Wednesday Practice @ Paul's

 

I shot this with my phone camera as soon as I arrived at Paul's. In the foreground is my '98 Volvo sedan my daily driver and that's one of Paul's hot rod (V8) Volvo's in the background. I bought my '98 Volvo S70  from Performance Motoring back in '04, when Eric was in charge of car sales. I bought it with 142,000, it currently has 232,000. She's still running strong and looks good too!  

The Details:

It's 71 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:42. I'll be driving down to Hatfield to train with Paul.

The Practice:

I started in the driveway with a short round of The 10+

Next I did a Round (left side) tuned into embodying the Taiji Principles described in the Taiji Classics.

When I arrived at Paul's we went upstairs to his Taiji Room to practice.

We started with a brief Warm Up with large Arm Circles in both directions, up and down with arms and up on toes and back on heels (dorsi flexion), then #1. 

Next we did a full session of Focus Pad work using Jab and Cross, striving for long and controlled.

Next we did a Walk The Circle session, in both directions striving to walk around a central point (set point).

Next we did Push and Pull and Circles in both directions to resistance.

Next we did a Round of Part I with three rounds of the Introduction.

Next we did a full session of Single Arm Push-Hands tuned into the eyes then against resistance at the end.

We finished with a Healing Qigong

Your daily routine matters!

 FYI - If you didn't realize it:

 " Your daily routine matters"

You can quote me on that!

Sifu

Tuesday Practice @ The Studio

 

                                 Jack and Lucy refining Brush Knee And Twist Step. 

The Details:

It's 70 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:41. It rained overnight and it's very damp and humid out. I'm going into The Studio to teach the 8-9:30 Taiji and Qigong Class.

The Practice:

First Jack and Lucy arrived and we started with a review of Brush Knee And Twist Step with a partner to explore the application and general 'feel' of the posture. 

Next we moved on to Wave Hands Like Clouds. I worked with Janee after she came in.

Read arrived I did an explanation of Abdominal Breathing adding Wave Hands and talking about messaging the internal organs by Abdominal Breathing and moving the waist (Yow sp?). 

Next we moved on to an abbreviated version The 10+ staying focused on messaging the internal organs.

Next we did a Round of Taiji. Tuned into the yogic postures and messaging the internal organs. We started on the left side for Part I and then moved to the right side for Parts I & II.

I finished with a full round of Healing Qigong

After class I did a round of Taiji Jian with the entire class. I emphasized continually looking at the tip of the sword.

I went to the YMCA only find a note on the door saying they were closed for a water main break. Oy!

Monday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 61 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:40. It's raining and forecast to be rainy today and tomorrow.

The Practice:

It's raining out so I went to The Barn and practiced on The Porch.

I started with a full round of The 10+ focused on opening the body and reminding me to use 'correct thinking' (do this, don't do that). I did #8 with the TRX Straps along with a TRX Pulling Session. I also did a full session of The Three Swings and emphasized Song Gong.

Next I did a Round (right side) tuned into embodying the Taiji Classics as I recited them during Part I.

Next I did two rounds of Anyo Anim tuned into the correct sequence and the applications.

Next I did a round of Kusanku Kata focused on agility and overall conditioning. I notice that as I age there are a few movements in this Kata that become increasingly more difficult as time goes on. 

I finished with a Healing Qigong. We are heading off to Keene to look at 4-Runners and Pathfinders. We're going to replace our current 1998 4-Runner; rust has won!

Sunday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 62 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:39.

The Practice:

I started in The Barn with a session of resistance training.

Next I went out to The Stone Patio to do a Round (left side) tuned into agility and swimming in air.

I finished with a Healing Qigong

We are scheduled to go to Northfield Mount Herman for a celcbration of life for Elliot Rowsey.

Saturday Practice

 The Details:

It's 61 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:38. 

The Practice:

I practiced on The Stone Patio in front of The Barn. 

I started with a full round of The 10+ tuned into consistency, not overthinking and just 'doing' them consistently for my health.

