Monday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 70 at the house. Jeff and I have switched the day that we meet online to Monday morning because he has a meeting at 9 on Friday's. I have an 8:30 video meeting with Jeff this morning. The Lynde Well Drilling is coming between 10-12 to get a water sample and change the filter going into the holding tank. I may try and go down to see Paul after that. I'm baking later this morning.

The Practice:

I began with acoustic guitar practice; I'm sufficiently frustrated; I must be on the right path! Oy!!

                                      Gong Fu (Kung Fu) = Time + Effort + Patience 

The morning didn't go as planned; Jeff forgot to set his alarm and I had the wrong day written on the calendar for the Lynde's. It's next Monday 7/21! Oy!

I texted Jean about a visit this afternoon. I'm not sure if I have the emotional space to do the drive and visit. I'll see after I chill for a while.

Next I went out on The Deck and did a full round of The 10+. I've added the Ba-Ji (8-Stances). I haven't decided where I'll do them yet. Today I did them after #9. I think I'll do them after #8 and end up with Rooster Stance so I'm ready to start the Ba-Ji:

1. Horse Riding 

2. Bow and Arrow

3. Taming the Tiger

4. Cross Leg 

5. Empty

6. Taiji

7. Unicorn (Chi-Ling)

8. Chicken (Rooster)

It got too hot on The Deck so I moved to my main training spot near Big Greenie.

Next I did a Round (left side) at least I think I started on the left. I had a very confusing Round where I kept loosing concentration and thus the 'mapping' of the form. I've gotten the right and left side to 'feel' the same and I've been noticing that I inadvertently switch sides. Today it happened multiple times. It's good for Indomitable Spirit IF one can stay equanimous. I also used a metronome set at 65 BPM with two tones. It didn't help to verify the correct sequence like the Taiji Music w/ Master Liang counting does but it does serve to adjust the tempo and relationship between movements (the slight pause or conclusion).

Next I did Changes 5-8 of Cheng Style Baguazhang's 8 Mother Palms

Next I did a round of Anyo Walo tuned into fully extending my punches and kicks with more focus and pop.

Next I did a round of Sanchin Kata focused on improving the overall quality of my techniques and breathing.

Next I used my Dragon Canes to do 1-4 Modern Arnis Cane Anyo (1-3 on right and left)

Next I did a round of Taiji Double Dao (Broadsword) using my Dragon Canes.

I finished with Healing Qigong as I returned to the house to journal today's practice and have lunch.

Email Sifu for private lessons

Sunday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 68 at the house. We go up to the lake later today to sail. Time will tell.....

The Practice:

I started with guitar practice and reading a poem from Evidence "The Poet Always Carries A Notebook"

Around mid-morning I went out on The Deck to practice.

I started with a full round of The 10+ I continue to tweak the set attempting to enhance the overall health benefits from doing them, realizing that no matter the quality of the exercise, you still have to DO THEM DAILY or at least as consistently as your level allows. The main thing in being consistent is to access self-discipline and not really on your 'mood'. 

             Consistency beats intensity time and time again...no matter the endeavor! IMHO

Next I did a Round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics in Parts I & II. I remained focused on TL Breathing in and out the nose with a focus on natural breathing only linking it to my movements when it naturally felt right. NO forcing of the breath!! As Master Choi would say "Don't bother your breathing" Good advice!

Next I did Standing PT and Healing Qigong.

Next I did Changes 1-4 of Cheng Style Baguazhang's 8 Mother Palms. I recently ran across a video of Master Zhang Jie performing this set in a demonstration back in 1992, I attempted to incorporate some of what I saw into my Changes with some success. 

Next I did a round of Anyo Pito (#7) focused primarily on correct sequence. I learned this Anyo from Guro Jay Spiro the year (1987)  I attended the Michigan Modern Arnis Camp hosted by Terry (?) outside in-between buildings. The Prof. (Remy Presas) stopped us after a short while. I'm amazed that I can remember it at all. That was the only instruction I ever received on this Anyo. Luckily I've kept it up!

Next I did a round of Sunsu Katat focused on correct movements in the correct direction. This the Kata that I taught the least during my 40 year tenure as Sensei of the American Karate System. The primary way I made a living was teaching Karate.

Next I did a round of Taiji Jian (straight double edged sword) reciting the names of the postures throughout the form. I focused my eyes on the tip of the Jian.

I finished by coming inside and journaling todays practice here in this blog.

If you're looking at this, please let me know. Thanks!

Email Sifu Roy

Saturday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 71 at the house and humid. Today is the Sunfish Regatta at SYC. Ginnie is doing registration and generally helping out. It's forecast to be a light wind day. Hopefully there will be enough wing to sail. Light and shifting winds can be very frustrating when sailing.

