Major variation of Trapping Hands from Modern Arnis with Sifu J. R. Roy...

Empty hand Tapi Tapi with the right side with Sifu J. R. Roy and Sensei Jeff Chaisson

Great T'ai Chi & Qigong class this past Tuesday morning

 Had a great class this past Tuesday; Janee, Nancy, Sally and I were joined by Bob and Lenny. 

Some good discussion about ideas and principles to keep in mind while practicing both solo and with a partner. 

The all important (IMO) idea of 'assisting' your partner to 'get it' and definitely not competing with them during a cooperative drill. FYI - Most developmental drills are cooperative! For some folks this is a very difficult thing to focus on. 

Especially when younger students (but older ones too) are training with a partner, I try to point out the actual task at hand; To learn how to work with a partner as a team, especially if it's a partner that is difficult for you to work with. Learning to work efficiently with a partner is the kind of skill that will serve any student well in other aspects of life. 

If you can revel in the accomplishments and refinements of your partner, then you in the correct spirit IMO. Laughter and smiling is a a good indicator. Just sayin'

I'm sorry that I didn't take any photo's of this wonder-filled gathering. I guess I was too engaged?

One of my favorite Standing postures - Raise Hands and Step Up - 

Timing for Modern Arnis' Trapping Hands

An explanation of the basic timing for two person drills like Trapping Hands. Standardizing the timing is essential for good quality two person drills. Especially when weapons are involved standardizing the timing makes the practice much safer to bring up to reality speed. When actually using the art for SD or sport it's essential to be aware of the 'pulse' or timing of your opponent/partner, in order to have the skill to apply techniques outside of the standard pulse, by cutting the time in half or more. 

                                         

                                        ***Good timing is paramount to effective martial arts***

By the way:

Timing is Everything!

Abdominal Breathing & Adjusting the Mind with Sifu J R Roy

Here's a simple technique that I use to adjust what my mind is thinking about. What I call "Correct Thinking". Initially this is simply a check list of things to monitor while your practicing. The quality of your thinking is essential to monitor in order to extract the maximum benefit from the time spent  practicing.

*Monitoring your breathing is a cornerstone in most meditative practices. 

**Breathing is the primary way that we humans extract Chi from our environment. 

***Good oxygen exchange within our bodies cells is necessary for good health.  

Malcolm promoted to Blue Belt in Modern Arnis

 

Congratulations to all involved with last evenings Modern Arnis rank evaluation!

 Great job done by all. Congratulations! It was truly wonderful to spend the evening with all of you!

Front row kneeling:

Damian Biagi - Low Blue - Antas Tatlo 

AnnaMaria Biagi - Low Blue - Antas Tatlo 

Malcolm Howard - Low Blue - Antas Tatlo

Zach Fraley - Low Blue - Antas Tatlo 

Rob Laporte - Brown I - Likah Isa

Back row standing:
Guro Jack Fox

Sifu J. R. Roy

Sensei Jeff Chaisson

Guro Luke Smith

Guro Phil Ringwood

Grandmaster Leung Kay-Chi R.I.P.

 

10 Seconds On Each Leg Balancing Exercise with Sifu J. R. Roy

20 Seconds, that's all it takes! 10 Seconds per side...Give it a try!

Master Ray Hayward announces the passing of our teacher, Grandmaster Leung Kay-chi, R.I.P.

From Master Ray Haywards blog: 

The Inspired Teacher: Passing of My Teacher, Dr Leung Kay-chi, R.I.P.:   It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my teacher, Dr Leung Kay-chi, this morning. He was a few weeks shy of his 84th birthday. 

R.I.P. Grandmaster Leung Kay-Chi

 

Congratulations to Thomas and Laura Perham on their recent marriage

 

The happy couples first dance as a married couple. Wishing them many years of happiness and joy!!