Wu Wei

Damo MItchell talks about Wu Wei

Saturday Practice

The Details:

It's 62 at the house. The sunrise was at 6:15. 

The Practice:

I started out on The Stone Patio with a full round of The 10+

at #9 I moved to my Bagua Poles in my main practice area and did a full round of Yin Fu 8 Palms, reciting the names of the postures 1-4

I'm really enjoying the new placement of my Bagua Poles - I've already noticed that I'm using them more. The dirt and mud getting on my shoes and then into the house held me back from using them. Having them on in my main training area and on TRG is so convenient I find it very helpful. Moving them to my main training area was a  really good move!! That means it's more likely that I'll practice BaguaZhang more and more...Yay! 

FYI - In order for BaguaZhang (or any other method) to make a lasting contribution to your health and longevity, like any medication, needs a clinical dosage (enough, but not too much) and as daily as is possible. 

**Remember that:

 Regularity is more important than intensity - Consistency is Essential to Success o matter the endeavor)

Friday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 57 at the house. The sunrise was at 6:14. I had an 8-9 video call with Jeff and a 10:30 guitar lesson with Shubal in Colrain. 

The Practice:

Before I left for Colrain I practiced in The Driveway.

I started with a brief Warm Up focused on consistency and health

Next I did a Round of Taiji (left side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I

I ended with Healing Qigong before packing up and driving to Colrain for a guitar lesson; We worked on Sugar Babe's timing and the end.

Then we started on Freight Train and Shubal gave me a guitar tab to refer to. 

Thursday Practice

I moved my BaguaZhang Poles (thanks Lenny) down into my main practice area. I set them up with a compass so that they would be accurately aligned with N & S (the three tallest poles) and E & W. I eyeballed with corners. 

The Details:

It's 60 at the house. The sunrise was at 6:13. It's forecast to be a nice day. I've got a 2pm appointment today at Dr. Goldsher's to get my teeth cleaned.

The Practice:

I started with acoustic guitar practice followed by a session on my big Ludwig kit practicing the Alan Dawson method using the Syncopation book. I did the first three pages of exercises without reciting the count aloud. I did it without errors until I got to the middle of the third page. Then I needed to count aloud to be accurate. I did not use a metronome but did try to keep the meter consistent.

Next I moved my Baguazhang Poles and situated them with a compass.

Next I did a round of The 10+ tuned into consistency and the health benefits from regular practice.

Next I did a Round of Taiji reciting the Taiji Classics as I practiced. My goal is to embody the principles without conscious effort. 

Next I did Healing Qigong

Next I did a round of Anyo Apat tuned into the quality of my basics and the applications of the movements.

Next I did a round of Wansu Kata tuned into the correct sequence. I was having a bit of difficulty with the last 1/4 of the form. I did it twice, the second time I focused on mentally getting out of the way. I was 'overthinking' the first time through and self-doubt crept in and ruined it! 

Overthinking kills 'it' (no matter the endeavor) - Music, Martial Arts, Dance, Gymnastics etc.... Any kind of performance demands a relaxed but conscious mind. High level competition (think Olympics)  is 90% mental! Try to keep it light with a sense of humor, try to NOT take yourself or the endeavor too serious. 

The Taoist way is to use the 70% rule. Try, but not too hard! Balance effort with relaxation. Care, but not too much! 

Perfection is unattainable,

 aim for it anyway!

Chen Yu: Chen-Stil Taijiquan-Demo in Chenjiagou

Wednesday Practice @ Paul's

 

The Details:

It's 66 at the house. The sunrise was at 6:012. It's forecast to be a beautiful day.

The Practice:

I started in the driveway with a brief Warm Up followed by a Round of Taiji (left side) focused on consistency. I recited the Taiji Classics as I practiced, tuned into calibrating my I (mind) to the same frequency as nature, The Earth and The Universe resonates on. 

Next I drove my Bimmer down to Paul and Jean's. There's extensive road work being done on route 5&10 in Hatfield.

When I got to Paul's I he was in a chair unable to stand. He did try to stand up a few times and he was able to get up on his feet but he was unable to balance on his own. 

So....We worked out in his living room while he was in the chair. I encouraged him to train what he can sitting. As we age training while sitting is one of the main options for those that want to keep at it.

While he was still sitting, I started with two exercises for his legs. 1. Ankle Pumps - attempting to lift the front of the foot while the heels stay on the ground (DorsiFlexion) 2. Leg Extensions - from the knee swing the lower leg forward (contracting the quadricep, not the hip flexors) 

Next we did Push and Pull with both hands/arms at the same time.

Next we did Palms Up then Palms Down 

Next we did Big Open Hand (spreading the fingers) Big close (make a tight fist)

Next we did Big Circles in both directions.

Next we did a sitting version of Single Arm Push-Hands

I finished with doing a Round of Taiji while Paul followed along the best he could (while sitting). 

Next I did Part I of the Taiji Solo Form with Paul sitting, me standing doing to form and him following the best he can. 

Next I helped him get up on his feet and attempt to balance on his own. My take is the proprioceptive cells in his feet are no longer giving vital information to his mind. He kept getting too far back on his heels and seemingly unable to find the center of his feet (Bubbling Well Point).

Paul was getting tired at this point so we concluded the session.

