Monday Practice

I have Echo duty this morning, so I practiced on the deck.

I started with a full Warm Up with the Single Leg Standing Meditation Set from Cheng T'ing Hwa Bagua Zhang for #9 Exercise.

I then did a Round (left side) while listening to the Tai-Chi Classics that I have recorded on a cassette player. I was focused on counter-balancing "Stand like a balanced scale" throughout the Round.

I then did a round of the Internal Bagua Zhang Set from Cheng T'ing Hwa Bagua Zhang. 

Afterwards I did a full Spear session with my Century Spear. 

Very productive practice session.

I hope that you're enjoying your practice. Drop me a line and let me know what you're currently working on.

Email Sifu Roy

 

Sunday Practice

 

I practiced on the deck this morning. Echo ate something he shouldn't have last evening! Drama ensued...Luckily he seems fine this morning, perhaps a bit tired.

I did a short Warm Up and a Standing Meditation then a Round (right side). I was focused on observing the exact conclusion of my postures and continuous movement of the whole body during all the transitions. 

I used Hun/Haah and HuiYin Breathing throughout today's session. I continue to practice according to the principles described in the Tai-Chi Classics.

I then did another round of Standing Meditation and a round of The 21 for health using HuiYin Breathing.

Since I've been doing most of my Spear practicing on the deck (watching Echo) I brought my Century Spear up from the garage. I'm missing the little jaggle the Century Spear makes when I Jab, Thrust or Block with it. I'll move the Wushu Spear into the garage for when I practice in the driveway.

Spear practice to follow:

Paul Gallagher montage- Taiji sword, Pa-Kua, and the Monkey King himself!

Sifu J Richard Roy interview, part 1.

Sifu J Richard Roy interview, part 2, Ba-Gua, self-defense, Modern Arnis.

Sifu J Richard Roy interview, part 3, daily practice, stretching, favori...

Exercises to open and stretch the hands wrists and fingers

Saturday Practice

 

Echo assisting with today's Spear practice. Here I am working on Thrust to the Knee.

I had Echo duty while GG was in town for meetings, the Y and chores.

I started with a full Warm Up and Standing Meditation. 

When I got to #9 Exercise, I reviewed the single leg Standing Set from Cheng T'ing Hwa Bagua Zhang (Liu Bin Method I learned from Master Zhang Jie). I've been doing a version of this set instead of #9 Exercise for the past few months. I learned the set in the late '80's. It's very demanding so I'm taking advantage of the stable flooring of the deck. I've tried it on the beach in the past and found it a bit too challenging on the feet, knees and hips. It's doable on the deck as long as I don't try and hold each posture for too long. The last two (of 8) are extremely demanding. 

I then moved on to do a Round (right side) focused initially on the principles and then about 1/2 through I shifted into Mushin/Wuxin "Mind, No Mind" gear. I merely observed from a third party perspective (Meditation mind set). I became calmer and more spirited at the same time with a profound connection to the Tao all around and inside of me. 

Calmly I became one with nature.....

I hope you're enjoying your practice.

Drop me a line and let me know how it's going:

jrroysifu@gmail.com

Friday Practice

 

Standing Meditation using the 2nd Posture - Focused on HuiYin Breathing and feeling 'even effort' everywhere: Dialing down the numbers to a 1, 2 or 3 

Method to release (Song):

Ice to Water, Water to Gas

I started with a full Warm Up using Hun/Haah Breathing ending with Standing Meditation. During the Standing I switched my focus to HuiYin Breathing, cultivating the Heavenly Circulation. 

I then did a full Spear session. Focusing on accuracy with Jab and Blocks....The tip for Jabs the sharp sides of the Spear for blocking.

After the Spear session I moved on to do a Round (left side) focusing on The Principles described in the Tai-Chi Classics using silent Hun/Haah Breathing*; 

Best done with sound - The vibration of the vocal chords and body is critical. Eventually you can get some of the benefits without sounding but not all of it.

*While exhaling I use the Haah sound to visualize my Chi extending out to the tips of fingers and toes.

