Thursday, July 3, 2025
Thursday Practice
The Details:
It's 66 at the house. Zack is here with a crew and equipment to re-do the stairs leading up to the back door. I'm going into Bernardston to Sweet Lucy's Bakery this morning. Lots of activity at the GilRoy Farm this morning!
I'm hoping to make it to the YMCA at some point to do a round of CYBEX strength training. But I may just do a dumbbell and TRX Strap session here at the house. Hmmmm!
The Practice:
"There is no such thing as great talent without great will power."
IMHO
"Those that rely on motivation to practice will have less results than those that have self-discipline."
It was late morning before I went out on The Deck to practice. There was a rain shower that moved through.
I started while it was still raining with a full round of The 10+ focused on consistent, daily practice for overall health. Consistency wins over intensity time and time again. IF you are looking to use Qigong and Neigong for health, practicing daily is an essential element. My advice is to realize that consistency will demand self-discipline....Period!
Next I did a Round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. I focused on the health benefits of conscious abdominal breathing (TLBreathing) and Zhong Ding throughout the form.
Next I did Changes 4-8 (Pheonix, Rooster, Chi-Ling and Monkey) of Cheng Style Baguazhang's 8 Animal Set. I focused on correct sequence and technique to the proper direction.
Next I did a round of Anyo Walo focused on correct sequence and overall quality of techniques.
Next I did a round of Sunsu Kata focused on using good quality basics, agility, mobility and sequence.
I finished with Healing Qigong. I returned to the house to journal my practice in this blog.
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Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Wednesday Practice
The Details:
It's 71 at the house. The ground is wet. I called Sweet Lucy's Bakery and Shubal this morning.
The Practice:
I went out to The Deck around mid-morning with my trustee helper Echo to practice.
I started with a full round of The 10+ focused on overall health and consistency.
Next I did a Round (left side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. I focused on correct head position and breathing in and out through the nose as well as imagining the applications throughout the Round.
Next I did Changes 1-4 (both sides) of Cheng Style Baguazhang's 8 Animal Set. I focused on consistency and the overall quality of my postures as well at the particulars of Cheng vs Yin Style Baguazhang Sets.
Next I did a round of Anyo Apat focused on sequence and applications. This is one of my favorite Anyo's! I did question how many 'step back and middle blocks' and how many lunge punches that are in this Anyo. I came up with more is better especially if you're attempting to use Modern Arnis as a base art; more basics are better than less. IMHO
Next I did a round of Kusanku Kata focused on mobility and agility. The is a physically challenging Kata as one ages. Yup!
I finished with Standing PT and Healing Qigong as I returned to the house to journal my practice in this blog.
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Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Tuesday Practice at The Studio - Day 8,767
The Details:
It's 72 at the house. I'm going into The Studio to teach Taiji and Qigong Class this morning.
The Practice:
I drove into Greenfield around 7:30. Once I arrived and parked I deposited a bag of trash in the buildings Dumpster.
Next I unlocked the doors on Osgood and Federal Street, The Studio and opened all the windows and started the fans. It was hot in the room.
Next I did 4-8 Changes of Baguazahang's Yin Style 8 Palms Set. I focused on correct sequence and the overall quality of my postures.
Next I did a round of Anyo Lima focused on quality basics and applications.
Next I did a round of Chinto Kata tuned into mobility and agility as well as correct sequence on the correct angle.
Lucy, Nancy and Read came for class. I received a text from Jack letting me know that he couldn't make it this morning.
I started by talking about "light energy at the crown of the head" (Zhong Ding) I explained the concept in depth.
Next we did a round of The 10+ explaining a little while we practiced. I had already talked about having an intention or purpose for practicing a particular 'thing'. Why? I also talked about the principle of 1. Do This 2. Don't do That and 'What moves and what doesn't move?"
Next we did a Round (right side) I recited my version of The Taiji Classics during Part I. I tuned into having relaxed balance throughout the Round, especially during the kick sequences.
