Saturday Practice @ The Studio

 

The Details:

It's a cool 50 at the house. I'm going to meet Jeff at The Studio at 7:15 this morning and then teach the 8:00 Taiji class. After class I'm going to drive down to Hatfield to visit with Paul and Jean.

The Practice:

The theme for today's class is going to 'when to stop'; shifting, twisting, turning, etc. 

Jeff and I started with the push-hands drill that uses split to elbow feed followed by pull across to push.

Next we did 6 count drill with a cane followed by 8 count then 10 count and ending with 12 count with a some variations and a little Tapi Tapi.

Once class formed I mentioned the theme for the day and used the middle of The 21 to illustrate the principle.

Next we did a full round of The 10 Exercises with just a little explanation. I mentioned how important it is to memorize the sequence of these exercises. 

Next we did up to Press with the 1, 2, 3 Method meant to help the beginners practice the solos form before they memorize the entire sequence

Next we split up into two groups 1. Those the know the sequence 2. Those that are are still working on acquiring the sequence. 

We ended with Healing Qigong

Next I drove down to visit with Paul and Jean.

I did very little training with Paul, but I did opening and closing the hands, turn Palm up then down and thumb to the fingers. 

Next I did 3 seated round of Part I with Paul.

I ordered lunch from the China Gourmet

Next I came home to have lunch then journal todays practice.

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Friday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 61 at the house. I hit a deer coming home from dinner with Travis last night. The deer jumped out right in front of me. I did a full ABS stop and the deer jumped over the guardrail. The Lexus didn't do so well, the deer smashed the drivers side headlight. Ugh! That won't be cheap to fix. I'll be talking to Tommy and Ozzie's later this morning.

The Practice:

After driving to town to have Tommy take a look at the damage done to our Lexus after hitting the deer last evening and then dealing with Rist Insurance, I went out on The Deck to practice.

I started with a full round of The 10+ focused on consistency. I intend to do this set daily. I feel that if I don't do them I'm the only one that looses out on the myriad of health benefits.

Next I did a Round (left side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Parts I & II.

Next I did a brief Standing (PT) and Healing Qigong.

Next I did a round of Anyo Walo focused on using quality basics in the correct sequence and direction.

Next I did a round of Sunsu Kata focused on the correct sequence. I had a glitch at the end but stayed with it and got it resolved.

Next I did a round of Taiji Double Dao focused on shoulder health during the round the head postures. 

I've realized that I didn't do todays Baguazhang so I'll be going out to take care of that.

On my schedule is Yin style Baguazhang 8 Palms Set Changes 5-8 (both sides)

I just went out to my main practice area and did Changes 5-8 using Lion Walking and reciting the names of the postures when I could. I've been having a challenging time getting the 5 Sets in the weekly sequence. It seems that confuse the order or like today just forget to do them altogether. Oy! 

One of my focuses is to retain and develop short and long term memory. Frankly it's tougher in your 70's...Who would have thunk? 

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Thursday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 50 at the house. It got down to 48 overnight. Well it's Labor Day weekend so it's time!

I've got fasting blood work in Brattleboro this morning in preparation for my Wellness visit next week.

I plan on baking cookies later this morning and I've got a dental cleaning at Bagle's at 3 this afternoon and then supper with Travis at 6:30. Busy day!

The Practice:

After getting back from my fasting blood draw I went out to The Deck with Echo

Once I got settled I did a full round of The 10+ focused on consistency. I've added enough extra exercises (the + part) that I'm now in a situation that if I tried to add anything else it would be the straw that breaks the camels back. I do believe if I'm able to tolerate the approach to the practice that every single exercises will help me to function and stay mobile for as long as possible. I realize that there will be and end date, I'm just trying to prolong my ability to stay mobile. 

Next I went out to my main training area and did a Round (right side). I recited (out loud) the Taiji Classics during Parts I & II. I remained focused on the affect that the Taiji Solo Form has on my cognition and memory.

Next I did a round of Changes 1-4 (both sides) of Yin Style Baguazhang 8 Palms. I recited the names of the postures throughout and also focused on the overall quality of my Lion Walking and posture during the Changes.

Next I did a round of Anyo Anim focused on applications and sequence.

