Saturday Practice - The 4th of July -

 

The Details and Notes:

I'm counting this as Day #6 in the rotation.

It's 74 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:16. It's forecast to be hot but not quite as bad as the last few day's.

I've got a 10-11 video phone call with Jeff this morning (I think).

I've got mowing to do later today.

The Practice:

I started in The Driveway with 2 rounds of Lo Family Staff focused on Shoulder Health, Sequence and Direction of Techniques.

Next I went up to my main training area:

                                     Above in main tree I use for Baguazhang Practice.

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

Next I did a round of Anyo Anim focused on Sequence and Applications.

Next I did a round of Kusanku Kata focused on using Lower Stances for Leg Strength, Coordination, Agility and Mobility.

Next I did a brief Warm Up focused on Health and releasing connective tissue.

Next I did a Round (left side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. I remained focused on observing the Principles described in the Classics.

Next I did a full round of Standing and Healing Qigong.

Friday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

I'm counting this as Day #5 in the rotation. 

I realized last night that I'm out of sync with my Baguazhang Sets. I think I forgot Cheng Style Yin/Yang Figure Eight Walking on Day #1.

It's 76 at the house. It's forecast to be in the 90's this afternoon. The sunrise was at 5:16. After the equinox the days are slowly becoming shorter. 

We're scheduled to look at a couple of houses in Keene later this morning. 

We looked at the houses for sale and then went to the Keene Co-Op for lunch. 

The Practice:

I started in The Driveway with a round of Monkey Staff focused on using the correct sequence in the correct direction and the overall quality of my Postures and Techniques.

Next I went up to my main training space and did a round of Anyo Lima focused on Sequence and Basics.

Next I did a round of Chinto Kata focused on Basics, Agility and Mobility.

Next I did a round of Cheng Style Baguazhang Yin/Yang Figure Eight Walking. I did four round on both sides counting my Steps keeping track of Hook and Swing Steps while going up the middle of the Sequence.

Next I did a full round of The 10 focused on Consistency, Leg Strength and overall Health.

Next I did a Round (right side) observing the Principles with a third party perspective. 

I ended with a brief Standing and Healing Qigong mentioning Bill and Shubal.

Thursday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

I'm counting this as Day #4 in the rotation of Forms.

It's 70 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:16. The "Heat Wave" continues for another couple of days. It's forecast to be over 90 this afternoon.

I've got to go to CVS to pick up prescriptions that are ready. I had to wait in line but I did get them!

I'm going to Bay State Audio to pick up my hearing test. I had difficulty but the person at the desk (Page) did finally print them out for me.

I'm also going to the YMCA to do another round of CYBEX and Elliptical Trainer. I did it, even though there were a couple instances where folks were doing 'Sets' and interfered with my circuit. The Y is worse than ever before. The new folks aren't being properly trained (my HOP) and doing sets or are on their phones in between sets. All the while I'm waiting to use the machine. There is NO courtesy these days. There used to be someone proctoring the room and enforcing the rules. Those day's are gone!!

The Practice:

I started in The Driveway with a round of Taiji Staff (that I learned from Ken Cohen in the front yard of Wu Ming Valley House with Sifu Ray Hayward and Master Paul) I did the right side first then the left. 

Next I did a full round of Staff Warm Ups on both sides. I also review the Modern Arnis Twelve Angles of attacks on both sides. I learned them privately from Prof. Presas. He did not teach staff. 

Next I went up to my main training area and did a round of Anyo Apat focused on Sequence and Basics.

Next I did a round of Wansu Kata focused on Timing and Basics.

Next I did a brief Warm Up using the first four of The 10 focused on Health.

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

Next I did a brief Standing and Healing Qigong (thinking about Bill and Nevin and Shubal (and Evie) 

Next I did a round of Cheng Style Baguazhang 8 Animal Palms, Changes 5-8 I focused on Sequence and the timing of Wild Goose Leaves The Flock. I feel much better about the Sequence of this Set as I do them more regularly.

Wednesday Practice - Day 9,132 -

 

The Details and Notes:

I'm counting this as Day #3 in the rotation

It's 68 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:15. It's forecast to be in the 90's this afternoon. The first day of a three day heat wave. 

I had a bunch of texts with my cousin Patrick (Jack) yesterday. He invited me to Montreal to see Larking Poe in concert at the Montreal Jazz Festival. I invited him for the Wednesday afternoon Jams.

Bobby V is coming over to play music from 2-4 today.

I need to contact CVS for a prescription refill.

Travis is too busy this week to meet. We're aiming for next week.

The Practice:

I started in The Driveway with a round of Taiji Dao focused on watching the tip of the Broadsword. I used Master Liang's metal Broadsword (it's heavy!). I also focused on Sequence, Timing and overall quality of Postures as well as reciting the names of the Postures where I could.

Next I did a couple of rows of Level Push

Next I did a round of Pakua-Knife (from Dr. Leung) focused on Sequence and Agility/Mobility. I did pretty good up until the Cross Leg Stances.

Next I did a couple of rows of Level Push.

Next I went up to my main training area and did a round of Anyo Tatlo focused on Sequence, Basics and Applications. I had a couple of glitches that I worked through.