 Note: Use a short or long Haah sound, depending on the movement and your intention. To develop abundant health (long Haaah sound) or for martial arts (short Hah sound similar to a Kiaii in Karate). 

*On the inhale I use the Hun sound to visualize my Chi returning, gathering and condensing (cultivating) in my center. Specifically to my Lower Tan T'ien. 

Thursday Practice

 

I got a late start this morning. We had to bring GG's car to Cherry Rum Auto for an oil change. 

Echo is healing from his vet visit yesterday. He was actually chilling in the house on his couch bed while I practiced on the deck. He could see me through the slider so I guess that made it ok? 

I started with a full Warm Up. Note: I have most of my art being 'warmed up' with these qigongs. During my Warm Ups I focus on: Fascial tissue awareness and cultivation along with Hun/Haah Breathing, Taoist Longevity Breathing, HuiYin Breathing, Rooting, Song, range of motion, stretching and Standing Meditation. I aim to have these exercises transform me by adhering to Tai-Chi principles throughout the session whenever I can.

Warming Up is usually about 1/3 - 1/2 of my overall practice. I put a very high premium on properly warming up Physically, Mentally, Emotionally and Spiritually. It takes time and effort, once it becomes your daily habit it will be difficult to NOT do it!

After my Warm Up I did a Round (right side) focused on The Principles, especially observing the conclusion of each posture (definite conscious conclusion) and assuring that once a transition starts all parts keep moving in unison until the conclusion of the next posture. It's important to NOT stop while transitioning from one posture to the next. I stayed focused on that while I did today's Round.

Exercise increases longevity of movement and thinking - Especially internal arts -

                                             Sifu Roy holding The Bagua Zhang Guard Posture 

One can increase the probability (hedge your bets) of being able to move and think clearly longer as you age. Are you curious?

This increase in longevity that I'm thinking of, is the effect of regular practice of internal cultivation practices like T'ai Chi Ch'uan, Bagua Zhang and Qigong/Neigong.  

One of my initial attractions to internal martial arts was watching older practitioners that were still able to practice and move like a much younger person. I've personally witnessed a 90+ year old, look like a 40 year old, from the back as he was walking away from me. 

There are no guarantees but if you can learn and practice arts like T'ai Chi Ch'uan, Bagua Zhang and Qigong it is highly likely that you will be able to move and think clearer as you enter old age. These arts are specifically designed to be practiced well into old age.

Mushin / Wuxin - No Mind

 *Mushin in Japanese: No Mind

*Wuxin in Chinese (無心 "no mind") 

*Is a mental state

Zen and Daoist meditators attempt to reach this state, as well as artists, musicians and trained martial artists. 

One of my uses of Mushin/Wuxin is to be able to apply this mental state during everyday activities, doing whatever I choose to do. 

From Wikipedia:

On page 84 of his 1979 book Zen in the Martial Arts, Joe Hyams claimed Bruce Lee read the following quote to him, attributed to the legendary Zen master Takuan Sōhō:^[8]

The mind must always be in the state of 'flowing,' for when it stops anywhere that means the flow is interrupted and it is this interruption that is injurious to the well-being of the mind. In the case of the swordsman, it means death.
When the swordsman stands against his opponent, he is not to think of the opponent, nor of himself, nor of his enemy's sword movements. He just stands there with his sword which, regardless of all technique, is ready only to follow the dictates of the subconscious. The man has effaced himself as the wielder of the sword. When he strikes, it is not the man but the sword in the hand of the man's subconscious that strikes.

Wednesday Practice

 

My practice partner is loosing interest, but still likes to be out on the deck with me while I'm practicing. I guess me practicing every morning has become "ordinary", just an average day with a regular activity. 

Echo has his first heartworm shot later this morning....Oh boy! Two months of trying to keep a puppy quiet. Oh Boy!! 

I started with target practice with my new Wushu Spear. I worked on my Jab and Thrust with stationary and follow steps. 

I moved on to a full Warm Up using Hun/Haah sounds, then a Round (left side) focusing on the principles described in the Tai-Chi Classics. I also used silent Hun/Haah Breathing throughout the Round. That focus really increased the awareness when my Chi was being directed back to my center and then flowing out to my extremities. 