Next I did a Round (left side) to Master Liang counting out the beats to the Taiji Music that he put together all those years ago. I don't practice Taiji to his music very often but when I do I learn a lot. This round I tuned into the exact space between the postures and keeping Zhong Ding throughout.

Next I did a round of Anyo Lima tuned into the applications and agility.

Next I did a round of Chinto Kata tuned into the health benefit and agility that practicing this Kata affords.

I finished with a Healing Qigong.

Friday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 61 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:37. I'm going to Noho to look for an acoustic guitar with my pal Shubal. I'm hoping to find one at the Mill River Music. They have a massive inventory of new and used guitars.

The Practice:

I started in the driveway with a Double Cane exercise 'Going into Battle'. I've been working on the base exercise and researching alternatives and basics. It's going well I'm about ready to produce a short video.

Next I moved up to my main practice area and did a full round of The 10+ tuned into consistency and the health benefits of regular practice. 

Next I did a Round (right side) tuned into connecting to nature. I recited the Taiji Classics as I practiced.

I finished with Standing Session and a Healing Qigong. 

Thursday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 71 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:36. Johan came late yesterday afternoon to finish. He's coming again this afternoon to clean up and drop of a bill.

The Practice:

I started in the driveway working on the 'Noise Before Battle' exercise that I learned from Prof. Presas. I'm going to be making short video on this exercise this weekend to share with Brian Z. 

Next I went to my main training area and did a full round of The 10+ tuned into agility and consistency. I trying to apply the 'don't think, just do it' rule. It works ya just need to 'do it'.

Next I did a Round of Taiji (right side) focused on internal vertical figure 8's with my hips. I was able to maintain mental focus about 80% of the time. 

Next I did a Standing session using Play Guitar for the single leg standing. I tuned into connecting with Nature's Qi; connecting with the upper hand (electric) and drawing in (magnetic) with the lower hand.

Next I did a round of Anyo Anim ... Oops! It should have been Lima...I'll do that at tomorrows practice.

Next I did a round of Chinto Kata (#5 in the American Karate System) 

Later in the afternoon I drove into town to do a round of CYBEX at the YMCA. That makes twice this week. Yay!!

Wednesday Practice @ Paul's

 

The Details:

It's 69 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:34. I'll be driving down to Paul's for 10 this morning. We are still waiting on Johan to finish the deck job.

The Practice: 

I started out in the driveway with a short warm up and a Round (left side) tuned into connecting internally and externally (to nature's Qi).

Next I drove to Hatfield to meet with Paul for 10.

We went upstairs to his Taiji Room and started with the first few of The 10 for a warm up. I emphasized dorsiflexion and ankle strength in general. 

Next we did a focus pad session with Paul doing Jab and Cross to the pads. He gets very jazzed up when hitting the pads. It scares Jean. Pad holding is a skill and may be more difficult to acquire than the punching side? Hmmm! I encouraged long punches all the way to muscle lock. Paul has very powerful short punches. Purely for martial arts it's a good thing but for Parkinson's focused exercise bigger, more open movements are best.

Next we did two Rounds of Part I with Paul following me. I called out the names of the postures with a few suggestions about 'how to do it' and some detail.

Next we did Single Arm Push Hands on both sides. First he was looking at our hand connection then at me (eyes) then I suggested he close his eyes. The drill tended to smooth out when he closed his eyes.

We finished with simultaneous arm circles in both directions. Paul is only able to do the 'fountain' and unable to coordinate alternating circles. I also did a palm up, palm down exercise with Paul

 

Tuesday Practice @ The Studio

 

The Details:

It's 69 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:33. First thing is to get the house ready for the Ponton's coming at 10 am

The Practice: 

I started with opening all the windows and starting the fans at The Studio. 

Next I did a round of Yin Fu 8 Linking Palms around a small ball tuned into the specifics of this form and maintaining good balance throughout, especially during the sweep/kicks.

Next I talked about Abdominal Breathing in some detail. 