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

Next I did a full round of The 10 adding to #7 and #10

Next I did a Round (left side) focused on staying on the left side. I had several glitches at the ends of Part II and III. I worked through them.

I had Deer watching me again.....

I finished with Standing and Healing Qigong before returning to the house.

The True Purpose of Karate Training

The True Purpose of Karate Training 

Tuesday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

It's 62 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:15.

We went to Troy NH to see Genna's new apartment and then to dinner in Keene with her, Dylan and Giulia at Elm City Brewery for Genna's upcoming birthday on 7/5 she turns 22.

We've to grocery shopping this morning.

Ed J. is coming later this morning to finish the rotary mowing of the fields.

The Practice:

I started in The Driveway with a round of Taiji Jian. I used my metal Jian (above)

I focused on following the Tip of my Sword with my eyes and moving from the Waist. I also recited the names of the Postures throughout.

Next I did Lazy D with my left hand holding the Jian.

Next I went up to my main training area and did a round of Anyo Dalawa focused on using quality Basics and Applications.

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

Next I did a brief Warm Up focused on consistency and health.

Next I did a Round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I & II. I had several Deer watching my, along with a Ground Hog and Chipmonk! When wild animals feel comfortable watching me practice I consider it a good omen.

I finished with Standing and Healing Qigong before returning to the house to go into town grocery shopping.

Monday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

I'm counting this as Day #1 in the rotation.

It's 60 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:13.

I'm trying to schedule a visit to Genna's new apartment and dinner in Keene with her tonight.

Peter Rooney's service yesterday at SYC was really emotional. He was truly a good guy.

Ed Johnson is coming to mow the fields today. GG took out the fence posts that were lying on the ground. Perhaps Ed can get closer to the 'fence' to save us some weed whacking? Time will tell......

The Practice:

I practiced in my main training area near Big Greenie today.

I started with Taiji Cane (both sides) initially focused on shoulder health and then on the left side I mostly focused on Sequence and Direction of Techniques.

Next I did a round of Anyo Isa focused on Sequence, Basics and Applications as well as light body during the Progressive Steps.

Next I did a round of Seisan Kata focused on Basics and Kicking High with Retraction.

Next I did a round of Yin Style Baguazhang 8 Linking Palms (originally from Master Wang Shu-Jin), Changes 1-4 (both sides) I focused on the 'Kick Ups' and reciting the names of the Postures.

Next I did a full round of The 10 adding to #7 and #10

Ed came and that was all I had the juice for today.

FYI - Consistency is challenging for everyone no matter the endeavor!

Sunday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

I'm dedicating today's Taiji Quan practice to my main Taiji teacher: Master Paul B. Gallagher R. I. P.

It's 62 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:13.

We've got Peter Rooney's Memorial Service at SYC this morning 11-1. We need to leave here by 10. 

We went to look at the house for sale in Brattleboro VT yesterday. It looked too old and in need of repairs from the outside. 

The Practice:

I went out to my main training area before we left for SYC to do a Round for Master Paul.

I started with a brief Warm Up and ended with circling my Ankles, Knees and Hips focused on opening the joints.

Next I did a Round (right side again) contemplating Master Paul and Wu Ming Valley House throughout the Round

I ended with a brief Standing and Healing Qigong before coming in to shower and dress for today's event at SYC. 

We leave Leyden for SYC at 10:00 am

Saturday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

I'm counting this as Day #8 in the rotation. I feel that I need another day to review and practice the Anyo and Kata. I may adopt a two to three day rotation rountinely, at least for # 5-8

it's 64 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:13.

I've got a 10 am voice/video call with Jeff this morning. We had a very productive conversation. I checked out the Sequence of Sunsu and Anyo Walo with him. I had correctly flushed it out.

We may go look at a house in Brattleboro this morning.

The Practice:

I started in The Driveway with a full round of all 4 Modern Arnis Cane Anyo's (both sides) using a rattan cane. I focused on using correct Sequence in the correct Direction.

Next I did a round of Anyo Walo focused the overall quality of my Basics.

Next I did a round of Sanchin Kata focused on Dynamic Tension and Breathing.

Next I went to my main training area and did a round of Cheng Style Baguazhang Old 8 Palms around my main Bagua Tree.

Next I did a Round (right side) focused on Opening and Closing my Kua on the Weighted Side.

Next I did a full round of Standing and Healing Qigong.

Friday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

I'm counting today as Day #8 in the rotations (again). I feel that I need two days in a row, to adequately review the Kata and Anyo.

It's 66 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:12.

I didn't sleep well last night I was up until 3:00 or so and ended up sleeping in....Oy!

GG is coming home late this afternoon. Yay!

Echo's food is arriving sometime this afternoon.

The Practice:

I practiced in The Driveway.

I started with a round of all four Modern Arnis Cane Anyos 1-4 (both sides) I focused on Sequence and Basics I did well with the left side until I got to #4 and then I had some trouble with the umbrella to crossada sequences. 

Next I did a round of Anyo Walo focused on using the correct Sequence and Techniques. I squared it away. I think I need another day on #8.