Now off to the vet's......

Tuesday Practice

 

I went into The Studio to teach the 8-9:30 am T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Qigong Class. 

I started with a little Spear training using the Long Pole at The Studio. After a few minutes Sally and LJ showed up and we started to review and explain Vertical Push-hands drill from The Dance.

 Janee showed up a few minutes later and the four of us continued to flush out the Vertical Push-Hands method, working on identifying Push, Press, Ward-Off and Roll Back and also paying attention to shifting forward and back to be in a neutral posture (even in transitions between postures) we spend most of our time on Vertical Push-Hands then we did a short Warm Up (a version of The 10 Exercises) where I introduced the idea of Hun/Haah Breathing then a Round (right side) focusing on Hun/Haah Breathing Short and Long and the silent version also. 

Monday Practice

 

The driveway is the best place for Spear and other weapons training.

I did my Warm Ups and a Round (left side) on the deck, focused on the principles described in the Tai-Chi Classics, using Hun/Haah Breathing. 

After my Round I went out into the driveway for a Spear session; Basics, Bagua Spear, Low Family Spear and Tai-Chi Spear Forms. 

Off to prepare for our lunch guests. Our grandkids Genna, Dylan and Dylan's girlfriend Guilia (left to right)

Saturday and Sunday Practices

 My new Wushu Spear....I like the wax wood shaft, but the spear head...Not so much. 

Echo lounging on the couch. Sort of supervising my practice, but losing interest. 

I guess watching me  practice has lost it's 'new-ness'?

Saturday Practice:
We have a wedding to go to at noon so I did a quick practice on the deck. I did a Full Warm Up and a Round (right side)

In the mid-afternoonI did a Spear session and a round of Bagua Zhang 1st Yin Fu Set in the driveway. I used my new Wushu Spear for my Spear practice....It's shaft is made of wax wood but the spear head is a bit disappointing, cheaply made and no sound. Oh well! The Century Spear is much better for practice. I love the rattle it makes and the weight and diameter of the Spear shaft is more to my liking.

Sunday Practice:

I have Echo duty this morning while GG is in town doing errands. So first I did The 10 inside and then Echo and I went out on the deck so I could do my Round outside. I focused on Hun/Haaah Breathing with a short Haah, martial intent. Although I did use a longer Haah sound for some of the more qigong focused postures. 

After my Round of T'ai Chi Ch'uan I did a round of The 21 using short and long Haah sounds and then some work on the 2nd Yin Fu Set #1 Change (single palm change) and the 'introduction' to the Set which I've been doing a bit differently.  

Friday Practice

I met with Jeff this morning via Google Meets. While I was waiting I did my Warm Ups and with Jeff we did The 21 with Hun/Haah Breathing.

After our meeting I went out on the deck to do a Round (left side) focused on the position of my tongue and Hun/Haah Breathing with and without sound. I also focused on a recent post from Sifu Ray:

 "Neither severance nor splice"

 

To assist me to start and stop with whole body I recited:

"When one part moves, all parts move, when one part stops, all parts stop"

Thursday Practice

 

After starting my practice on the deck with my new practice partner 'Echo' after a full Warm Up, I went out to my practice spot by the garden to do a round of The 21, using Hun/Haah (with a martial intent) and then a round of the first Yin Fu Bagua Zhang Set, focused on #3 Change and then a Round of T'ai Chi Ch'uan (right side) focused on the principles described in the Tai-Chi Classics. 

Later in the afternoon I did a Spear practice. I worked on the Bagua Spear Set that I've been developing. I think I have the first few changes starting to solidify. I have to remember not to over rotate at my waist as it seems to bother my low back and SI joints. That is especially with the weight of the weapon it's super important to monitor my waist rotation. 

Echo supervising my practice on the deck.

I hope you're enjoying your practices. Drop me a line and let me know what you're working on.