Next I did a round of Kusanku Kata focused on agility and mobility. I went as deep as I could during the Zen Dashi sequences.

Next I did a round of Low Family Staff tuned into the correct sequence and the 'round the head' sequences for my shoulder health.

I strived to use a light body and to get some air time during the Flying Front Kick and whenever appropriate. 

I returned to the house to journal today's practice

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Wednesday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 57 at the house. I've got the guys coming to play music in The Barn from 2-4 this afternoon, then an early supper so that I can have fasting blood work drawn tomorrow morning for my up coming Wellness visit with Dr. Van Dyck. 

The Practice:

I started with a full round of The 10+ on The Deck with my trusty practice partner Echo. I focused on the sequence that I'm developing to the original 10 Exercises. My goal is functional exercises and keeping mobile for as long as I can. The 10+ are an excellent source of Functional Exercise. If you don't know them or practice them daily I'm encouraging you to learn and do them. That having been said the very best exercise is "The One You Will Do" period. If it's "The Best Exercise"  and you don't DO IT, what good is it?

Next I went out to the newly trimmed Middle Field and did a Round (left side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Parts I & II I tuned into developing a profound connection to nature's Qi.

Next I went to my main practice area and did a round of Cheng style Baguazhang 8 Mother (Animal) Set Changes 5-8 (both sides). I flushed out #8 (Monkey Palm) and the whole set is feeling better and better since I'm added Baguazhang to my 8 day rotation. (Today is Day #5)

Next I did a round of Anyo Lima focused on basics, flow and applications.

Next I did a round of Chinto Kata tuned in mobility, agility and overall health.

Next I did a round of Monkey Staff tuned into correct sequence and the quality of my stance work.

I finished with Healing Qigong while I returned to the house to journal today's practice.

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Tuesday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 62 at the house. Busy day....Genna is coming at 10:00 to help with yard work and there's a crew coming to do tree work at 8:00.

I've got a follow up call with Jeff later today. He's free from 2-5....I'll see how the day goes. I hope we get the chance to talk.

The Practice:

After getting the Lanscaping Crew going and marking a few dead trees. I went out to The Deck and did a brief warm up using the first 3 of the 10+.

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

Short practice session today....Too busy!

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Monday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 69 at the house. Apparently it rained overnight because it's very wet out there.

I've got a standing 8:30 video meeting with Jeff this morning. I've texted Jean to see if today is a good day to visit with Paul. I haven't heard back yet. If and when I do I'll drive down to Hatfield to visit with Paul sometime today.

The Practice:

After a tough meeting with Jeff (Closing The Studio + + + ) I went out to my main practice area and did a round of The 10+ focused on remembering the sequence that I have worked out for the + parts. I only took a week off of practicing the + part but already it's starting to fade. In defense I had just recently put the sequence together and have on practiced it a time or two, not enough to really get the sequence into my long term memory bank.

Next I did a Round (right side) reciting my version of the Taiji Classics during Part I. I stayed focused on Empty Stepping and feeling the earth pushing up against my feet.

Next I did a Standing (PT) session and Healing Qigong 

Next I did Changes 1-4 (both sides) of Cheng style Baguazhang 8 Mother (Animal) Palms focused on correct sequence and Mud-Wading Step. I did 3 circles in each direction before doing the Changes. I had a slight bit of confusion at #3 (Bear Palm). Mainly because I've started using a Change Step before the Low Single Leg Squats. I believe I worked it out.

Next I did a round of Anyo Apat tuned into correct sequence in the correct direction. I find the practice of Anyo's to be critical to solo practice and useful as a catalog of applications of Modern Arnis techniques.

Next I did a round of Wansu Kata focused on details.

Next I did a round of Taiji Staff (both sides) tuned into the overall quality of my postures.

I finished and returned to the house to journal today's practice.

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Sunday Practice

 The Details:

It's 65 at the house. I've got a party gig this afternoon. I'll be loading up a drum kit to take to the party in Colrain. At this type of gig you just never know who is going to show up and what they might want to play. It's like fielding ground balls; just be prepared to do whatever it takes and bring a BIG bag of tricks. Yup!

I drove my Volvo up to Brattleboro to get gas. I should have got gas the last time I was in town with it but I just didn't have the juice. 