Next we did a round of The 10+ tuned into Song Gong during the 'swings' for #10

Next we did a session with a partner reviewing Brush Knee And Twist Step (BKATS) then onto Wave Hands Like Clouds (WHLC) . I talked about the Yin/Yang details in each of these drills. The WHLC was more challenging than BKATS. Without the two person exercise / drill it's nearly impossible to understand WHLC, never mind develop any skills with the technique

Next we did a Round of Taiji (right side) tuned into the applications and changes that the two person drills had on BKATS and WHLC

Next we did a Standing session using Wild Goose Leaves The Flock for the single leg postures.

We ended with a Healing Qigong

After class I did a round of Taiji Jian with Janee.

Join me for Taiji and Qigong Class tomorrow morning!

                                                   

                                                     Taiji and Qigong

Tuesday July 23

from

8-9:30 am

@

The Studio

with 

Sifu J. R. Roy

Monday Practice

 

That is a lot of candles! Happy 80th Read!!

The Details:

It's 62 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:32.

The Practice:

I started in the driveway using Master Liang's Dao (broadsword) I did a round of Taiji Dao focused on the timing of my steps and postures, the names of the postures and the health benefit of doing this form. FYI - Master Liangs Dao that I have, is the right hand side of his Double Dao set. Even though it's from a practice set, it's combat heavy!! I can really feel how heavy it is, if I haven't been practicing with heavy weapons recently.

Next I moved up to my main practice area and did a round of Cheng T'ing Hwa Baguazhang The 8 Animal Set. One of each alternating the sides. I tuned into the specific differences between this set and the Yin Fu sets that I practice (8 Linking Palms [Wang Shu-Jin] & Yin Fu's 8 Palms)

Next I did a full round of The 10+ doing Snake&Hawk Palm for #9 and emphasizing Song Gong with Pore Breathing with the earth.

Next I did a Round of Taiji tuned into "Neither excess, not deficiency" using neutral postures.

Next I did a Standing session with Baguazhang Guard for the single leg postures.

Next I did a round of Anyo Anim tuned into the particulars of the Anyo

Next I did a round of Wansu Kata tuned into the agility and exercise that can be derived from practicing this Kata.

                                                                        Birthday Boy!!

Sunday Practice - Read's Birthday Party

 

The Details:

It's 64 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:32. It's forecast to be a beautiful day. Warm and dry. Yay! Read's 80th birthday party later this afternoon. The party is rain or shine but luckily it looks like a good day for it.

The Practice:

I started in the driveway with a round of Taiji Jian with my metal sword. I recited the names of the postures throughout the round. 

Next I used a wooden Jian to do a row or two of left hand Lazy D's focused on the tip and rooted stance work.

Next I moved to The Patio and did a slightly modified round of The 10+

Next I did a Round of Taiji (right side) focused on "neither excess, nor deficiency" and harmonizing Jin, Qi and Shen. I had a profound connection to nature's Qi.

Next I did a Standing session followed by a Healing Qigong

Next I did a round of Anyo Tatlo tuned into sequence and applications

Next I did a round of Seiunchin Kata focused on quality basics throughout and some possible changes at the end.

Saturday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 61 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:31. It's forecast to be cooler and less humid today.

I've got an 11 am guitar lesson with Shubal today. We're still waiting on Johan to finish the deck. He never came or called yesterday. Oy!

The Practice:

I started out practicing in the driveway. I used a wooden 6' staff to do a round of Taiji Staff on both sides followed by a round of Monkey Staff and a round of Lo Family Staff. I focused on correct sequence and agility and health benefits.

Next I moved up to my main training space and did a full round of The 10+. I did #3 from Yin Fu 8 Palms for #9 and the three swings and 5 loosening exercises for #10.

Next I did a Round of Taiji (left side) focused on balancing Jin, Qi and Shen, swimming in air and the balance of Song/Peng Jin

I finished with a Standing session and a Healing Qigong

Friday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 60 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:30. The heatwave broke last evening. Yay! The last few days was the third heatwave of the summer. Oy!

The Practice:

I started out in the driveway with a round of the 4 Modern Arnis Cane Anyo's using the wooden samurai sword - I did them all on the right side and then 1 & 2 on the left side.