Tuesday Practice @ The Studio

 

The Details:

It's 60 at the house. The sunrise was at 6:09. I'll be heading into The Studio to teach Taiji & Qigong Class from 8-9:30.

The Practice:

I had a small group show up Nancy, Janee and Lucy...Read wrote me yesterday to let me know he might not make it...He didn't.

After some conversation I started with a Standing Meditation session followed by a review of Wuju Hundun Qigong with some detail and then the chair version of The 21.

Next we did a Round of Taiji (right side) focused on Spiraling and Figure Eights Up & Down and Right to Left (and visa versa).

I finished with a Healing Qigong 

We ended with a Tranquil State of Mind! (one of the main goals of internal training)

Monday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 60 at the house. The sunrise was at 6:09. Another super busy day; the first chore is to get the Lexus to Cherry Rum for 8 am, then grocery shopping at Stop & Shop, then home to practice. Back into town for noon to get the trailer hitch on the new Passport at Vassar's. Late this afternoon back into town to retrieve the Passport then dinner at the Chesterfield Inn with Susan and Peter. Busy day, all good stuff, just busy!

The Practice:

After unloading the groceries I practiced on The Deck.

I started with a full round of The 10+ tuned into #6 with waist rotation and a big swing to the arms (which helps with the waist rotation)

Next I did a Round of Taiji tuned into the Taiji Classics which I recited about 1/2 way through Part II. I focused on sinking my Qi to my Tan T'ien and cultivating nature's Qi.

Next I did a round of Anyo Tatlo I had a wee bit of trouble with the sequence (why?) I did flush it out but still....

Next I did a round of Seiunchin Kata tuned into the quality of my basics.

I finished with a Healing Qigong 

Sunday Practice

 I'm moving my BaguaZhang Poles (thanks Lenny) into my main practice area. I've been asked by my better half to move them from this hill I've had them on for the past ??? years. It's a bit too muddy where they were and the new spot has TRG as a base and is much better to train on, mainly because I don't track the dirt and mud into the house after training. I'm looking forward to the new spot and hoping that it attracts me to practice around them more often.

The Details:

It's 57 at the house. The sunrise was at 6:08. It's a forecast to be a nice day. I've got a gig this afternoon. Shubal's 80th birthday party. I've to be there setting up at 1.

The Practice:

I started in my main practice area with a brief warm up then I moved to the driveway to do a round of Taiji Dao using Master Liang's broadsword. I focused on the timing of stance and cuts and watching the tip of the sword throughout the round.

Next I moved back to my main practice area and did a Round of Taiji (left side) focused on connecting to the serenity that is present on my property and to a profound connection to nature. I continue to find Fair Lady Works The Shuttles to be one of my favorite 'cultivating' postures. It works for me 99% of the time.

Next I did a brief Healing Qigong 

Next I did a round of Anyo Dalawa tuned into agility, application and sequence.

Next I did a round of Seisan Kata focused on the quality of my basics (full extension of kicks) and timing of stance and strikes.

Time to get ready for the gig today. I need to leave about 12:15 or so.....

Great Grand Master Wu Tu Nan interview

GM Wu Tunan Disciple M.Lilian

Saturday Practice

 

Big Greenie and her pals got hair cuts yesterday. Those guys really opened things up at my main practice area,The Barn and especially The Stone Patio are getting much more sunlight

The Details:

It's 57 at the house. The sunrise was at 6:07. It's cool and clear, forecast to be a nice day.

The Practice:

I practiced in my main practice area this morning.

I started with a full round of The 10+ tuned into agility and health. I've been altering a few of these, #4 I've been doing a few of these very low at the end. 

I did a full round of Yin Fu 8 Palms for #9

Next I did a Round of Taiji (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics at the beginning, I tuned into connecting (profoundly) to natures energies.

Next I did a round of Anyo Isa tuned into the quality of my strikes and stances, especially the progressive stepping at the beginning of the form

Next I did a round of Naihanchi Kata - I'm solidifying the changes that I'm making to this form.

I ended with a Healing Qigong

Afterwards I started to move my Baguazhang Poles down to my main practice area.

                                   Two down.....Seven to go! I think this will be a good spot for them??

Friday Practice

                                        The Deck looks south towards Beaver Meadow.

The Details:

It's 54 at the house. The sunrise was at 6:06. We have the Anson Tree Service from Guilford today. Oy!

The Practice:

2 Anson Tree guys, with a bucket truck, chipper & truck and chain saws here for the day. A last minute opening came up for these guys; They called at 5 last night to see if we could possibly be here to answer questions today. We were thinking we needed to get the work scheduled before we leave for NSB Nov. 1st. As luck (magic?) would have it... here they are!! It's a bit noisy out there. They started working right around my garage and my main practice area. Big Greenie (large maple tree) has grown over the garage. Not good!

I decided to practice on The Deck to get as far from the noise as I could. Still.......Oy!

I started with a full round of The 10+ I've been reworking #7 & 9 adding Dragon's Back to #7 and Fa Jin to #9.

I've been having a tough time motivating myself to 'get started' and reminding myself when I feel like that (cleansing closets instead of training) to NOT over think....Just DO it. I often reflect on how I approach my rather lengthy oral care routine that I do before going to bed at night. I rarely feel like doing that but I 'do it' by not thinking just doing.