The Practice:

After going to Brattleboro to gas up my Volvo and then coming back and loading up my drum kit I went out to my main practice area and started with a full round of The 10+. I decided I needed to review the + part of The 10 in order to keep that going. I think I did ok with just one glitch after #7 where I have been doing the Dragons Back I just did it after #8 and before Ba-Ji. I did Kumar's 3 swings and Song Gong when I got to #10.

Next I did a Round (left side) to the Taiji Music with Master Liang counting the beats. I'm finding if I maintain Zhong Ding I can manage the speed of the music just fine and it doesn't seem fast. The secret is that there is very little (none) set up time. If you don't maintain relaxed balance the speed of the music (15 minute rounds) will seem very fast. 

Next I did Changes 1-8 (both sides) of Yin Style Baguazhang 8 Linking Palms (1st Set) I did all 8 because I missed yesterday and it's Day Three in my Forms Rotations (8 days). So now I'm back on track. I mainly focused on distinguishing this set from the second Yin Fu Set (Yin 8 Palms Set). I recited the names of the postures where I could. 

Next I did a round of Anyo Tatlo focused on using a light body with a little leap during the Progressive Stepping sequences as well as muscle lock extension in all my punches.

Next I did a round of Seiunchin Kata tuned into the correct sequence using quality stances, punches and kicks.(basics)

Next I did a round of Taiji Dao using a wooden broadsword. I focused on correct sequence in the correct direction.

Next I did a round of Pa-Kua Knife as I practice this Form more regularly I'm able to get further and further in the sequence. Yay! I still don't feel comfortable with the sequence but I'm hoping that will change with more practice (without too much conscious thought).

I finished with Healing Qigong and returning to the house to journal today's practice.

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Saturday Practice @ The Studio

 

The Details:

It's 60 at the house. I'm going into The Studio to meet with Jeff at 7:15 and then co-teach the 8 am Taiji and Qigong Class.

The Practice:

I started with Jeff reviewing and adding detail and skill to The Taiji Dance (San Shou). We are still working on me Attacking (Yang)  and Jeff Defending (Yin). We also worked on the Three Da Lu's 1. Yang Family Section I 2. Wan Nien Niens Section IV 3. Cheng Man-Chings at the end of Section VIII.

Once class arrived I did a round of the original 10 Exercises focused on moving Lymph. I started by pointing out where the major collection of Lymph Nodes are, realizing they are everywhere throughout the body..

Next we did a row of Taiji Empty Stepping down the room

Next I did a round of Taiji Jian with Pat while the rest of the class worked on sequence to the long form.

Next I reviewed the Taiji Cane with Malcolm, Karen and Jason.

We worked on using the whole body in the basic three exercises with a Cane.

Next we did a Round (right side). I recited the Taiji Classics during Part I and pointed out the theme of the Round was to monitor using the waist (opening and closing the Kua) to move the upper and the lower parts of the body.

We ran out of time so we did a brief Healing Qigong and a 'clap' to adjust the Qi in the room.

Next I watched as Jeff led the Youth Karate Class through the original 10 noting the differences in the set that I originated with the little dragons classes. I've requested this set to be done throughout the various classes and systems. Everyone should have them memorized.

Next I worked with Malcolm, Jason and Karen on detail explaining the difference between External (sequence you can see) and internal (detail that can't be seen on the outside, rather a feeling inside)

I continued to work detail of Karate Kata and Short Cane with Malcolm, Karen, Jason and Jeff.

I stayed through the last Youth Class but realized I was really tired by the end. (This used to be a light morning for me. Oy!)

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Friday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 59 at the house. I'm putting together a drum set to take to the party gig tomorrow. I'm thinking of using my Rogers Holidays, if I can find all the parts. So far, so good! I found the Bass Drum Legs! Yay!

The Practice:

I started on The Deck with Echo and did a full round of the original 10 Exercises. I continue to work on the original sequence which I'll be presenting at class tomorrow morning. Today I was slightly concerned that I would forget some of the + that I've added to this set for functional exercises and to incorporate a few of the Solo exercises that may fall by the wayside if I don't retain them.