Email Sifu Roy

Sifu Ray Hayward explains the Tai-Chi Classics

 Sifu's Richard Roy and Ray Hayward

Sifu Ray explains Tai-Chi Classics  

"There should be neither deficiency nor excess..."

Wednesday Practice

 

The Photo: Our new puppy Echo chilling while I practice on deck. 

I had dog duty while Ginnie was in town. This was the first time that she had left Echo for any amount of time. He has terrible separation anxiety but he was a really good boy and just chilled, watching me and the scenery from his dog bed on the deck. Life is good!

The Practice:

I started with a full Warm Up, intermittently using Hun/Haah Breathing. I then did a Round (left side) focused on the principles from the Tai-Chi Classics. 

During a Standing Meditation session at the end of my Round, I had a profound connection to The Tao.

Fabulous session!

With gratitude and appreciation....

I hope you're enjoying your practice. Drop me  note to let me know what you're working on.

Email Sifu Roy

Tuesday Practice

I went in to The Studio to teach the 8-9:30 am T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Qigong class. 4 students show up. 

Before class started I worked with Sandy on the 6th Change in the first Yin Fu Bagua Zhang Set, on the left side. 

Once class formed, we did a version of The 10 Exercises. I included a bit of Hun/Haaah Breathing and during #7 I explained HuiYin Breathing. Once we reviewed the concept we then coordinated HuiYin Breathing with the arm and waist movements, ascending and descending with the waist (Yao) turning right and left, from the #7 Exercise.

Then after a water break we continued with a Round of T'ai Chi Ch'uan  (right side) focusing on the principles. I've been reciting the first T'ai Chi Ch'uan Classic outloud while the class is doing The Round. I find myself focusing or re-focusing on different principles depending on the day.

After class I reviewed the T'ai Chi Jian Form with Lucy and Read. I also demonstrated some of the Spear training that I've been doing. Using my new practice Spear Head. It fit really nicely on one of the long poles at The Studio.

I hope that you are all enjoying you practices.....

Drop me a short note to let me know what you're currently working on.

Email Sifu Roy

Monday Practice

 

I practiced outside in the driveway this morning. I started with the Bagua Zhang Spear Form that I've been working on. I'm working on ideas for the first few changes and the basic guard and direction changes. 

I'm putting basic jabs and full thrusts in the first few changes. One of the benefits is that I'm starting to practice both sides. 

I then went on to practice a round of Yin Fu Bagua Zhang (second set) and a bit of work on Low Family Staff and Tai Chi Staff that I'm transitioning to Spear Forms. It's feeling better and better. I figure in a week or two I'll have flushed them out enough to produce a video of the forms.

Afterwards I did a full Warm Up followed by a Round (left side)

During The 10 I used Hun/Haah breathing. It was easier today. I'm just getting used to using sounds to bring the energy in to my center (Hun) and the out to my extremities (Haah). I found my self using silent hun/haah sounds while I did my Round. Very cool

email Sifu Roy

Sunday Practice

 

The Photo: Some of my practice weapons that I use for exercise; Various weights of canes/sticks/staffs/spears and Broadswords.

The Photo: Taken a few years ago at The Dragons Head, a favorite practice spot when I lived in Greenfield. Photo by Ben Banville.

It's raining again this morning so I'll be practicing up in the loft or in The Barn. I haven't decided yet. 

While it was still raining I started in The Barn with The 10 Exercises and The 21 using Hun/Haah breathing. Interesting session. I continued with the idea of Hun bringing the Chi in towards my center and Haah extending the Chi outwards towards my extremities. Using a long Haah for health (The 21) and a short Hah for martial arts. The 10 had both types of breathing along with some reverse breathing too

After the rain let up I migrated out to the driveway for some weapons training and a Round. Later in the afternoon I went back out for a Spear session and some Bagua Zhang.

Saturday Practice

 Tea with Master Paul again this morning.....

I started with a full Spear practice out in the driveway. I then went through a full Warm Up using Hun Haah sounds. I then did a round of The 21 with Hun/Haah sounds; Interesting results. It certainly helped me become acutely aware of my breathing. Later I reviewed Sifu Ray's instruction on Hun/Haah breathing that I have on video. The Hun sound brings the energy in to your center and the Haah sound extends the energy out to your extremities. I'm interested in the results from extended practice using this method. Time will tell...

