Monday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

It's Day #5 (sort of, I'll explain below) in the rotation.

Yesterday was Day #4 but I met with Jeff and we spent hours on The Dance. I had already done a Round (right side) and I did a round of Yin and Cheng Style Baguazhang to demonstrate for Jeff but I did not do Taiji Staff or Anyo Apat or Wansu Kata, so I did the those Forms today instead.

It's 62 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:10.

I've got a Doctors appointment (Van Dyck) at 8:45 this morning in Brattleboro. This will be the first time I'm seen Dr. Van Dyck since she moved her practice to the Brattleboro Hospital. The visit went well I did some additional blood work to rule out thyroid, white cell count and Vitamin B-12 deficiencies. 

I'm going to CVS in Greenfield to pick up the prescriptions for my procedure on Friday. I'll check with Fran at Dr. Goldsher's first to make sure that the prescriptions will be there.

The Practice:

I started upstairs in the loft with a full round of The 10, adding to #8, #9 and #10. At #8 I started wearing a 10lbs weighted vest and I also used 15lbs dumbbells to add curls and overhead press to the Wuji Squats for a full body workout. I used the weighted vest during #9 and 10.

Next I did 10-12 repetitions of abdominal crunches on a big blue ball.

Next I did a round of Taiji Staff (still wearing the weighted vest) (right side)

Next I did another round of Taiji Staff on the left side. I was mainly tuned into the exercise component of my practices.

Next I did a round of Monkey Staff (one side only). I remained focused on the exercise component.

Next I did a round of Anyo Apat focused on Sequence and Basics.

Next I did a round of Wansu Kata (still wearing the 10 lbs weighted vest) I remained tuned into the excersis component of this Kata.

Next I did a Round. I started on the right side and then found I had inadvertently switched to the left side. I attempted to stay on the left side, but noticed that I switched back and forth a few times.I got a little frustrad and decided to just 'let it be'.

REI - Bow - show respect

         

                   

                                            Click on link to see the article:  Respect 

Sunday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

It's Day #4 in the rotation.

It's 62 at the house. It's forecast to be another hot one today.

The sunrise was at 5:10.

Jeff is coming up to train at 10 this morning. We trained primarily The Dance (both sides) for 3 hours.

The Practice:

I started with a Round (left side) in my main practice area before Jeff came.

When Jeff arrived we talked and drank tea. We talked about Yin - No Movement and Yang - Movement and the understanding that one knows when one part starts and one part stops.

Next we did several rounds of The Taiji Dance focused on the shoulders in relationship with the hips (Kua), where the predominance of the weight is and the point at which you can or cannot access the ground to Transform energy or Issue energy.

Next I demonstrated the 8 Day Training Sequence of Baguazhang Sets.

Next we talked about the Sequence of the Old 8 Palms.

Next I demonstrated The Pheonix from Cheng Style Baguazhang

Saturday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

It's Day #3 in the rotation.

It's 68 at the house and it's forecast to be slightly cooler today. The sunrise was at 5:10

I've got mowing to do later today.

The Practice:

I started in The Driveway with a round of Taiji Dao using Master Liangs Broadsword I was focused on reciting the names of the postures where I could and the over all quality of my Postures as well as the timing of Stance and Technique.

Next I did a couple of rows of Level Push, (The Dao's version I Lazy D)

Next I did a round Pakua-Knife, I Shaolin Broadsword Form I learned from Dr. Leung Kay-Chi back in the 1980's

Next I went up to my main training area near Big Greenie and did a round of Yin Style Baguazhang 8 Linking Palms, Changes 5-8 reciting the names of the Postures where I could and naming a few postures too! I also focused on Balance and Looking All The Way Behind Me.

Next I did a round of Anyo Tatlo focused on light body during the progressive Stance work. I also focused on full extension on all my punches and kicks.

Next I did a round of Seiunchin Kata focused on Sequence and Basics.

Next I did a full round of The 10 adding to #9 and #10. I mainly focused on being consistent and overall health.

Next I did a round of Taiji Qigong (The 21) tuned into what's Moving and what's Not Moving

Next I did a Round (Right Side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. I continue to work on the timing of Deflect, Parry and Punch and the principle of "Rub The Neck Against The Colar" as well as monitoring the opening and closing of my Kua on the weighted side.