 

Next I moved out to my main training area and did a Round (left side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Parts I & II. I stayed focused of feeling the earth pushing up against my feet and following that wave through the 9 zig zag path to eventually form in my fingers. I really connected to nature during the Fair Maiden sequences. (I usually do!) 

The energy/Qi originates in the DanTien/Hips

Is rooted in the Feet 

Developed in the Legs 

Directed by the Waist 

Moves up the Spine 

Is formed in the Fingers.

Next I did Standing (PT) and Healing Qigong:

Next I did Cheng style Baguazhang Yin/Yang Walking (Figure 8 Walking) I remained focused on opening and closing my Kua and Mud-Wading Step (although I did uses some Lion Stepping).

Next I did a round of Anyo Isa focused on Muscle Lock on my punches and the exact path the punch (elbows) take when performing a twist punch.

Next I did a round of Seisan Kata focused on the timing of Shuffle/Step and my Punches and Blocks.

Next I did a round of Taiji Cane (both sides) I focused on whole body in every movement and ground propagated energy in every movement. This is the first time I've been able to get through the entire form on the left side. Quite an accomplishment. I'm patting myself on the back;^)

I went back to the barn to start packing up a drum kit. A little of this and a little of that because I don't have enough cymbals and hardware so I have to cannibalize the kit (Tama) that I have already set up in The Barn. I'm double and triple checking that I don't forget something. Ugh!

I returned to the house to journal today's practice here in this blog

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Thursday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 59 at the house. I've got a guitar lesson at 1 and then music in The Barn from 2-4 this afternoon.

The Practice:

I started on The Deck with Echo assisting with a full round of the original 10 Exercises. I continue to prepare this set to present at Saturday mornings class.

Next I moved to my main training area and did a Round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Parts I & II. I remained focused on TLB (Taoist Longevity Breathing) in and out through the nose. I had a profound connection to nature.

Next I did a round (both sides) of Cheng style Old 8 Palms focused on Mud-Wading Step and Soong Shoulders. I did not rest my arms in between postures or when switching sides. I did on circle in each position around my Bagua Poles.

Next I did a round of Anyo Walo focused on the quality of my basics.

Next I did a round Sanchin Kata focused on Breathing, dynamic tension and connecting my DanTien (Hara) to my punches and strikes.

Next, using my Dragon Canes, I did a round of Modern Arnis Cane Anyo's 1-4 (both sides) I focused mainly on correct sequence and the overall quality of my postures and basics as well as applications.

I ended with a short Standing (PT) and Healing Qigong while I returned to the house to journal today's practices.

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Wednesday Practice

The Details:

It's 63 at the house. It's a bonafide rainy day. I'm going to start packing a drum set for the gig this weekend.  

The Practice:

I started on The Deck under the awning because it was raining.

I did a full round of the original 10 Exercises focused on preparing them to present to the Taiji Class this coming Saturday.

Next I went up to The Loft and did a Round (right side). I recited my version of The Taiji Classics during Part I and focused on the quality of my Empty Steps, Zhong Ding and Taoist Longevity Breathing.

Next I did a Standing (PT) session tuned into the Taoist order of postures.

Next I did Healing Qigong. 

Next I researched the names of Changes 5-8 of Yin Style Baguazhang (both sides) I recited the names of the postures and Palms as I did them. I'd really like to memorize the names of postures for all 8 Changes. I'm a little more than 1/2 there! Perseverance!

Next I did a round of Anyo Pito tuned into using the correct sequence in the correct direction and flow.

Next I did a round of Sunsu Kata focused on sequence and basics.

Next I went back outside, this time to my main practice area with two wooded broadswords and did a round (one side) of Taiji Double Dao tuned into shoulder health with every 'round the head' movement.

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Tuesday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 59 at the house. I realized yesterday that I skipped the second Yin style Baguazhang Set - 8 Palms. I inadvertently practiced Cheng style Baguazhang 8 Mother (Animal) Set for day's 4&5. Perhaps that's the order I should do them in? Hmmmm! It's a Ponton day. Two weeks go by so fast....Wow!

The Practice:

I started in my main practice area with a round of Low Family Staff (one side) focused on the correct sequence.

Next I drove into the YMCA and did a round of CYBEX strength training (I had a chat wth Judy Kratz) and then shopping for lunch at the Co-op.