Then I did my Warm Up and a little Bagua Zhang (2nd Yin Fu Set) before a Round (right side) 

Friday Practice

 This morning I started with weapons training, mostly Spear basics and more work on transitioning the two Staff forms to Spear forms. It's coming along really well and I'm learning a lot as I go. I also reviewed the solo form I've come up with to practice the two person 13 Spear Set. 

Afterwards I did a full Warm Up concentrating on proper stretching of the fascia and Hun Haaah breathing.

I also did a round of The 21 using HuiYin breathing and Hun Haah sounds adding the changes from Master Choi. Different and interesting new information. 

I then moved on to do a Round (left side) focusing on releasing the leg/arm that was doing the work or holding the body weight. 

I hope that you are enjoying your practice!

Email comments to Sifu Roy

Thursday Practice

Sailing with friends today. It was very windy and super gusty. Challenging to get her back on her mooring.....There's a lot of agility required for small boat sailing. I felt I had my 'sea legs' working a bit better this time out, even with it being a bit windy/gusty. 

In the morning I did a full Warm Up, weapons training (Spear and Broadsword) and a Round (right side). All in all a productive session. 

My 'leaf' target is getting a bit beat up, but it's still working just fine.
 

Wednesday Practice

I practiced outside in my main practice spot. I started by shooting a few discreet videos of the Spear training that I've been doing. Then a full Warm Up and a Round (left side)
 

Tuesday Practice

 

I went into The Studio to teach the 8-9:30am T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Qigong class.

I talked about the Spear training that I've been doing and the importance of accuracy in martial arts training. I also talked about HuiYin Breathing and related it to the #7 exercise. Then we 

'Pulled the Chi' to get the feeling of Chi in our palms and then brought that feeling to the Round. First in Part I then throughout the entire solo form. 

Monday Practice

 

Busy morning - Early dental cleaning appointment, Cybex at the YMCA and stocking up on fuel for the lawnmower. 

Here I am about to start my morning practice yesterday. I was experimenting with a placing my GoPro on a rock instead of a tripod. I inadvertently had it set on single photo's and I ended up getting this selfie.

It's a rainy day, so after getting back to Leyden after appointments and chores I practiced indoors. 

Spear target practice....First accuracy with a Jab, add the Follow Step, then with a full Thrust (pool cue/full Fa). FYI - It's much more difficult to be accurate with the full Thrust.

Sunday Practice

 

The Photo:

I made a cardboard target for Spear practice 

- I hung it at heart level - 

The Practice:

I started in the driveway with Spear basics, followed by the Staff Forms that I'm transitioning to Spear Forms; 1st the Low Family Staff Form; It seems to me that this form could be used for Spear or Staff. I'm really liking practicing it with a Spear. Fun!!

I've also been working on transforming what I call Tai-Chi Staff that I learned back in '79 from Sifu Ken Cohen in the front yard of Wu Ming Valley House, Sifu Paul Gallagher's Taoist Academy in Hadley, MA

Along with Sifu Rayhayward and Master Paul (Gallagher)

After a lengthy Spear session I moved on work the Broadsword Form from Master T. T. Liang's T'ai Chi Ch'uan system. Focusing on the timing of the shuffle and variety of movement. 

Then I did a brief Warm Up 

Followed by a Round of T'ai Chi Ch'uan (left side );

Today's Focus:

HuiYin Breathing

5 heights of postures

*Counter Balancing throughout the Round:

 

            **Stationary it feels like a well poised (balanced) scale.

            ***Moving it feels like a moving (cart) wheel.

Saturday Practice - 13 spear basics-

T'ai Chi Ch'uan

Yang Style 13 Spear

Jab and Thrust to target

with

Sifu J. R. Roy

Friday Practice

 

Spear with a leaf target on one of my Bagua Zhang trees.

I started with a full Warm Up followed by an extensive Spear session, then a Round (left side). 