Next I moved to my main practice area and did a full round of The 10+ tuned into consistency and the effect that doing a round of The 10+ has on one's overall health. These are truly marvelous exercises IF you do them daily. I feel when I skip or skimp them then I'm the only one that loses. It takes discipline to be regular at anything. Don't think, just do it!

Next I did a Round of Taiji focused on balancing Jin, Qi and Shen. One of the first steps is to identify and separate them so that you have the basic ability to harmonize them. I had a profound connection to the earth and the universe. I felt the connection between Song and Jin. Sinking my Qi produces a raising of Jin from the soles of the feet through the 9 zig zag path, manifesting in my fingers.

Hip to foot, foot to leg, leg to waist, waist to finger tips - all act as on unit - Think Dragons Back!

Next I did a Healing Qigong focused on releasing any lack of resilience, negative or limiting thoughts, any injury, disease or illness and breathing in abundant health, calm, centered internal strength, resilience, appropriate reactions to ____? (anything)

Next I did a round of Anyo Dalawa tuned into the correct sequence and the quality of my basics.

Next I did a round of Seisan Kata tuned into applications, timing and quality basics.

Thursday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 68 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:29, I'm not sure if Johan is coming back to finish the deck today or tomorrow? Ginnie will be coming home from Portsmouth NH later today. Before or after supper. I've still got Echo duty. He doesn't seem to want to walk very far the last couple of days. I'm guessing because it's been so hot and humid? Today seems better but he still doesn't want to walk very far. Oy!!

The Practice:

I practiced outside in my main practice area.

I started with a brief warm up using the first few of The 10.

Next I did a Round of Taiji focused on consistency and the health benefits from daily Rounds.

Next I did a round of Anyo Isa tuned into quality basics with snap and flow.

Next I did a round of Naihanchi Kata tuned into the changes I'm making to this form. It's starting to gel!

I finished with a Healing Qigong

Wednesday Practice @ Paul's

 

        I shot this with my phone camera. Paul stretching out his back and hamstrings after our walk.

The Details:

It was 68 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:27. I was scheduled to be at Paul's in Hatfield at 10

The Practice:

I did a short round of The 10+ followed by a Round of Taiji (right side) in the driveway before I left for Hatfield.

After getting gas I drove down to Hatfield. When I got there I asked Paul what was working the best for him in his opinion. The answer is walking, especially walking outside.

Paul put on good shoes and we did a 30-40 minute walk outside. I was flabbergasted that he could walk that far and for that long.....Fabulous. His gate had a nice long stride with good heel/toe roll. He did get tired by the end. It was pretty hot and humid too so that would be expected. The last time I saw Paul he was only able to walk for a few minutes....So big improvement! Yay!!

We didn't end up doing much more than a nice long walk outside and a little stretching...It's all good!

Tuesday Practice @ The Studio

The Details:

It's 70 at the house. It's forecast to be another scorcher. The sunrise was at 5:27.

I'm going into The Studio to teach the 8-9:30 am Taiji and Qigong class this morning.

The Practice:

I went in to The Studio and had a nice group show up; Jack, Nancy, Read, Pat, Wes, and Janee. 

I started out with a review of last weeks lesson; Refine each and every technique / posture 

- Holding Static Postures and going through the regular process in all Standing practices.

- Repeating individual postures on both sides in a row.

- Working the same material (Brush Knee And Twist Step) with a partner

- Use the reworked, refined technique in a Form

Master Liang would liken the practice of Taiji to the transforming that occurs when changing pig iron, into spring steel, by repeatedly heating, pounding, and cooling. 

I also talked about using neutral postures (throughout) that are able to transform energy through alignment and slightly stretched connective tissue

Bone up, muscle down

  

Join me at The Studio Tuesday 7/16/24 from 8-9:30 for Taiji and Qigong Class!

      I shot this with my phone camera with a Bluetooth trigger. Using a steel Jian to cultivate Yang energy.