Next I did a Round of Taiji (left side) reciting the Taiji Classics while practicing. Calibrating what my mind is tuned into:  What I call "Correct Thinking".

Next I did a Healing Qigong in a Standing Meditation Posture

Next I did a round of Anyo Walo focused on full extension and applications.

Next I did a round of Sanchin Kata focused on the timing of the punches and connecting the T'an T'ien with the techniques.

Thursday Practice

 

                                                               The Garden looking north

The Details:

It's 54 at the house. Cool and clear for the forecast today. The sunrise was at 6:04. Genna is coming up around to to help out around The Farm.

                                              Genna weed whacking the south fence line.

The Practice:

I started out practicing by The Garden with a full round of The 10+ tuned into the health benefit from daily practice

Next I went on The Deck and did a Round of Taiji (left side) I recited the Taiji Classics as I practiced and observed from a third party perspective the results of 40+ years of regular practice and study. Marvelous!

Next I did a Healing Qigong

Next I did a round of Anyo Pito reflecting on how familiar the movements and sequence are. It's really coming along.

Next I did a round of Sunsu Kata reflecting on how familiar the sequence and techniques are becoming.

Wednesday Practice @ Paul's

 

I drove my Bimmer down to Paul and Jean's. It was cool and dry so I had the top down both ways. I did run into a sprinkle as I was coming into Beaver Meadow. It wasn't raining hard enough to have me stop to put my top up. I was able to get all the way home with the car in the garage before I put the top up. Yay!!

The Details:

It's 51 at the house. The sunrise was at 6:04. It's cool and clear, forecast to be a nice day! It's Wednesday so I've got a 10 am appointment to work out with Paul

The Practice:

I started with a brief acoustic guitar practice then I went out into the driveway to exercises.

I did a brief warm up with the first few of The 10 tuned into opening the body and checking for the effects of yesterday's CYBEX routine at the YMCA.

Next I did a Round of Taiji (left side) tuned into observing the level of embodiment of the Taiji Principles. I've been doing more and more work on adjusting (calibrating) my mind to observe with awareness and consistent attention to coordinating the external with the internal. 

Next I drove down to Paul's 

When I got there he told me he had fallen twice since I saw him last (last Wed.). The falls have shaken his confidence a bit. That along with a change in meds and perhaps just the day itself contributed to more 'getting stuck' than usual.

We did:

- Expand the Ball (push outward) and Contract the Ball (pull inward) against resistance

- Push and Pull against resistance

- The introduction to the Solo Form against resistance

- Wave Hands Like Clouds as a discreet exercise keeping track of which direction the arms are moving in.

- Big Circles in both direction

- Brush Knee stationary (he had trouble with this one, and kept wanting to do a version of Roll Back to Press.

- Sitting and Standing (functional exercise) using arms to assist.

- Single Arm Push Hands (focused on pushing and pulling with strength)

- Focus Pad work on Jab and Cross

Paul was tired

I'm working out at time to go out to eat with Jean, Paul, Ginnie and I. We're aiming for early September.

- 

Yang Zhenji Second son Of Yang Cheng Fu. Derek Frearson

Tuesday Practice @ The Studio

 

The Details:

It's 61 at the house. The sunrise was at 6:03. It's cool and wet but it's not raining. I'll be going into The Studio to teach the Taiji and Qigong class this morning.

The Practice:

I had a nice group show up: Nancy was first, she arrived at about the same time I did, next was Jack, then Pat, soon after Janee came in followed by Lucy. Very good energy in the room....Lot's of smiles!

I started with a bit of an explanation about the opening movement of Master Duans, Wuji Hundun Qigong; the stretch at the wrist and the spiraling of the forearms. I added one more exercise to what I've been doing with the class over the past few weeks. 

Next I did a round of The 21 tuned into the proper amount of stretch. Like tuning a guitar string, every strand of muscle is a guitar string. It takes a lot of attention to detail to tune a 6 string guitar, but way more effort is needed to 'tume' a human being. I refer to this as 'calibrating' oneself; Mentally, Physically and Spiritually.

Next we did Brush Knee and Twist Step 3 ways

1. Repeating the single movement on both sides in a line

2. Hold and adjust the conclusion of the posture

3. With a partner - determine which hand is Yin and which is Yang

Next the same sequence with Wave Hands Like Clouds

I added a solo application to the single movement training, pointing out the 'Chop' with the forward hand and the redirect (block) with the rear hand. One of the 'secrets' is to keep ALL the opposites in mind until you don't have to think about it the same way, because it turns into a feeling. FYI - There should be NO violent intent when you practice applications, rather it's pure science and operates on a higher level than mere self-defense. IF one becomes proficient at the application of Taiji techniques in real time, it takes a lot of practice and time in. The myriad of skills needed for self-defense are a latent effect of proper training IMO. There are other martial arts and methods that are much quicker at training skills for self-defense. Taiji is much more than self-defense. 

IMO Taiji is very slow to produce real world self-defense skills, especially if you do not focus on SD. 

You have to train self-defense skills very specifically, for example you have to actually hit targets. My fear is that students can convince themselves that they have skills that they really do not possess. IMO Classical Taiji Training is not a good fit for the average person wanting to learn to defend themselves. 