The Practice:

I began the day with acoustic guitar practice which if done daily produces substantial callouses. Mine are coming along nicely. Callouses on your finger tips are painful at first then once the callouses build up sufficiently playing is no longer painful. You know you're doing it but the bitter pain does not persist. Oy!

Around mid-morning I went out on The Deck to practice with my trusty assistant Echo.

I started with a full round of The 10+ I've successfully added The Dragons Back to #7, adjusted my foot position in #8 and added to #9 (single leg standing and deeper single leg squats) and #10 (3 swings & Soong Gong) I've also adjusted #3 to look behind and ending with a deep stretch aimed at the space between my arm pits and hips. I'm looking to derive the most overall health benefits to The 10+ that I can get. IMHO it's important to continually and daily adjust to your present condition at the particular day/session

Next I did a Round (left side) I've been having a challenging time with 1. remembering which side I did yesterday and 2. staying on that side without inadvertently switching to the other side. Oy! I recited the Taiji Classics during Part I. I stayed focused on feeling Soong Jin moving down and Jin moving up my bones and connective tissues.

Next I did Standing PT and Healing Qigong. Saying everything out loud to the universe at large. 

Next I did a round of Anyo Anim (#6) focused on correct sequence and applications as well as full extension while punching.

Next I did a round of Kusanku Kata tuned into agility and mobility as well as leg strength and light body during the jumping front kicks and progressive stance work.

Next I did a round of Low Family Staff focused on shoulder health and the correct sequence.

It had started to rain so I returned inside to journal today's practice here in this blog.

If you're looking at this please let me know. Thanks!

Email Sifu Roy

Taiji Cane Part I w/ Sifu Roy

Ice Pick Knife Disarm drill w/ Guro Roland Rivera

                         An excellent vertical push hands drill

Modern Arnis Anyo Lima (5) with Sifu Roy

Friday Practice

 

I was treated to witness 4 deer in the front yard as I went out on The Deck to practice. They scattered as soon as I started to photograph them. The younger ones are very skittish. You can see the one of the far left running for the hills. Scaredy Cat! Within a few seconds they were all skedaddled;^)

The Details:

It's 68 degrees out and humid. It's Friday and I have an 8:30 video meeting with Jeff. During the meeting we changed our time to meet to Monday morning at 8:30 starting next week. Friday is the only morning of the week that Jeff has a 9am meeting at Second Wind.

The Practice:

I went out on The Deck to practice around mid morning and was treated to a group of 4 deer.

I started with a full round of The 10+ focused on lightly stretching fascia, flexibility, strength, coordination and of course consistency, which in my opinion is essential.

Next I did a Round (left side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. I focused on what part moves and what part is stable. I also focused on Soong Jin and Peng Jin as well as breathing in and out through the nose using Taoist Longevity Breathing.(TL Breathing).

Next I did Changes 4-8 (both sides) of Yin Style Baguazhang's 8 Palms Set. I focused on monitoring the amount of coiling, especially in my spine. I also focused on correct sequence particular to that specific set. The first (Yin Linking Palms Set) and the second (8 Palms Set) Yin Fu Style Set's have many discreet differences and it's easy to confuse and homogenize the two sets. I'm attempting to keep the separate and unique.

Next I did a round on Anyo Lima focused on correct sequence and full extension with more pop (focus).

Next I went out to The Driveway because the next forms need more space.

Once I arrived at The Driveway I did a round of Chinto Kata focused on the 'spins' for agility and mobility. I also focused on correct sequence.

Next I did a round of Monkey Staff focused on correct sequence, agility, mobility and consistency

I've recently added a few things to my daily routine. Time will tell if I've over stepped my 'level'. If I have I will not be able to persevere (continue). I'm already at the edge of my ability to be consistent in my daily practice of all this material. It's all good because I realize on a very deep level that consistency is challenging for all of us, no matter the endeavor. Oy!

I finished with Healing Qigong as I was returning to the house to journal my practice here in this blog.

If you are looking at this, please let me know. Thanks!

Email Sifu Roy

Thursday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 71 at the house. The ground is wet from a shower overnight. I've got a guitar lesson scheduled for later this morning.

The Practice:

I began the day with acoustic guitar practice in preparation for my guitar lesson later this morning. I'm using daily practice believing that consistency wins the race! I also did a reading from Evidence "Spring".

I went out on the Deck with my trusty assistant around mid-morning to practice.

I started my practice with a full round of The 10+ focused on agility, overall health and consistency.

Next I did a Round (right side) reciting my version of The Taiji Classics during Part I. I contemplated the amount of memory and cognition that is necessary to get through the Round and stay in correct sequence on the correct side. All I can say is that it is substantial. The "long form" is excellent for cognition and a general 'maping' of the sequence. I experienced the pronounced demands on my memory several times. I try my best to not go to 'automatic' as in driving to the same destination repeatedly. I'm attempting to make each and every iteration different (more evolved?) that the last.