Join me at: 

The Studio 

Tuesday 7/16/24 

from 

8-9:30 am

for 

Taiji and Qigong Class

with

Sifu J. R. Roy

Monday Practice

 

I shot this image with my phone camera looking north at my main practice spot. Big Greenie to the left and my main Bagua Zhang tree to the right.

The Details:

It's 68 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:26. It's forecast to be another heat wave this week. Oy!

The Practice:

I practiced in my main practice area this morning.

I started with a full round of The 10+ tuned into transformation.

Next I did a Round of Taiji (left side) tuned into "In Every Movement My Entire Body Is Light and Agile" and "Swimming In Air". Observing from a third party perspective and cautious not to overthink.

Next I did a round of Anyo Walo tuned into the quality and extension of my techniques.

Next I did a round of Sanchin Kata tuned into connecting my Breath, Tan T'ien (Hara) and the strikes.

I finished with a Healing Qigong.

Sunday Practice with Jeff

 

The Details:

It's 67 at the house, a little cooler and less humid to start the day. The sunrise was at 5:25. I've got a 10-noon session with Jeff this morning.

The Practice:

I started with video taping the introduction (the sunrise) and the first couple of discreet techniques from Wuji Hundun Qigong. I did #1 (eye's looking at thumbs) and #2 Roll the Ball toward you and #3 Roll the Ball in a figure 8 in both directions and the ending to the Qigong  (the setting sun)  

Next I did a Round of Taiji (right side) in my main practice spot tuned into the health aspect of consistent practice.

When Jeff showed up we started with questions. One of the things that we discussed is the balance between the health aspect of training and martial skill and the characteristics of skill development and health.

We started with Golden Rooster Stands On One Leg 1) Maintain balance as you switch legs. 2) Don't require a lengthy set up to regain balance.

More on Martial Skill - Most drills are cooperative - Skill needs to be evaluated - It must be able to do ____ on both sides even if the skill is not even. It's better to go slowly and softly with a smile (playfully) 

Self-Defense demands the element of surprise. Sequences and entry level skill training does not employ the element of surprise. Surprise can be a timing change, an angle change a different technique altogether. As long as the opponent does not know what technique, angle or when it will happen; watch the birdie!

The first stage in a Form or Drill is the sequence...Once the sequence is set on the first side (usually the right) then it's important to transfer the skill (of the sequence) to the second side (usually the left). 

After the sequence stage is mastered then the skill acquisition can begin. The more sophisticated skills take a longer time to develop. The secret is simply practice 'it' as daily as possible. Consistency is more important than intensity, across the board. 

The proper sequence is essential at the beginning and then again as your practice matures and as you age. Sequence is important in old age (70+)

Saturday Practice

                 I shot this image with my phone camera looking east towards my Bagua Zhang poles.
 The Details:

It was 74 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:25

The Practice:

I practiced in my main practice spot. 

I started with a round of Yin Fu Bagua Zhang 8 Linking Palms around my main Bagua Zhang tree.

Next I did a full round of The 10+ tuned into the health benefits.

Next I did a Round of Taiji tuned into developing a profound connection to nature qi. I achieved a profound connection to individual trees and the forest all around me. 

Next I did a round of Anyo Pito tuned into the sequence at the beginning flushing out the use of kick/punch or just punch. I continued to process the sequence of this Anyo.

Next I did a round of Sunsu Kata tuned into the sequence and use of finger strikes.

I finished with a Healing Qigong. 

Friday Practice - Guitar lesson with Shubal

 Shot this one with my phone camera of Guilia and Echo in the dinning/living room last season.

The Details:

It's 65 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:24.

The Practice:

I started by making spaghetti sauce before it got too hot.

Next I had a 8-9 am Zoom call with Jeff.

Next I grabbed a quick Round of Taiji (right side) before I headed off for a guitar lesson with Shubal at 10:30-noon. I practiced in the dinning/living room area in the house facing the view to the south down Beaver Meadow.

Next I drove to Shubals in Colrain for a lesson on finger picking style of guitar. Fabulous!!