Next I did a round of Sanchin Kata focused on Technique and Breathing.

Next I did a brief Warm Up

Next I did a Round (left side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. I stayed focused on "Hang the Muscles, Open the Joints" and observing Relaxed Balance.

Next I did a round of Cheng Style Baguazhang Old 8 Palms, Changes 1-8 (both sides) reciting the names of the postures throughout. 

Thursday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

I'm counting this as Day #8 in the rotation. I've been sticking with #7 to get more practice on Sunsu Kata and Anyo Pito, but I think I have them dialed in.

Echo escaped last evening. He slipped his harness and his collar both!! He spotted a deer and when the deer took off into the woods he chased after him. Echo did return to the back door pretty promptly so I was grateful for that. I really didn't need the stress at the end of the day. GG helped!

I've got an 11:30 haircut in Brattleboro this morning with Shayna.

When I got back from my haircut I hosed off the Lexus and moved my BMW motorcycle out into the driveway after checking the tire pressure on my bike and the Lexus too. The Lexus had low pressure on the front passenger side tire.

The Practice:

I practiced in The Driveway after walking Echo and before I drove to Brattleboro for my haircut.

I started with a round of Lo Family Staff focused on Sequence and using Low Stances

Next I did a round of Taiji Double Dao using wooden Broadswords. I focused on Shoulder Health, Techniques and Sequence.

Next I did a round of Sanchin Kata focused on the quality of my dynamic tension and Breathing.

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

Next I did a brief Warm Up. Actually I walked a mile with Echo and I felt that counts as my Warm Up (hills).

Next I did a Round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. I observed the Principles throughout without much conscious thought.

Next I did a round of Cheng Style Baguazhang, Old 8 Palms, Changes 1-8 (both sides). I turned towards the center of my circle with all the Palms.

That's all I had the energy for today......

Wednesday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

I'm counting this as Day #7 in the rotation (again) I'm want to get extra practice on Sunsu Kata and Anyo Pito.

It's 60 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:11.

I've got house and dog duty again.

I got up a little late this morning. I had a difficult time falling asleep. Echo slept near me for the whole night. He went out to the living room around 6 this morning.

I'm not sure about music this afternoon. I learned yesterday that Shubal broke his left hand and will be unable to play guitar for the next 4-6 weeks. Ugh! I emailed Bob yesterday about brainstorming for a replacement. We're both itching to play. I talked with Bob and he is coming over just after 2:00 to 'work up some material' and he say's he has a 'surprise'. Oh Boy! 

I received a text from Wayne he said he played with a blind bass player last night and he was awesome. I'm so happy to see/hear that Wayne is playing!

The Practice:

After taking Echo for his morning walk I went out to my main training area to practice.

I started with a round of Sunsu Kata - It's really coming along with daily attention. I added more pop and extension to my techniques.

Next I did a round of Anyo Pito adding the angle kicks at the beginning. I focused on Sequence, Agility and Pop.

Next I did a round of Yin Style Baguazhang 8 Palms, Changes 5-8. I brought the names of the Postures sheet out with me and recited the names of the Postures accurately throughout the Form.

Next I did a full round of The 10, adding to #7 and #10. I tuned into consistency and Health.

Next I did a Round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. I maintained focus on observing the Principles for Overall Health.

Next I did a brief Standing and Healing Qigong.

Tuesday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

It's 61 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:11.

I'm still recovering from the dental surgery that I had last Friday afternoon.

The Ponton's are coming at 10:00.

I've got the house and Echo duty this week, GG is away at the Cape this week with her girlfriends. 

The Practice:

I practiced in The Barn while the Ponton's were here cleaning.

I started with sweeping and picking up The Barn and then a round of Sunsu focused on Sequence. I think I've got it!

Next I did a round of Anyo Pito again focused on Sequence, Direction and Techniques, as well as Balance and Agility.

Next I did a round of Yin Style Baguazhang 8 Palms, Changes 5-8 focused on Sequence and Direction.

Next I did a brief Warm Up 

Next I did a Round (left side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. I focused on the Health Benefits of doing a Taiji. 

Next I did Standing and Healing Qigong 

I continued to work on The Barn by cleaning out the TV console getting it ready to sell or give away.

Monday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

It's 58 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:11.

GG is at the Cape with her girl friends for the week. It's GG's birthday today!

I have house and Echo duty.

The Practice:

After walking Echo, making and eating breakfast (poached eggs and avacado) I went out to The Barn and played my Tama kit (I bought a few years ago from David K. RIP) I went to my main training area near Big Greenie to practice.

I started with a round of Sunsu Kata focused on correct Sequence (I got it!)

Next I did a round of Anyo Pito focused on Sequence, Agility and Applications.

Next I did a round of Yin Style Baguazhang 8 Palms, Changes 5-8 reciting the names of the Postures where I could. I focused on the overall quality of my Postures.

Next I did a full round of The 10 focused on Health.

Next I did a Round (right side) focused on opening and closing my Kua on the weighted side and observing this Principle throughout the Round.

Next I did Standing (all 8 Postures)

Next I did Healing Qigong.

I'm very low on energy today.......Ugh! Ageing is tough!