We finished with a brief Standing PT and Healing Qigong.
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Monday, June 30, 2025
Monday Practice
The Details:
It's 63 at the house. Ed J. is coming to rotary mow the fields today, I've got a bit of tractor and chainsaw work to do to clear the field (especially the middle field) ready for him.
The Practice:
Around mid-morning I went out to The Driveway to practice.
I started with a full round of The 10+ tuned into consistency and overall health.
Once Ed arrived, I stopped to chat with him about the tree work that I had planned to do. Afterwards I finished The 10+ and moved up to my main training spot near Big Greenie.
Next I did a Round (left side again) reciting the Taiji Classics during Parts I & II. I focused on opening and closing my Kua and Spine.
Next I did changes 1-4 (both sides) of Baguazhang's Yin Style 8 Palms Set. I focused on saying the names of the postures as I did them and twisting to open the joints as opposed to over twisting which closes the joints. I continue to work on doing 4 Changes of each Set that will coincide with the 8 Anyo and 8 Kata that I'm already doing. I want to get daily Baguazhang practice happening. This is the first time through, I'm on Anyo and Kata #3.
Next I did a round of Anyo Tatlo focused on applications, weight shifting while elbow striking and light body during the Progressive Steppings.
Next I did a round of Seiunchin Kata focused on the dynamic tension sequences, fully extending my punches and correct sequence and direction of postures.
I ended with a brief Standing PT and Healing Qigong and returning to the house to journal today's practice in this blog.
If you're looking at this blog please let me know. Thanks!
Sunday, June 29, 2025
Sunday Practice
The Details:
It's 68 at the house. I've got a private lesson with Malcolm at 10 this morning.
The Practice:
Before Malcolm showed up I went out to The Driveway to practice
I started with a brief warm up using the first few of The 10
Next I did a Round (left side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Parts I & II. I focused on consistency and having a light energy on the top of my head as well as breathing in and out through the nose.
Next I practiced Changes 4-8, of Baguazhang's 8 Linking Palm (both sides). I'm working on getting in Baguazhang practice on both sides to coincide with the 8 Karate Forms and Modern Arnis' 8 Anyo's.
Next I did a round of Anyo Dalawa focused on applications and correct sequence.
Next I did a round of Seisan Kata focused on the quality of my techniques and stances.
Next I d a round of Taiji Double Broadsword (Dao) focused on overall health and consistency.
I finished my personal practice with Healing Qigong.
Once Malcolm showed up we started by talking about his main art and the strong and weak aspects of his art from his point of view. I talked about the 4 aspects for human beings; Physical, Mental, Emotional and Spiritual.
Next I watched his Karate forms. He was not extending his punches and had no body involvement, shuffle when doing Crescent Stepping and Reverse Punching.
Next he worked on Crescent Stepping and Reverse Punching (with details) and then he added the three levels of blocks (with details) He was working on full extension (to muscle lock) on his punches which tended to be very short.
Next I watched the first four of his Modern Arnis Anyo's - He didn't know the Taglog names/numbers of the Anyo. We worked on his Double Backfist movements.
Next I watched his Taiji Cane Form.
All throughout I encouraged him to Isolate and then repeatedly practice that particular technique over and over with a 'correcting mind set'.
Practice means doing the technique in a way that you are unable to do it. You are refining and changing the way you are able to perform the technique.
Saturday, June 28, 2025
Saturday Practice with Mark D. at the Northfield Mountain Pavilion
The Details:
It's 60 at the house. A small shower went through early this morning making it wet outside.
Mark D. has organized a group Round at the pavilion at Northfield Mountain in commemoration of Master Paul's passing. The Round will be around noon. I'm planning on attending.
The Practice:
Mark started with Standing PT (Holding The Moon)
Next we did a round of The 21 (Taiji Qigong) tuned into abdominal breathing.
