decided to start with a round of Cheng style Baguazhang Old 8 Palms Set. I used Mud-Wading Stepping throughout the Set.

Next I did a full round of the original 10 Exercises. At first I was going to just do the first few of The 10 and do what I call a 'brief warm up' but last week I decided that I would just leave out all the 'extra's' (the +). I right at the edge; I'm afraid if I add another thing I wouldn't be able to approach my practice. My advice to myself:

Don't think, just do!

Next I did a Round (left side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I & II. I remained focused on observing from a third party perspective.

Next I did a brief Standing PT and Healing Qigong

FYI - I started with Baguazhang practice.

Next I did a round of Anyo Walo focused on using high quality basics and the correct sequence.

Next I did a round of Sanchin Kata focused on connecting my abdominal breathing with my techniques.

Next I used a Dragon Cane to do Modern Arnis Cane Anyo's 1-4 (both sides) I had a challenging time with #4 on the left side. I ended up facing the incorrect direction, so somewhere along the line I turned the wrong way. Oy!

Email Sifu with feedback or questions