Next I a brief Standing session.

I was out of gas and the flies were bugging me so I returned to the house to eat lunch and journal today's practices

Friday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

It's Day #2 in the rotation.

It's a steamy 72 at the house this morning. The sunrise was at 5:10.

I had another night of coughing/hacking up goop and blowing my nose. I didn't get much sleep again. Boy O boy am I sick of being sick!

I seem to be able to sleep a little in the morning, but I really don't like getting up later than 6:30. Oy!

I'm debating whether or not I feel healthy enough to meet and train with Jeff this coming Sunday. He's injured his back again and I'm not sleeping well. Hmmm!

I received a bill from Hartnett Plumbing. After calling last October, I thought this was going to be a freebee? I'm not sure what I'll be doing about it; perhaps a call to the office?

The Practice:

I started in The Driveway with a round of Taiji Jian using my metal Lung Ching Jian (double edged sword) reciting the names of the Postures throughout. I observed the principles described in the Taiji Classics.

Next I went up to my main training space and did a round of Yin Style Baguazhang 8 Linking Palms, Changes 1-4 reciting the names of the Postures throughout.

Next I did a round of Anyo Dalawa focused on Sequence, Direction and using high quality Basics.

Next I did round of Seisan Kata focused on Sequence, Details and high quality Basics.

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

Thursday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

It's Day #1 in the rotation.

It's 70 at the house and is forecast to be a scorcher by mid-afternoon. The sunrise was at 5:10.

GG is putting a few things down by the road to start clearing out things that we don't use/need anymore.

I'm still struggling to get well. I had another night of coughing up crap and blowing my nose. I seem to be doing the majority of 'housecleaning' at night. Oy Vey! 

The Practice:

I started in The Driveway with a round of Taiji Cane (right side) focused on Sequence, Direction and Posture.

Next I did a Taiji Cane on the left side focused on Sequence and Direction. I made it all the through but the left side is tough! No doubt about it.

Next I did a round of Cheng Style Baguazhang Yin/Yang Figure 8 (both sides) using Lion Walking and Counting my Steps.

Next I did a round of Anyo Isa focused on Sequence and Light Body during the Progressive Steps.

Next I did a round of Nihanchi Kata. I continue to change techniques and postures in this Kata. I remained tuned in to the changes.

Next I went up to my main training area because it's cooler there and did a round of The 10...I added to #6 and used a 9lb medicine ball for #8 I also used 10lb dumbbells to do a shoulder and bicep routine.

Next I did a Round (left side) focused on "Rub the Neck Against the Colar" and "Hang the Muscles to Open the Joints"

That's it for this morning. I'm out of gas!!

Wednesday Practice - Day #8 in the rotation

 

The Details and Notes:

It's 62 at the house and GG opened up and started the attic fan for some of natures air conditioning.

The sunrise was at 5:10. 

I cancelled music this afternoon. I'm still not feeling well. Ugh!!

Perhaps a dump run later this morning? I helped GG put the trash and recycling together in in the Honda.

I successfully completed the entire 8 Day rotation of Forms. Yay....It's been awhile 

The Practice:

I practiced in my main training area near Big Greenie

I started with a full review of the Modern Arnis Cane Warm Ups using my Dragon Canes. I could tell it's been awhile! Oy!!

Next I did all four Monden Arnis Cane Anyo's on both sides focused on correct Sequence in the correct direction.

Next I did a round of Cheng Style Baguazhang Old 8 Palms (both sides) around my Bagua Poles using Lion Stepping (walking)

Next I did a round of Anyo Walo focused on correct Sequence and Basics.

Next I did a round of Sanchin Kata focused on Breathing coordinated with my strikes (emanating from my Tan T'ien [Hara]) and Dynamic Tension.

Next I did a brief Warm Up using the first 5 of The 10 Exercises focused on consistency and health.

Next I did a Round (right side) reciting (silently) and observing the Taiji Classic principles throughout the Form.

Next I did a brief Standing and Healing Qigong

Tuesday Practice - Day #7 in the rotation

 

The Details and Notes:

I've got fasting blood work this morning in Brattleboro for my upcoming appointment with Dr. Van Dyck on Monday.

It was 59 at the house and we have the attic fan on to bring in the cooler air of the early morning. The sunrise was at 5:10. 