Next we did The Monkey from Hua Toa's Animal Frolics. Master Paul was really into The Monkey and the Animal Frolics in general. I originally studied The Animal Frolics with Master Kwan then with Master Paul.
Next we did a group Round (right side) tuned into practicing with the group and going with the flow with the changes that I noticed.
After some conversation with Mark, Jackie and Joe I left to order lunch (Hillside Pizza) and come home to eat lunch and journal today's practice to this blog.
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Friday, June 27, 2025
Friday Practice
The Details:
It's 63 at the house. Ginnie's coming home from the Cape today. Yay!
The Practice:
I went out to the Deck to practice around mid-morning. Echo came out to supervise. Ha!
I started with a full round of The 10+ focused on overall health and consistency. Don't think, just Do!
Next I did a Round (left side) reciting my version of the Taiji Classics during Parts I & II. I tuned into a light energy at the top of my head.
Next I did a brief Standing PT and Healing Qigong.
Next I did a round of Anyo Isa tuned into the quality of my basics. I used a throw during the Trapping Hands sequences and having a light body during the Progressive Stepping.
Next I did Changes 1- 4 of Baguazhang's Yin Style 8 Linking Palms Set on both sides focused on consistency and correct sequences.
Next I did a round of Naihanchi Kata tuned into the changes that I've made to that Kata. It's becoming more and more an integral part of that Kata.
I finished by coming inside and journaling my practice in this blog.
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Thursday, June 26, 2025
Thursday Practice
It's 70 at the house and forecast to be cooler today. Yay! This heat wave has been tough!!
Dog and house duties this morning:
The Practice:
I started inside with reading a poem from Evidence and acoustic guitar practice.
Next I went out to The Deck around mid-morning to practice.
I started with a full round of The 10+ focused on consistency and mobilizing my fascia through quicker movements.
Next I did a Round (left side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. There were several glitches when I noticed I had inadvertently switched to the right side and once I couldn't remember if I had already done a particular sequence. I remained equanimous and simple returned to the left side and in the case of not being able to remember IF I had already done a particular sequence I simply repeated it.
Next I did a brief Standing PT and Healing Qigong
Next I did a round of Anyo Walo tuned into properly extending my punches and kicks and adding a bit more focus and pop.
Next I did a round of Sanchin Kata focused on the details of my breathing and punches.
I finished by returning to the house to journal my practice in this blog.
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Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Wednesday Practice
The Details:
It's a hot and humid 78 at the house. It's forecast to be another super hot and humid. Ginnie is still at Cape Cod.
The Practice:
I started with reading a poem out of Mary Oliver's book Evidence and acoustic guitar practice.
Afterwards I walked Echo
Next I started my practice inside with a full round of The 10+ focused on consistency and overall health.
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Tuesday Practice
The Details:
It's 70 at the house and it's forecast to be another super hot and humid (dangerously) day. I've got Echo and house duty today. I cancelled the Taiji and Qigong Class at the Studio this morning. Read called and said he was not going in because of the heat, I can't make it, Janee is out so there's no one to open up The Studio.
The Ponton's are scheduled to arrive at 10 this morning. So I've got lots of chores to do. Oy Vey!!
I stopped at my sister's (my Mom was hospitalized yet again yesterday) and my cousin Patrick (Jack) was there visiting. I also saw Genna for a few moments. She was there 'sunbathing'! Serendipity ....Yup!
The Practice:
First I did a fingerstyle guitar practice, using my Taylor acoustic.
It's super hot out so I practiced downstairs in the living room/dinning room area.
I started with a brief Warm Up using the first few of The 10 focused on overall health.
Next I did a Round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Parts I & II. I focused mainly on being consistent and the overall health benefits.
I ended with a brief Standing PT and Healing Qigong.
If you're looking at this post, please let me know. Thanks!