Next we did a Round of Taiji to T. T.'s Taiji Music without the count. Besides the timing I encouraged awareness of which hand was Yin and which one is Yang at any point in the Solo Taiji Form. The Taiji paradigm is always present and is continually changing.

Before the Round I talked about the timing that I was going to use; stopping at the & of the last beat of the posture and beginning again on the one of the next posture. I consciously did put a count to it, in order to make it easier to follow me, without having to worry about staying in time. 

After the Round I did a brief Healing Qigong

Next I did a round of Taiji Jian with Pat, Jack and Janee I recited the names of the postures as we went through the form.

Next I repeated a middle section of the form that I saw Pat needed a bit of clarification of that particular part. The nice thing about refining is that it really doesn't matter which particular posture that you are polishing (refining) because the same process needs to be repeated with all the posture, over and over. So it's nice when someone who might be newer to that form or practice because it gives us another opportunity to talk through it, go slower, explain what you are trying to do and point out what you are currently working on (if it's appropriate) 

We ended with Lazy D on the left side. 

I talked a little bit about Master Liang saying that all Forms, Weapons and Empty Hand, Solo and Two Person should be practiced on both sides.

Your Gate Can Be An Indicator Of Your Health

Baguazhang poles from Lenny! Thanks Lenny, I hope that you're doing well enjoying the summer and still practicing! 

Walking requires a huge number of signals between your brain and the muscles in your arms, chest, back, abdomen, pelvis, legs, ankles and feet. 

Something that looks relatively straightforward is in fact incredibly complex. And the pace and smoothness of your walk can be an indicator of your health and how well you are aging.

As the body ages, muscles lose mass, strength and quality. The process is called sarcopenia and it begins around your 40's

Alongside this, the nervous system undergoes atrophy, where the nerves everywhere in the body function less efficiently and the nerve numbers decrease.

It is thought that you lose 0.1% of you neurons (nerve cells) each year between the ages of 20 and 60, with the loss speeding up after that. 

If you live to 90, your brain will have lost 150 g of tissue compared with its weight at age 50.

Studies have shown that your walking speed at age 45 is a strong predictor of your physical and mental health later in life. And there is a noticeable decking in walking speed by the time you pass 60.

The decline in speed and smoothness of you walk can be an early indicator of neurodegenerative conditions such and Parkinson's Disease. Parkinson's interferes with the brain's messages to the musculoskeletal system, causing the person's gait to be slower, less symmetrical and more staggering. This can be subtle yet detectable during the early stages of the disease.

With cognitive decline, the stride length when walking is significantly shorter. And the time it takes for a stride to be completed increases.

The complex task of walking is also designed to stop us from tripping over our own feet. The muscles on the front of the shin are designed to pull the foot up (dorsi flexion) as it swings forward. In some people this begins to fail and they trip. This is known as "foot drop", where the foot drops down so the toes hit the ground, causing a trip hazard. Nerve damage from diabetes can cause this, as can sitting cross-legged or in certain yoga positions for extended periods.

Narrowing of the arteries

If you feel pain in your gluteal muscles and down the back of your leg, and even into your calf, while walking, and it disappears when you stop moving, you might have peripheral arterial disease. The presence and the abscence of the pain relative to moving or resting is called claudication. The happens because there is a narrowing of the arteries supplying blood to your legs. When you walk, there is an increases demand for oxygen from the muscles in the legs. As a result of the narrowing, the arterial blood flowing into the legs cannot meet the oxygen demand and the muscles become anaerobic (lack of oxygen), causing the release of lactic acid. Lactic acid causes the feeling of cramp. But when you stop moving, the muscles need minimal oxygen, so the pain disappears.

***This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

This story was originally published on Medical Xpress. 

Monday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 68 at the house. The sunrise was at 6:02. It's wet and rainy...again! It's forecast to be stormy with threat of sever thunderstorms this afternoon. Oy!

The Practice:

I started out in The Driveway with a round of Taiji Double Dao (broadsword) after listening to Master Liang's interview yesterday I realized that this was his favorite form and I was given (by Master Hayward) the right side of Master Liangs Double Dao Set. Master Liang learned from 15 different teachers; He had a lot of weapons forms. I remember watching a film of him in his mid 90's performing the Double Jian Form. It's one of the main reasons why I continue to adhere to his method. I feel so fortunate to be practicing his style of Taiji all these years. Many thanks to him and his senior students for sharing this marvelous art with me. Bow with gratitude and appreciation.

Next I did a full round of The 10+ tuned into consistency and properly stretching my connective tissue, separating the hard (bone) from the soft tissue and separating the red and white soft tissue. I've been using #3 Baguazhang for #9 and doing a review of the Three Yin Fu postures/sequences that I know.

Next I went to The Stone Patio to do a Round of Taiji (right side) to The Music, focused on staying in sequence, in time and on the right side. 

Next I did a Healing Qigong

Sunday Practice

 The Details:

It's 64 at the house. The sunrise was at 6:01. It's wet out, it rained overnight.

The Practice:

I started out with 15-20 minutes of acoustic guitar practice to a metronome set at 60 BPM. I've got a couple of new exercises from Shubal, that he showed me yesterday at my lesson. It's coming slowly but surely. Consistent effort is the key.....Daily practice! Surprise, surprise!