Thursday Practice

 The Details:

It was 74 at the house. It's forecast to be super hot and humid again today. The sunrise was at 5:23.

The Practice:

I've scheduled a private lesson with Malcolm at 9. 

After I got everything prepared for the lesson with Malcolm I went out into my main practice area and did a Round (right side) focused on quality basics and solid postures and stance work.

After Malcolm arrived we up to the main practice area and started with Modern Arnis Cane Warm Ups.

I talked about:

Common Denominators 

A) Stance Work

    a) facing or angled

    b) weight distribution

    c) Set Point

    d) hip rotations & rear foot alignment (slide up)

Parameters of training; Like a road, easy in the middle, more difficult on the right or left. Train ALL of it. Do Not Neglect the tough parts. (discipline) 

2 Stick Twirling

add Fluid Attack

Stay with each technique longer

Do more single Cane twirling on both sides. Focus on switching sides and pay attention to the left arm techniques.

In Double Zero don't neglect the bottom zero.

Do Stick Anyo's on both sides

In Standing pay attention to hip position and releasing the lower back (ming men point)

Tune into abdominal breathing

American Karate Kata:

There's a tendency to splice techniques; End one then do the next one, all the way to the end. Watch out for splicing techniques together. Like writing a book; Pose for a photo at the end of each and every technique.

Fists need to be hard to be effective

Conclude all techniques

                                          Perfection is not a thing. 

Wednesday Practice

 

The Details:

It was 71 at the house, it's forecast to be another hot one. Johan and Dave are still working on installing the Trex decking. The sunrise was at 5:22.

The Practice:

I started in the driveway with a full Cane Warm Up with my Dragon Canes.

Next I did a round of the 4 Modern Arnis Cane Anyo on both the right and left sides. I tuned into correct sequence and skill development.

Next I did a round of Taiji Dao using Master Liang's broadsword. I tuned into the sequence and timing of stance work and sword strikes.

Next I did Level Push repeatedly on the left side. (Single Movement Practice) 

Next I moved to my main practice spot and did a round of Cheng T'ing Hwa Bagua Zhang 8 Animal Set on both sides.

Next I did a Round of Taiji (left side) tuned into embodying the Taiji Principles described in The Taiji Classics.

Next I did a Standing Session with a Healing Qigong at the end.

Next I did a round of Anyo Apat focused on applications

Next I did a round of Kusanku Kata focused on agility and health.

Tuesday Practice @ The Studio

 

Hall of Happiness - I have this posted up on a cork board just inside The Studio main door. 

The Details:

Slightly cooler today at 62. The sunrise was at 5:21.

The Practice: 

I went into The Studio this morning to teach the 8-9:30 am Taiji and Qigong class.

I had a couple of folks tell me they couldn't attend. Read, Janee and Lucy did show up for class at 8.

I started with writing on the board "Refining" then a list of how to refine 1) Holding Postures (same sequence as any Standing practice 2) Repeating single postures on both sides (working on specifics) 3) Partner Training (to acquire skill and know how to apply the technique.)  4) Use the technique in Form practice.

We used Brush Knee and Twist Step to do the 'Refining' exercise.

I also talked about balancing Yin/Yang and discerning the Yin/Yang's of it all. 

Next I did a modified version The 10+ tuned into the correct amount of stretch to engage the connective tissues

Next we did a Round with Part I on the left side and Parts II & III on the right. Tuned into the embodiment of the Taiji Principles and overall refinement of each posture

Next a short Standing and a Healing Qigong.

After class I did a round of Taiji Jian. I vocalized the names of the postures as we did them.

Next we did Lazy D on the left side tuned into the stance work and the tip of the sword.

Note:

I had to go to West Springfield for an eye exam with Dr. Spatcher. Long way to go....but it's done and everything looks good.

Monday Practice

         Standing practice at New Smyrna Beach last season. I'm missing sunrise practices by the sea.

The Details:

It's 62 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:21. It's forecast to be super hot again but the house is a cool 68 first thing this morning. Johan and Dave started The Deck this morning. Yay! We put the awning out but the heat is going to be an issue! It's forecast to be in the 90's this afternoon. Yikes!!