Monday, June 23, 2025
Monday Practice
The Details:
It's 69 at the house and forecast to be a scorcher (90's) this afternoon. Ginnie leaves for the Cape for a week with Gerri and Kate this morning. She'll be back on Friday, In the meantime I'll be holding down the Farm and taking care of Echo.
The Practice:
I started inside practice fingerstyle guitar using my ES335 through my little positive grid amp.
Next I went out to The Deck to practice. I brought Echo with me to supervise and put the awning out 1/2 way so I had a bit of shade. It's getting hotter by the minute. I have all the air conditioners going full force.
I started with a full round of The 10+ focused on consistency and overall health.
Next I did a Round (left side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. I tuned into opening and closing my spine, Taoist LBreathing in and out through the nose, and "Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast".
Next I did a brief Standing PT and Healing Qigong
Next I did a round of Anyo Anim focused on correct sequence and direction of postures, applications and the overall quality of my basic strikes, using full extension.
Next I did a round of Kusanku Kata tuned into mobility/agility, leg strength and overall health.
I finished with a round of Modern Arnis Cane Anyo 1-4 using a Dragon Cane. I did 1-3 on both right and left sides and #4 on the right only.
I returned to the house to journal my practice in this blog.
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Sunday, June 22, 2025
Sunday Practice
The Details:
It's 66 at the house and it's raining. Jeff is scheduled to come up to train this morning around 10. I hope the rain subsides by then. Oy! It did!!
The Practice:
I went out to The Driveway before Jeff came to get set up for him and to do my Round of the day. I did The Round (right side) tuned into opening and closing my spine and feeling Jin going down and up the 9 Zig Zag Path.
Once Jeff arrived I started by introducing Master B. P. Chan's wrist and forearm exercised.
Next I explained my take on the Dragon's Back exercise (Wuji Stance) and then how to integrate it into Withdraw and Push (Bow Stance).
Next we did Two Person Long Push focused on what's moving and what's not moving.
Next we did a full round of The Two Person Taiji Dance focused on the correct sequence and distinguishing Yin/Yang i. e. who is initiating and who is receiving. We also considered the direction of the force (feed) in regards to what the answer will be.
Next we did Tapi Tapi tuned into entering and exiting, who is leading and who is following (on both sides) we spent a fair amount of time on the left side.
Next I explained and practiced Baguazhang's Cheng Style 8 Animal Set focused on the introduction, Mud-Wadding Step and the intro sequence as well as the first change in the first Gua "The Lion Opens Its Mouth" focused on transmitting the sequence to Jeff on the left side.
I finished with journaling the private lesson here in this blog.
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Saturday, June 21, 2025
Saturday Practice
The Details:
It's 64 at the house, sunny and beautiful. We have an appointment at Spofford Lake to be briefed (by Bob Lupien) on the safe operation of the Whaler. We are going to volunteer to be the 'crash boat' during sailboat races. We've done it in the past but I'm interested in getting more involved at SYC and have an activity that I can do with Ginnie. Win/Win!!
The Details:
I started inside with acoustic guitar practice. I'm seeing some progress....finally! Oy Vey!!
Next I went out to the driveway to practice before our 10am appointment that we need to leave Leyden at 9:15 for.
I started with a brief Warm Up using the first few of The 10 focused on stretch and consistency.
Next I did a Round (left side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. I tuned into consistency, Taoist Longevity Breathing (TLB) and feeling Jin moving down and up the 9 Zig Zag Path through the Jin Lu
Next I did 4-8 on both sides of Cheng Style Baguazhang's 8 Animal Set. I focused on correct sequence and consistency. I felt more comfortable with #8 (Monkey Palm).
Next I did a round of Anyo Lima focused on applications, light body, consistency and doing the correct sequence.
Next I did a round of Chinto Kata tuned into agility, mobility, light body and overall health.
I finished with Healing Qigong as I returned to the house to journal this morning's practice here in this blog.
If you're looking at this please let me know. Thanks!!