It started to rain again so I retreated to The Barn to practice. I thought I'd to a Round to Master Liang counting out the beats to the music, but I kept having technical difficulties to I tried Track #2 with just the music and it worked! I did a Round of Taiji (left side) tuned into synchronizing with the beats and observing the quality and subtleties of my form. 

After nearly 50 years of Taiji practice (other martial arts too) it's refreshing to see the results of daily practice. There is NO shortcut and there are NO secrets; other than sincerely practicing every day. Follow the Taiji Classics to the best of your ability and knowledge, until you know better, then practice better. 

Progress is paradoxical and cyclical.....Just keep going!

 There is only doing "it"

and 

not doing "it"

after you're "doing it",

 focus on the quality 

that you are "doing it" with.

Next I did a round on Anyo Apat tuned into the quality of my stance work and the overall flow and sequence of the form.

Next I did a round of Kusanku Kata tuned into agility, strength and flexibility.

I finished with a round of Healing Qigong

Afterwards I listened to the interview with Paul Abdella and Master Liang (he was 87 in 1987) at the end of the Taiji music CD. Very inspirational!

I did a full round of strength training using my TRX Straps, Dumbbells and Push-Up Bars before returning to the house.

Saturday Practice

 

        My Lung Ching Taiji Jian (double edged sword). This is a replacement Jian for a Lung Ching Jian that Sifu Ray Hayward gave me back in the 1980's. That Jian was stolen out of my office on Wells Street in Greenfield. Tom Sokol and Maggie Madden gave me this one to replace the original. I've had this one for over 30 years, substantially longer than I had the original. I wonder where that original Jian ended up? I hope with someone who had the skill and the discipline to use it. 

The Details:

It's 61 at the house. The sunrise was at 6:00. 

The Practice:

I started out watching a video of Master Liang performing Taiji Jian Form a couple of times. ( FYI - I posted the video's to this blog.) The first one he was in his 50's and the second one in his 80's. The were similar but different. Another example of refining as we age; smaller movements and less jumping and high kicking.

I started in The Porch with a full round of The 10+ tuned into the health benefits from doing these marvelous exercises every day. Lot's of bang for the buck!!

Next I moved outside on The Stone Patio

to do a Round of Taiji outside - I wanted to do a right side Round but ended up on the left side a number of times. Good fodder for checking for any over reaction when I notice that I've slipped into the 'other side' Oy!

Next I did a round of Anyo Lima tuned into the techniques, applications and sequence.

Next I did a round of Chinto Kata tuned into agility and exercise.

Next I did a round of Healing Qigong 

"Pore Breathing Qi Permeates My Bones"

Next I went to the driveway and did a round of Taiji Jian letting the image of Master Liang performing this form wash over me and readily influence the round. Very lively and spirited round.

TT Liang Yang Style Taiji Sword Form

Friday Practice

 

                   Green Tea in my Thresher Shark Cup, Beaver Meadow in the background.

The Details:

It's 64 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:59. I've got a 8 am video call with Jeff....It's Friday!

The Practice:

I started out on The Deck but then moved into the living/dining room to be with Echo who is having a reaction to the Lyme Disease shot that he received yesterday. The poor thing is keeping his rear left leg off the ground. He yelped and yipped when I helped him up into his Blue Chair. He is very lethargic. 

I did a full round of The 10+ focused on the health benefits of daily practice of these marvelous exercises.

With gratitude and appreciation!

Next I did a Round of Taiji (left side) tuned into observing from a third party perspective. I recited The Taiji Classics while I practiced. 

I ended with a Healing Qigong

Thursday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 68 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:58. It's forecast to be another beautiful day. I've got a guitar lesson scheduled for 12:30 and music with Shubal and Bobby V. at 2. We're going to work on a set for Shubal's upcoming birthday party on the 25th.

The Practice:

I started by schlepping most of the PA out to The Barn. I've got friends coming to play music this afternoon, it's the first music in The Barn this season. Better late than never! Eh?

I started my practice on The Stone Patio with a full round of The 10+ listening to a jam that I had recorded on my Sony MD recorder/player.

I was focused on the health benefits of daily rounds of The 10+. Truly marvelous exercises. Bow to Dr. Leung for teaching me the originals and all the other teachers over the years that have contributed to my current version....BOW from the waist! With gratitude and appreciation.

Next I did a Round of Taiji (right side) tuned into creating a profound connection to Nature's energies. I had an especially strong connection during Jade Maiden.

I also tuned into transferring Zhong Ding from one foot to the other and the magic that occurs when switching feet/legs. Truly an amazing experience. One that I find impossible to put into language. It's an inner feeling, a particular cocktail of chemicals that are properly calibrated to result in the feeling of 'root' or Qi sinking during the transfer from right to left and left to right foot/leg all the while maintaining a relaxed, but solid root. 

I ended with a Standing session with a Healing Qigong at the end.

Wednesday Practice @ Paul's

 

The Details:

It's 59 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:56. It looks like it's going to be a gorgeous Blue Bird Day!

It's Wednesday so I'm scheduled to be at Paul's at 10....I'm on a roll! 

The Practice:

I started out in the drive way with a round of Taiji Staff, Monkey Staff and Lo Family Staff. I did The Propeller on both sides.