The Practice:

I practiced in the dinning/living room space downstairs so that I could stay with Echo. The guys are making a racket on the deck with power saws and hammering. Echo is on high alert and needs comforting....so....

I started with a full round of The 10+ tuned into strengthening and lengthening and the health benefit from daily practice. I've been skimping on these while I was traveling in Europe, especially on the days of air and bus travel. So I've been disciplining myself to do a Full round of these Qigong exercises. I realize how important they are to my longevity and agility.

Next I did a Round (left side) tuned into embodying Taiji Classic principles throughout the Round.

Next I did a round of Wuji Hundun Qigong using the introduction (sun rising) and The Teacup series.

Next I did a round of Anyo Lima tuned into agility and quality stance work.

Next I did a round of Chinto Kata tuned into agility and full extension on kicks and punches.

I finished with a Healing Qigong.

 

Sunday Practice

 I practiced on The Stone Patio in front of The Barn this morning. 

The Details:

It was 68 here at the house at 6:30 this morning. The sunrise was at 5:20. It's forecast to be super hot again today. Yesterday was very uncomfortable in the living room. Today we put a little air conditioner in the living room window. We're still waiting on parts for the free standing air conditioner that vents out that same window.

The Practice:

It's uncomfortably warm and humid again this morning. This is a serious heat wave that is predicted to last a few more days. Ugh!

The rain last night helped a little and I figured practicing mid morning was going to be better than yesterday's practice in the early afternoon. That was unpleasant, especially when I'm not feeling well. 

I started with a full round of The 10+ I continue to reflect on what and how I'm going to teach the upcoming seminar on these marvelous exercise/qigong in two weeks on Sunday July 21st.

Next I did a Round of Taiji (right side) tuned into agility, stability and release.

Next I did a round of The 21 tuned into Hun/Haah breathing and opening the channels.

Next I did a round of Anyo Apat tuned into applications agility.

Next I did a round of Wansu Kata tuned into the timing of strikes and stance work.

I finished with a Healing Qigong

Next I did a round of Wansu Kata tuned into the timing of strikes and stance work.

Saturday Practice

 

I walked around the back field looking for a cool (ish) spot to practice. I shot this with my phone camera looking west across The Stone Wall. I practiced in the little level spot just to the west of this opening in The Wall. It's the first time I've practiced here. I have so many wonderful practice spots here in Leyden. With gratitude and appreciation!

The Details:

It was 72 this morning, rainy and humid. The sunrise was at 5:19. I'm still sick, although the antibiotics are starting to kick in. Oy!

The Practice:

It's super hot and humid out and I'm still feeling like crap. Feeling very fatigued and no juice, but I'm going to go out and find a cool place to practice. I'm going to take a walk around the property to warm up. Another day of 'getting it in' I guess....Ugh!

It's super hot and muggy and I'm not feeling well....Great combination! NOT!

I stumbled on this shady, cool (ish) spot just west of The Stone Wall. There was also a nice breeze coming in from the south. I was as comfortable as I could be, all things considered.

I started with a walk then after I found The Spot I did a short version of The 10+. I'm starting to consider the timing of these for the upcoming Seminar I'm offering on The 10+ later this month. (Sunday July 21st 9-12)

Next I did a Round of Taiji (left side) tuned into 1. Staying on the left side 2. Maintaining the correct sequence 3. Monitoring The Taiji Principles described in The Taiji Classics.

I was out of gas and a sweaty mess and I needed water, so after a short Standing session focused on Ting/Song I ended with a Healing Qigong as I was returning to the house.

A little writing and a rest is in order.

Thanks for bearing with me through this illness.....These foreign bugs are persistent and difficult to shake. Oy!

email Sifu Roy

Friday Practice

 

I shot this image with my phone camera of my practice spot out by The Garden.

The Details:

It was 71 and humid this morning. Sunrise was at 5:19. I'm still sick with Le Crud Francais'

The Practice:

I started with a walk around the property as a warm up. 