There was a long line for my labs this morning. I exercised patience and finally got it done.

The Pontons were here from 10-11

I stopped at Guilford Country Store for breakfast and Sayed hi to Ali. She was afraid that we (Ginnie and I ) were mad at her I told her maybe a little sad but definitely not mad.

I made it back home in time for GG to go to Noho for her appointment, shopping and lunch with Gerri and Kate.

The Practice:

I started with a round of Taiji Double Dao using two wooded Broadswords (Dao) in The Driveway

I continued practicing on The Patio outside of The Barn with a round of Anyo Pito focused on correct Sequence in the correct direction.

Next I did a round of Sunsu Kata tuned in Sequence and Basics.

Next I went to my main training area near Big Greenie. I did a Round (left side) reciting The Taiji Classics during Part I. I remained focused on observing the opening and closing of my Kua and where my weight (Power) was during the Poastures.

Next I did Standing and Healing Qigong.

Monday Practice - Day #6 in the rotation

 

The Details and Notes:

It's 54 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:11. 

Nothing scheduled for today just my regular practices.

The Practice:

I started in The Driveway with dumbbell training for my shoulders, arms and legs.

Next I did a round of B. P. Chan's wrist, forearm and finger exercises.

Next I did a little pad work (drum rudiments)  in The Garage and filled a few of the Carpenter Bee holes in The Garage.

Next I did a round of Lo Family Staff (right side) focused on Stance Work and Shoulder Health as well as Sequence.

Next I did a round of Yin Style Baguazhang, 8 Palms, Changed 1-4 reciting the names of the Postures throughout.

Next I did a round of Anyo Anim focused on Sequence. I had a couple of glitches that I stuck with and fixed.

Next I did a round of Kusanku Kata tuned in agility, mobility, light body and balance.

Next I went to my main practice area and did a full round of The 10 focused on consistency. I added dumbbell training to #8. I also added The Three Swings and Song Gong to #10.

Next I did a Round (right side) focused on when to Stop and when to Start as well as opening and closing my Kua.

Next I did a full Standing Session followed by Healing Qigong

Sunday Practice - Day #5 in the rotation

 

The Details and Notes:

It's 70 at the house and forecast to be a little cooler today and possible rain showers.

The sunrise was at 5:11

I've got Jared S. coming at 10 to install a new battery in my John Deere mower. He's also going to bring the Stihl Weed Wacker motor which has said started on the first pull!! Oy Vey!

The Practice:

I started inside with acoustic guitar practice. I had lost (and found) my thumb pick. It's amazing when guitar picks drop the seem to go into another dimension and are often very, very difficult to retrieve. Oy Vey!

Next I went out into The Driveway and did a round of Monkey Staff tuned into using the correct Sequence.

Next I did a round of Cheng Style Baguazhang 8 Animal Palms, Changed 5-8 both sides. I focused on correct Sequence in the correct place of the circle and direction.

Next I did a round of Anyo Lima tuned into using quality Basics and correct Sequence as well as applications.

Next I did a round of Chinto Kata focused on agility, mobility and using a light body.

Next I did a brief Warm Up.

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

Next I did a brief Standing and Healing Qigong.

Saturday Practice - Day #4 in the rotation

 

The Details and Notes:

It's 59 at the house and forecast to be in the 80's again this afternoon. The sunrise was at 5:11.

GG opened up the house and put the attic fan on in an attempt to cool the house off. It worked really well yesterday.

I started to take my blood pressure this morning in preparation for my upcoming Dr. Van Dyck visit.

 I've got a 10 am video call with Jeff this morning.

The Practice:

I practiced in The Driveway this morning.

I started with a round of Taiji Staff (left side) focused on leaping and agility.

Next I did a round of Taiji Staff (right side) with the same focus as well as the correct Sequence on the right side.

Next I did a round of Anyo Apat focused on Sequence and Technique as well as applications.

Next I did a round of Wansu Kata focused on letting my latest viewing of Shimabuku performing Wansu wash over me and willingly letting the viewing influence this interaction.

Next I did a full round of The 10 tuned into consistency and overall health.

Next I did a Round reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I

I ended with Standing and Healing Qigong.