Next: After arriving home and putting lunch away I went back out to my main training area and did a full round of the original 10 exercises (I plan on doing them with class on Saturday) focused on the correct sequence for the original set. The original set is much less complicated that the 10+ which I usually do. They take less time to get through also which is always an issue teaching a class. Students count on classes starting and ending on time. That is not an issue when I'm training on my own.

Next I did a Round (left side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I I tuned into the Feeling throughout the Round. I had a profound connection to nature.

Next I did a round of Standing Post Training (PT) focused on using the Taoist Formula of starting and ending with the easiest postures and putting the most difficult/challenging in the middle.  

Next I did Healing Qigong.

Next I did a round of Yin Style Baguazhang 8 Palms Set Changes 1-4 (both sides) reciting the names of the postures aloud. I focused on Lion Walking and posture of my hands. 

Next I did a round of Anyo Apat - This may be one of my favorite Modern Arnis Anyo (Forms) I mainly focused on applications and correct sequence as well as the quality of my basics.

Next I did a round of Kusanku Kata focused on agility and mobility. I also focused on using deeper Stances and light body during the leaping sections. I used a single outside/inside Crescent Kick in the middle and light body during the Flying Front Kick. 

After ending I returned to the house to journal today's practice.

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Monday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 56 at the house. I've got a standing video meeting with Jeff at 8:30. Ginnie went to Noho for a follow up on her hip.

The Practice:

Around 9 am I went out to The Deck with my training partners Echo and started with a full round of the 'original' 10 Exercises. I was focused on making The 10 more digestible for Students and not taking up too much time during a class. I'm hoping if students memorize the set they at least have a chance to incorporate them into a daily practice. Dr. Leung told me that as one ages the only thing left is the practice of The 10 Exercises. I've added the + part on my own, but I suspect that that will be too much of the average student to take on. 

Do What You Can,

When You Can

Next I did a Round (left side) reciting my version of The Taiji Classics during Part I. I remained focused on monitoring the principles as I went into "NO MIND" mode.

Next I did Changes 5-8 (both sides) of Cheng style Baguazhang 8 Mother (Animal) Form. Since I put this set into my weekly rotation I'm amazed at how comfortable and easy the Changes have become. Yay....Practice works!

Next I did a round of Anyo Lima. I had a glitch at the end but went back and worked it out. I focused on applications.

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

Next I went out to my main practice area and did a round of Monkey Staff (one side) focused on correct sequence and the overall quality of my postures as well as flow from posture to posture.

Sunday Practice

 The Details:

It's 69 and very humid. The dew is so thick the ground is wet. I'm going to visit Paul in Hatfield early this afternoon. It's Melinda's birthday today! I've a text thread going with Jason K. He's dealing with an injured back among other things. He said he's trying to make it to his birthday before retiring from the Gfld. Police Force. I'm happy to hear that he has set a date. That job is eating him alive;^(

The Practice:

Around 10 I started on The Deck with Echo and a full round of The 10+. This set is feeling better and better the more I do them.

Next I went out to my main practice area. It was getting too hot/humid and sunny on The Deck.

Once I got there and got settled I did a Round (left side) to Master Liang's music with him counting the beats. I was able to stay on track and grateful for the verification from the music and count. I noticed how little 'set up' time the music allows. IF you are not in constant Zhong Ding the pace will seem very fast. However if you DO maintain relaxed balance throughout the form the pace is more than doable. It reminds me of getting a song up to speed when you are learning chord changes. IF you hesitate you loose the groove. You have to have the changes happening without having to pause to form the new chord. All it takes is practice and eventually you will be able to perform the song 'at speed'. Remember Taijiquan is the fastest martial art in existence.

Next I did Changes 1-4 (both sides) of Cheng style Baguazhang 8 Mother (Animal) Form. I had a little glitch on the right side of #3 (Bear Palm) but I worked it out. 

Next I did a round of Anyo Apat tuned into the correct sequence and adding snap to all the punches and kicks.

Next I did a round of Wansu Kata focused on the overall quality of Stance, Transitions, Punches and Kicks.

Next I used a heavy maple 6' Staff to do a round of Taiji Staff (both sides) I had a little glitch at the end on the right side.

I ended with Healing Qigong and returning to the house to journal today's practices.

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