Next I went out to the garden practice spot (above) and did a modified round of The 10+ (still not feeling well).

Next I did a Round of Taiji (right side) tuned into consistency and the health benefit of daily practice

Thursday Practice - 4th of July -

 

I began with a walk around the property. It's been days since I've felt well enough to actually exercise and I'm feeling it, so I thought I'd give a 10 minute walk a try. I'm still not feeling well, my energy level is in the basement. Ugh! Dang sinus infections. Luckily I started an antibiotic yesterday so I'm hoping to feel better as the days go by. Yesterday was not a great day.....

I started my practice in the driveway with a round of Taiji Jian focused on the tip of the sword and the angle of the blade.

Next I moved to The Patio and did a short version of The 10+ tuned into the health benefit of daily practice.

Next I moved out into the open to do a Round (left side) in the sun. I tuned into breathing, postures and Central Equilibrium. 

I finished with a Healing Qigong.

Wednesday Practice

 

I started out in my main practice area with the Yin Fu 8 Palms Form. But it was too windy and I'm still not feeling well. So I moved to the porch in The Barn

When I moved to The Porch I finished a round of The Yin Fu 8 Palms Form, using it as a warm up. I'm still feeling like crap and I didn't want to push it.

The Details:

It's in the 50's at the house. The sunrise was at 5:18. I went to the doctors yesterday afternoon and got an antibiotic, I still feel like crap. Le Crud Francais' has really got me. 

The Practice:

After a short warm up I did a Round (right side) tuned into the health aspect of Taiji.

I finished with a Healing Qigong.

Tuesday Practice

 

The Details:

It was 60 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:17.

The Practice:

I practiced on The Patio in front of The Barn this morning.

I started with a full round of The 10+ tuned in to agility and health.

Next I did a Round (left side) tuned in to Swimming in Air.

Next I did a round of Anyo Tatlo focused on quality basics, stance work and flow

Next I did a round of Seuinching Kata tuned into the applications and postures. 

I ended with a Healing Qigong.....

I'm still feeling under the weather. We both went to Dr. Van Dyck this afternoon. It seemes that I have a sinus infection. She prescribed an antibiotic.

Monday Practice - Day - 8,402

 

I shot this with my phone camera of my training partners. On the left is Big Greenie and friends!

The Details:

The sunrise was at 5:16. It was 60 but still humid, not as bad as yesterday but still not great.

The Practice:

I practiced in my main practice spot this morning. It was cool and shady with a bit of a breeze coming from the south. I went in to get a light long sleeved top and I was fine.

I started with a full round of The 10+ focused on connecting with nature, inside and outside of me; It's one and the same. 

Next I did a Round (right side) tuned into classic principles. I had a profound connection to the trees all around me.

Next I did a round of Anyo Dalawa tuned into the quality of my postures, stance work and basics.

Next I did a round of Seisan Kata focused on quality basics and full extension of punches and kicks, also the timing of the punches, blocks and stance work.

I finished with a brief Standing session followed by a Healing Qigong.

 

Sunday Practice

 

I had a gig in the afternoon so I did a full session of rudiments to a metronome, on a practice pad.

After pad practice I went out into The Barn and did a short Standing session using The Wild Goose Leaves The Flock guard position from Yin Stayle Bagua Zhang

Next I went to my main practice spot and did a full round of The 10 + focused on opening my body and preparing my mind for Internal Practice by connecting to nature.

Next I did a Round (left side) tuned into sinking my qi and feeling the earth pushing up against the bottoms of my feet. About 1/2 way through my round I spotted this Mom and Fawn off in the distance looking at me. I always feel that when wild animals stop to watch me practice that it's an omen.

Next I did a round of Anyo Isa

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

I finished with a short Standing session and a Healing Qigong.

I didn't really feel up to moving my drum kit, but.........Here it is all set up! The line up was Bobby V. and I on the bottom end with Jason on keyboards, Shubal and Phil on electric guitars, and Dave on harmonica and vocals. There were a few moments when it came together and a few train wrecks too! Oy Vey!!