Next I did a brief Warm Up

Next I did a Round of Taiji (left side) tuned into observing myself from a third party perspective. 

I ended with a brief Healing Qigong.

Then I drove to Hatfield in my Bimmer.

After arriving, Paul and I went upstairs to his Taiji Room to practice:

- A brief warm up:

- Up and Down (I separated the upper and lower body actions into two discreet exercises)

- #1 (to keep putting on shoes while standing up)

- #2 (I brought and rubber exercise band and explained about a) too loose b) too tight ...attempting to get the stretch 'just right')

- Three Rounds of Taiji (part I up to the 2nd Brush Knee) I talked about what I was doing throughout the Rounds. The last Round I held the postures and corrected things like which foot was forward and which hand was doing what movement (push or pull). 

- Walking in a circle (around a central point) in both directions.

- Jab and Cross to a Focus Pad

- Push and Pull against resistance

- Single Arm Push-Hands (I started with resistance and then released that and focused on flow and turning the waist)

- Building the Qi Ball

- Using the Qi Ball and Read's variation on Taiji Ruler using a bow stance.

- We finished with a Healing Qigong

Tuesday Practice @ The Studio

It was the perfect temperature for training this morning. The first cool with low humidity Tuesday morning class of the season. Yay!

The Details:

It's 58 at the house. It's clear and cool this morning. The sunrise was at 5:55.

The Practice:

I got to The Studio early before anyone else showed up. After opening a few windows I started to practice The 10+ then Rob came in and I switched to explaining front/back, up/down, right/left and how it relates to

the practices, notably how and where to find it in The 10

Rob and I started The 10 and then Janee came in. I continued with The 10 and emphasized the up/down principle throughout The 10.

Next Rob had to leave. Janee and I did a review of Wuji Hundun Qigong and The 21. I recited the inhale and exhale during The 21 and I added one more discreet exercise to Master Duan's Qigong.

Next Janee and I did a Round of Taiji (right side) tuned into keeping the lower body released downward (Song) and feeling Peng Jin flowing upward, maintaining proper head positioning "As if the head is being lifted by one hair".

Next we did a chair session with Neigong Arm Postures (as in Standing Meditation)

We finished with a Healing Qigong

I went to the YMCA and did full CYBEX resistance training session. I saw Howard ??? there (a former Taiji and Qigong student)

Monday Practice

 

Today's the day for the '98 to get traded in on a new vehicle. It's been a long process of elimination. We've had this 4-Runner since 2001. She's been a 'truck'. Sad to see her go, but it's time!

The Details:

It's 61 at the house. Clear and cool. The sunrise was at 5:54. We have an 11 am appointment to pick up our new Honda Passport later this morning.

The Practice:

I practiced in The Driveway before heading into town. 

I started by doing a round of Taiji Dao using Master Liang's right side broadsword from his double broadsword set. Then I did Level Pushes in a row with my left hand.

Next I did a full round of The 10+ focused on maintaining and improving agility.

Next I did a Round of Taiji (right side) I focused on observing myself doing the Round from a third party perspective.

I ended with a Healing Qigong.

I needed to get to Greenfield where I had an 11am appointment to trade in our '98 and drive away with our new (2021) Honda Passport.

It's a happy day to get through this lengthy process of trading in a car and getting what it's worth and of course deciding on what to replace it with. Hopefully this Passport will be another dependable and reliable vehicle! Fingers crossed!!

Sunday Practice

 

I practiced on The Deck this morning to classical music. It's a beautiful day! It did get a bit too hot by the end of my Round.

The Details:

It's 59 at the house. Cool, crisp and dry today! A blue bird kind of day. The sunrise was at 5:53.

The Practice:

I started with guitar practice (Sugar Babe by Dave Van Ronk) then downloaded the photos that I took yesterday at my sister's annual family party. I captured a few 'moments'!

After a few more chores I went out on The Deck and started with a full round of The 10+ tuned into the health benefits I'm getting from consistent practice of them over the past 40+ years. I learned them in the summer of 1978 from Dr. Leung Kay-Chi the author of the original set. I've kept most of them and added a little here and there. The original set is what I've got posted here on The Studio Blog.

Next I did a Round of Taiji (left side) tuned into third party observation of my Round: 

Paying attention to observing myself practice is easier said than done. 

It's super easy to 'over think', that will basically ruin your inner peace (and your practice) Then again if you 'under think' especially at the beginning of your study that will also insure an inferior result. Ah, here we are again at this notion of balance. It's everywhere!!

I finished with a Healing Qigong and some more guitar practice.

Saturday Practice

The Details:

It's 69 at the house. Clear sky's and warm temperatures forecast. The sunrise was at 5:52. There's a family party at my sister's this afternoon. 

The Practice:

I started out in The Barn with a full drum set practice. 

Next I did a resistance training session with my TRX Straps, Push-Up Bars and Dumbbells.

Afterwards I went out to my main practice area and did a Baguazhang practice emphasizing Snake and Hawk Palm and all three variations on #3 from Yin Fu 8 Palms and Yin Fu 8 Linking Palms from Dr. Leung.

Next I did a full round of The 10+ focused on health

Next I did a Round of Taiji (right side) focused on third party observation:

I was curious to observe what it feels to be in an aging body that has been doing Taiji and Qigong/Neigong for decades. It was an interesting experience, impossible to describe. I will say that I felt a profound connection to all that is.