In the late afternoon I walked the perimeter of the property and stopped at my main training area and did a round of Cheng Style Baguazhang 8 Animal Palms, Changes 1-4 (both sides) I did pretty good with the sequence except #3 where I got a little confused at which direction to do the piercing hand in in order to get to the other side. I adjusted the left side but the right side was even more confusing. 

I miss the late afternoon walks on the beach in NSB! Oh well...I'd like to get into the habit of a 20 minute late afternoon walk here in Leyden. 

Friday Practice - Day # 3 in the rotation

 

The Details and Notes:

It's 55 this morning and forecast to be in the 80's this afternoon. GG opened up and put the attic fan on to cool the house down. It worked!

I learned yesterday at my dentist appointment that I need to have a lower left (Molar) tooth pulled, a bone graft later this month and then an implant in Oct. and finally a crown on the implant in the spring. Oy Vey!

I had a talk with the insurance adjuster Jack Fico about the loss of my hearing aids on the flight from Boston to Rome on ITA. GG helped to contact ITA about the loss and they wrote back that they couldn't find them. I also talked to the folks at True Hearing but my hearing aids were out of warentee so they were unable to help my. Oy Vey!

The Practice:

I practiced in The Driveway this morning.

I started with a round of Taiji Dao using Master Liangs Broadsword (Dao) I focused on Sequence, Timing and reciting the names of the posture where I could.

Next I did a round of Pa-Kua Knife focused on Sequence and Agility.

Next I did a round of Anyo Tatlo focused on 'light body' and agility as well as Applications.

Next I did a round of Seiunchin Kata focused on using quality Basics as well as correct Sequence.

Next I did a round of Yin Style Baguazhang 8 Linking Palms, Changes 5-8 focused on correct Sequence, Lower Stances, Light Body, Breathing and Turning to Open.

Next I went to my main training area and did a Round (left side) focused on Sequence and staying on the left side. At the beginning of Part III during Single Whip I noticed that I had started Part III on the right side; I stayed equanimous and switched back to the left side at Jade Maiden. I maintained mental focus and monitored which side I was on with the intention of staying on the left side.

Next I did a full session of Standing. I continue to work on the new sequence I've been experimenting with. I'm working it out.....

Next I did Healing Qigong.

Thursday Practice - Day #2 in the rotation

 

The Details and Notes:

It's 57 at the house and forecast to reach the 80's for the next few day's.

We put the air conditioner in the master bedroom yesterday and used the attic fan to cool the house down this morning.

I've got an 11:30 appointment at Dr. Goldsher's first to get fitted for another mouth guard and then for a cleaning. It looks like I need a tooth extraction and then a bone graft followed 4 months later an implant....and finally next spring a crown. Oy!! It won't be very pleasant or cheap...

G has a patient visit in Northfield at 9 this morning. 

Oh ya and I had Hartnett Plumbers (Kyle) coming at 8 to fix the toilet in the master bathroom.

The Practice:

I practiced outside in my main training area.

I started with a round of Taiji Jian reciting the names of the postures throughout. I focused on watching the tip of my wooden Jian and using a light body when appropriate.

Next I did Lazay D with the Jian my left hand watching the tip throughout.

Next I did a round of Anyo Dalawa tuned into applications and quality Basics.

Next I did a round of Nihanchi Kata focused on the changes that I've made to this Kata.

Next I did a brief Warm Up focused on Soong.

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

Next I did Standing (adding the 'floating wood Palm toward the end) and Healing Qigong.

Wednesday Practice - Day #1 in the Rotation.

 

The Details and Notes:

It was 52 at the house. I've not recovered from yesterday's air and car travel. I mowed the front along with the middle field path in the morning.

Nezt i practiced drum set (Tama's) for a little while and cleared up a bit in The Barn.

Next I practiced...

The Practice:

I practiced outside in my main training area next to Big Greenie...It was a perfect temperature!

I started with a round of Taiji Cane (right side) focused on consistency and shoulder health

Next I did a round of Anyo Isa focused on using quality basics with full extension and Sequence and light body during the progressive stepping.

Next I did a round of Seisan Kata letting the viewing of Tatsu Shimabuku performing Seisan influence me.

Next I did a brief Warm Up focused on opening my joints and Soong.

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

Next I did Standing and Healing Qigong focused on letting the waist turn as I place all my weight to one side, I automatically turn to the other side. I also tuned into when things stop and start.