Then some agility training (small boat sailing). Small boat sailing demands a great deal of balance or 'sea legs'. Our O'day 17 doesn't have as many hand hold as our previous O'day 19.2, so I'm finding it a bit more challenging...Oh yeah and I'm a few years old too;^)

Maiden sail of the 2023 season with some of my favorite people. Life is good!

With gratitude and appreciation!!

T'ai Chi Ch'uan Yang Style13 Spear Set - The jab exercise II - with Foll...

Sifu J. R. Roy practices his Spear Jab from the T'ai Chi Ch'uan Yang Style13 Spear Set. In this video he is working on his Spear Jab moving forward in a line, using a Follow Step.

Thursday Practice - Yang Style T'ai Chi Ch'uan 13 Spear Set the jab with stance work - Basic...

Yang Style T'ai Chi Ch'uan 13 Spear Set the jab with stance work - Basic Exercise

Wednesday Practice - Yang Style T'ai Chi Ch'uan - 13 Spear Set - Jab Exercise

Yang Style T'ai Chi Ch'uan

- 13 Spear Set -

Jab Exercise

with

Sifu J. R. Roy

After a Spear Basics session I did a full Warm Up in the driveway, followed by a Round (right side)

Tuesday Practice

 

13 Spear Practice

I started with several variations of Spear Jabbing to a target and was pleasantly surprised at how accurate I became when I used less upper body effort and more stance work. The 'jab' is way more accurate than the 'pool cue' full thrust. The full thrust is very difficult to be accurate with. The jab becomes less accurate as you use more upper body force. Very informative practice. 

I developed a couple of solo drills to cultivate my Spear basics, focusing on the jab with and without follow step stance work.

After shooting a few Spear videos I went on to do a Warm Up and then a Round (left side). 

Tai-Chi Dance with Master T. T. Liang and Sifu Ray Hayward

 Tai-Chi Dance with Master T. T. Liang and Sifu Ray Hayward

Bagua Zhang on the beach

The introduction and the first two animal changes (Lion Palm & Snake Palm) of the Cheng T'ing Hwa 8 Animal Set that I learned from Master Zhang Jie back in the late 80's early 90's.

I love the variety of movement and the coiling aspect of Bagua Zhang. 

Master Zhang emphasized the connection to the Tao from the opening sequence. 

He taught Chinese Culture at Peking (Bejing) University and was a graduate of the Peking Opera. Raised in Peking, he learned directly from Master Lui Xing Han, a friend of the family. 

Note: Any mistakes are purely mine alone. This is not meant as a how to video and is merely a snapshot of my beach training from a few years ago.

One hour of exercise = 4 hours of additional life

 I've recently heard that:

                        "One hour of exercise = 4 hours of additional life"

I'm not certain about the accuracy of that statement but I like it and I'm going to go with it!!

Sifu Roy holding Bagua Zhang guard posture. 

So.....If I exercise for one hour per day, every week I earned  28 hours of additional life? 

I'm not sure how accurate that is but I'm going to go with it;^) 

The possibility of an additional day of life from one week of exercising an hour per day I find very motivating. I hope you do too!!

Enjoy your practice (s)!

Let me know what you're currently working on...Thanks!

Email Sifu Roy

Friday, Saturday and Sunday Practice

Friday Practice on the deck. 

With my teachers looking on......Informing my practice from the Tao.

My focus was on Hui-Yin breathing. I started with a full Warm Up and then a Round (right side). Throughout the Round I was focused on the 5 levels of stance. Afterwards I did a round of Bagua Zhang, (1st Yin Fu Set), Chinto Kata and Anyo #6

 Saturday I went into The Studio and did a Round with the T'ai Chi Ch'uan class. Then there was a smaill in-class rank evaluation. Congratulations to everyone that was involved. Congrats to Jason and Karen on their promotion to Green Belt and Malcolm to Brown I. There were 5 advanced Black Belts in the room to assist. It was very nice to see everything running so smoothly. Good job running the test Sensei Jeff.

Sunday Practice

It's raining today so I'll be practicing up in the loft. I'll write more after I finish.