Note: I had two deer a hundred or so yards away grazing the entire time that I did my practice. I always take it as a good sign that I'm properly 'calibrated' when wild animals feel safe while I move. Incredible experience!

Next I did a short Standing session

Next I did a round of Anyo Anim tuned into the application and health benefits 

Next I did a round of Wansu Kata focused on quality techniques and agility.

I finished with a Healing Qigong

Friday Practice

 

My practice spot for the day, between these two gorgeous trees. Very powerful spot. I felt a profound connection to nature. 

The Details:

It's 62 at the house and very wet. It's forecast to rain today. The sunrise was at 5:51. I have to go into Greenfield early this morning. 

The Practice:

My 325 CI was scheduled for an oil & filter at Cherry Rum first thing this morning. It was scheduled for 9 and I arrived at 8:20....Ugh! 

First I went to Denny's and had breakfast then I spotted a likely spot to practice across the street. While I was teaching, I did outside Taiji classes there during the good weather months back in the 1980-90's.

Once I landed on a practice spot (above) I started with a full round of The 10+ focused on loosening and opening my body and calibrating my mind and agility in general.

Next I did a Round (left side) tuned into "Neither deficiency or excess" 

Next I did round of Anyo Tatlo tuned into applications and agility

Next I did a round of Seiunchin Kata tuned into quality techniques

After a few chores I drove back home. After lunch I walked the property and landed in my main practice area where I did a round of Yin Fu 8 Palms 1-4 around my main Baguazhang tree, reciting the names of the postures.

Thursday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 61 at the house. Looks like it's going to be cool (er) and dry today. I've got to get my R1200RT to Ray's for an oil change, then go to look at a Honda Passport in Greenfield. 

The Practice:

A quick Round in the driveway before heading into town with my motorcycle. 

I started out in the driveway with a brief warm up 

- Up and Down

- #1

- #2

Next I did a Parts I & 2 (right side) before I ran out of time tuned into breathing, moving my waist and messaging my internal organs.

After deciding on a vehicle and getting an oil/filter change on my BMW R1200RT I finished Part III in the driveway.

Next I did a Standing session

- Beginning Posture

- Yang Palms at Lower Tan T'ien

- Holding The Moon

- Play Guitar (both sides)

- Yin Palms Overhead

- Yang Palms Shoulder Height

- Yin Palms at Lower Tan T'ien

- Beginning Posture

Wednesday Practice at Paul's

 

Paul's Taiji Room

A close up of Hall of Happiness by Prof. Cheng Man-Ching

The Details:

It's 62 at the house. It rained last night and it's damp but it's not currently raining. Yay! Sunrise was at 5:49.

The Practice:

I started out in the driveway. It was lightly raining so I did most of my personal practice in the apron on my garage in front of my Volvo. 

I started with a brief warm up followed by a Round (left side) I focused on consistent daily practice and the health benefits that produces. Taiji and Qigong/Neigong are truly marvelous exercises.

I have gratitude and appreciation that I have these skills to bring into old age. (bow)

Next I drove my Volvo to Hatfield to meet with Paul for 10 am.

When I got to Paul's we went upstairs to his Taiji Room 

We started with:

- Up and Down trying to move the elbows above the head (big open movements)

- #1 stretching and opening going back and all the forward like tying your shoes. 

I added palms up and down to promote the flow of Qi

- #2 attempting to reach as high as possible

- #8 (functional exercise) squating as low as possible.

Next we did:

- Open and close the hands to prepare for pad work

- Jab and Cross to focus pads w/ stance work. The bouncing did not work. I suspect that it was just too fast and his sneakers got caught up on the floor. 

- A round of Part I of the Taiji Solo Form slightly pausing in each posture and talking out loud throughout the round to help prompt the postures. 

- Big Circles in both directions

- Single Arm Push-Hands first with resistance. Paul was closing his eyes without prompting.

-  We ended with walking first counter clockwise then reversing direction.

Tuesday Practice @ The Studio

 Jack, Lucy and Wes this morning at The Studio - I know Read and Janee were away this week. It's August so many folks are away on vacation or have visitors. Enjoy! 

The Details:

It's 69 at the house and it's raining pretty steadily. The sunrise was at 5:48

The Practice:

I started with Wuji Hundun Qigong from Master Duan. I did the introduction (sunrise) and three discreet exercises followed by the ending (setting sun). I used the Duan's Qigong as a warm up for the class and didn't do The 10+ that I usually do. I hope it made it more interesting for the class.

Next I did two solo exercises 1. Brush Knee and Twist Step 2. Wave Hands  I did these in a way that would help the 2 person drills.

Next we did a Round (right side) to a metronome set at 60 BPM with two tones; one for the downbeat and the other for the upbeat (the &). I talked about the space between the last & of the previous posture and the 1 of the next posture. Movement concludes but does not actually physically stop, but it does pause. A musician would read/play an 1/8 note rest at the end of each 'measure' (posture). Some postures are easier than others!

At the end of the Round I did a brief Standing and Healing Qigong.

After class Jack and Lucy stayed to work on a few two person drills, ending with Withdraw And Push.

Genna was coming up for lunch today. She's found an apartment and a friend to move in with. Fabulous watching her spread her wings!

