Training tip from Sifu Adam Mizner

 In Taiji practice it is vital to integrate the entire body. One problem is that any direct effort to integrate the entire body will almost always be via contraction, either gross or subtle and this is of course an error. The cause for correct integration of the body and jin lu through release is dependent on openness. This does not mean trying to have an open or big posture as that too will just be done via contraction. This opening must be trained directly. Opening is progressive from joints, to muscles to membranes to channels and so on. The result among other things is a profound level of integration via release.

Wu style spear form - Another version

A student version (well practiced I might add) of the Wu Style Spear Form that I posted here recently. Worth viewing! IMHO

Wu Ying Hwa - Wu Tai Chi Spear

 Wu style T'ai Chi Spear

RIP Dr. Leung Kay-Chi

 Obituary for Dr. Leung Kay-Chi

Improvising with a Broadsword

Improvising with a Broadsword a few years back. 

I'm using movements from the two Broadsword forms that I know, along with some other weapons basics and blended them to get this 'flow' up and down the room. If you practice Broadsword, give it a try. 

*Remember when improvising it does not have to be 'fancy'; The KISS theory!

The point of improvising is to get 'rapport' with the techniques in various directions and to keep it flowing in a variety of sequences.

One of the problems with forms is that techniques can get locked into a specific order. To be able to actually use the techniques they must be able to be preformed in any order and in any direction. 

The view for my morning practices this week!

 While near the ocean I always look for peaceful and tranquil locations for my morning practices. 

Here's my spot for this week. 

The water is very calm here and the Chi is strong;^)

With gratitude and appreciation!

Yin/Yang Bagua Zhang circle walking

 Using my Bagua poles to practice figure eight walking that I learned from Master Zhang Jie back in the early 1990's. If you learned this from me, today is a good day to review. Let me know if you need help.

My Bagua Zhang training spot in Leyden - Bagua for Health -

I've been focusing on my Bagua Zhang (Pa-Kua) training recently. 

Bagua is a VERY healthy method to practice.

 

There are lot's of benefits to derive from a regular, consistent Bagua practice.

The health benefits are too numerous to mention here; 

The short of it is, it's good for your health on all levels! 

(i.e. Physical, Mental, Emotional and Spiritual)

If you know some Bagua circle walking and/or Changes;

 Here's a little reminder to DO them before you forget them! 

Nudge, nudge.............

IF you need a reminder or tune up....Just email me; JrroyMartialArts@gmail.com

(FYI - I'm only teaching Bagua Zhang privately these days.)

PS - Thanks for the poles Lenny;^) I'm putting them to good use!

 

The relationship between Information and Practice

Here are a some of my thoughts about the relationship between acquiring information and the practice of that information.

 

Regular practice (as daily as possible)

 Is imperative to achieve transcendent results, 

No matter the endeavor! 

It's the quality of your effort that dictates your results!!

The mind directs, the body follows

No matter the edeavor!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Timing for Modern Arnis' Trapping Hands

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

                                         

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

By the way:

Timing is Everything!

Abdominal Breathing & Adjusting the Mind with Sifu J R Roy

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

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

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

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

Malcolm promoted to Blue Belt in Modern Arnis