Next I did Changes 1-4 (both sides) of Yin Style Baguazhang's 8 Palms Set. I recited the names of the postures throughout.

Next I did a round of Anyo Apat focused on the correct sequence. I had a few 'glitches that I immediately resolved while remaining equanimous. I also imagined the applications where it felt appropriate.

Next I did a round of Wansu Kata focused on full extension while punching or kicking.

Next I did a round of Taiji Cane using my original Cane. I focused on involving my lower body and feeling the movements originate in my feet, developed in my legs, directed by my waist and finally manifest at the tip of my cane. I followed the energy from my feet, through the 9 Zig Zag Path to my Cane.

I finished with a short Standing PT and Healing Qigong before returning inside to journal my practice here in this blog.

If you're looking at this please let me know. Thanks!

Email Sifu Roy 

Wednesday Practice

The Details:

It's 70 at the house. Apparently it rained overnight; the ground is wet. We're going up to SYC to launch our O'Day 17. After 3 hours of detailed work we finally did get her on her mooring. Yay!!

The Practice:

The Practice:

I went out to the Deck to practice before we drove up to SYC.

I started with a full round of The 10+ focused on consistency and overall health. 

Next I did a Round (left side) reciting my version of the Taiji Classics during Part I. I was mainly focused on consistency and overall health; Filling my "internal Bucket" one drop (day) at a time. 

Consistency beats Intensity time and time again!

I finished with a brief Standing PT and Healing Qigong before getting ready to drive up to SYC.

 

 

Tuesday Practice at The Studio

 

The Details:

It's 72 at the house. Apparently it rained overnight so the ground is wet. I'm going in to teach the 8:30 Taiji Class at The Studio and then down to Hatfield to see Paul. I haven't seen him yet this season.

The Practice:

I started class with a discussion about:

- The 9 Zig Zag Path

- The Jin Lu

- The Triangles of the body especially the Kua

- The angle at the elbows during Push and Brush Knee Twist

- Muscle Lock

Once everyone showed up I had Nancy, Lucy (and her dog Humphrey), Jack and Read

I started with a round of The 10+ explaining a little as we proceeded through the set.

Next we went on to do a group Round. I recited my version of the Taiji Classics during Part II.

We ended with a brief Standing PT and Healing Qigong (I led this part silently)

After class Janee and Don showed up and I had some conversation with them . I led them through a short seated Breathing Qigong. I explained TL Breathing in some detail. 

Next I drove to Greenfield's Market and purchased a few things for lunch and supper.

I drove to Hatfield to visit with Paul and Jean. I got to meet his home healthcare person Prim.

I encouraged him to sit up straight or lean back against the back of a chair. He did stand once, with help from Prim. I tried "Pulling Qi" Qigong but was unable to get that happening for him. So I mainly just sat with him and visited.

I drove home to have a light lunch, rest and now I'm journaling the day's practice here in this blog.

If you're reading this please let me know. Thanks!

Email Sifu Roy

Yang Style Taiji 13 spear - Basic Jab and Thrust to a target with follow step

Monday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 69 at the house. Nothing is scheduled today...Just all my daily practices.

The Practice:

I started by reading "We shake with joy" a poem by Mary Oliver and acoustic guitar practice.

It was late morning before I made it out to my main practice area near Big Greenie.

I started with a full round of The 10+ focused on consistency and overall health and mobility/agility.

Next I did a Round (left side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. I caught myself at the end of Part I / beginning of Part II transitioning to the right side. I realize there are some specific points in the form that are more susceptible to transitioning from right to left and vice versa.

Next I did a round of Yin Style Baguazhang's 8 Linking Palms Changes 5-8 on both sides. I focused on the particular sequences in this form as accurately as possible. I also focused on mobility/agility as I realize more and more that there has been a change in my 70's after 9 years in retirement. You can run but you cannot outrun father time! It catches up to everyone....eventually. I consider exercise, eating well, sleeping well and having L O V E in your life is all important but in reality it just 'hedges your bet'. Doing all that does help one maintain mobility longer than the average person. In the end it's definitely worth while. IMHO

Next I did a round of Anyo Tatlo focused on full extension, correct sequences and applications.

Next I did a round of Seiunchin Kata focused on fully completing one move/technique before starting the next.

I finished with Standing PT and Healing Qigong

I returned to the house to journal my practice in this blog.

If you're looking at this please let me know. Thanks!

Email Sifu Roy

Sifu explains the first half of the ice pick knife drill

Yang Style T'ai Chi Ch'uan 13 Spear Set - Jab with stance work -