Monday Practice

 

It's time to let the 1998 Toyota 4-Runner go. We're going to get it appraised later today. Oh boy!

The Details:

It's 68 at the house. It's forecast to be 86 this afternoon and humid too. The sunrise was at 5:47

The Practice:

I started out in the driveway using my Tiger Eye Canes to do a round of Taiji Double Dao form

I focused on how the 'around the head' movements are good for the shoulders, hands and wrists.

Then I did a full round of The 10+ focused on #6, 8 and 10.

Next I moved up to my main training spot to do a Round (left side) tuned into expanding and contracting my entire body and spirit. Excellent Round!

Next I did a full Standing session with emphasis on Wild Goose Leaves The Flock posture. 

Next I did a round of Santi (Hsing-I) holding the posture.

Next I did a round of Anyo Tatlo reflecting on Prof. Presas' influence on this Anyo. This form has both traditional Filipino techniques and Japanese Karate techniques.

Next I did a round of Seiunchin Kata tuned into agility and good stance work.

Sunday Practice

 

I'm having tea with Master Paul this morning. Deer Mountain is on the other side (East) of East Hill.

The Details:

It's 72 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:46. It's foggy, humid and warm. Jeff's coming at 10 (he had to cancel) and Gerri and George are coming for supper, arriving at 6.

The Practice:

I practiced on The Deck this morning starting with a full round of The 10+ focusing on the overall health benefits from daily practice. These are truly marvelous exercises. Thanks (bow) to Dr. Leung Kay-Chi and all the other teachers that have contributed to my current version; the + part and my understanding of opposite movement on either side of the joints along the 9 Zig Zag Path, leading to 9 Joint Harmony.

Next I did a Round of Taiji to a metronome set at 60 BPM with two tones; one for the downbeat and the other for the upbeat. (1&2&3&4&) I focused on hearing the & and outwardly stopping (pausing?) and starting the next posture on the 1 of the next count. I felt VERY tuned in.

My Round got interrupted a couple of times. The metronome did help getting back to the 'grove' and feeling of the Round.

Next I did a Healing Qigong - 

"Pore Breathing: 

Breathing in, 

Qi permeates my bones.

 

Breathing out, 

Into the space 

That is everywhere"

Sifu

It started to get too hot and sunny on The Deck, so I moved into my main training area, seeking the shade.

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

Next I did a round of Seisan Kata with snap and full extension. I tuned into the time of stance/strike and the kicks. 

Make Noise Going Into Battle

This is a short video that I made for Brian Z. of a Modern Arnis two cane (solo) drill that I learned many years ago from Prof. Presas

Saturday Practice

 

I started out in the driveway again. I did another video shoot of the double cane exercise "Make noise going into Battle'". I didn't like the one I shot yesterday and I'm determined to get a short video of the exercise. Wish me luck!

The Details:

It's 72 at the house. It's forecast to be another hot and humid day. The sunrise was at 5:45

The Practice:

After shooting the video in started to rain so I went into the apron of my garage and enjoyed staying dry and hearing rain fall on the metal roof of my garage. I had a profound connection to nature.

I did a full round of The 10+ focused on the health benefits from daily practice of them.

Next I did a Round (left side) tuned into connecting to nature. The folling rain really helped.

Next I did a full Healing Qigong - Qi permeates my bones -

Next I did a round of Anyo Isa focused on the quality and agility of my postures.

Next I did a round of Naihanchi Kata tuned into the changes that I'm making. The changes are starting to solidify.

Luckily I had my rain gear in my Volvo! It was pouring out!!

An Old Classic Poem & The Professor

Friday Practice

 

I started out in the driveway filming 'Make Noise Going Into Battle' exercise that I was taught by Prof. Presas back in the early 1990's.

The Details:

It's 69 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:44. It's Friday so I have an 8-9am video call with Jeff.

The Practice:

After shooting the double cane exercise I did a full round of The 10+ tuned into agility and conditioning.

Next I did a Round (left side) tuned into thickening the air around me and cultivating with nature.

Next I did a Standing session ending with a Healing Qigong.

Next I did a round of Anyo Walo tuned into quality basics with full extension and more snap.

Next I did a round of Sanchin Kata tuned into my breathing and connecting the strikes with my Dan T'ien.

We're going into Greenfield to look at a couple of Honda Passports.

Thursday Practice - Day 8,433

                     I practiced in the driveway, in the shade of the house. It's hot and humid today!
 

The Details:

It's 69 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:43. I had an 11 am appointment in Greenfield. So I needed to keep moving to be there in time.

The Practice:

I started out by working on the 'Make Noise Going Into Battle' exercise with two canes. I can't remember when or whom I acquired this exercise from. I think it came directly from The Prof. but I'm not certain.

Next I moved into the shade and did a full round of The 10+ focused on the health benefits of regularly practicing The 10+

Next I did a Round (right side) tuned into feeling the ground pushing up against my feet and following the Jin up to and forming in my fingers.

Next I did a round of Anyo Pito focused on the correct sequence and the Shotokan influence. 

Next I did a round of Sunsu Kata focused on the correct sequence the the quality of my basics and stance work. There a lot of agility to be derived from practicing this Kata.

I finished with a Healing Qigong.