Saturday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

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

It's 61 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:22.

I've got a 10-11 video meeting with Jeff this morning.

I'm undecided about what to do with my Stihl Weed Whacker. Ugh!! I'm still not sure.....

The Practice:

I started upstairs in The Loft with using Dumbbells to do #8+

After meeting with Jeff I went through some paper work from years gone by, attempting to clear out some of the paper work that is very out of date. Some of my scheduling books from years ago I find interesting.

Next I did a brief Warm Up....

Next I did a round of Yin Style Baguazhang 8 Linking Palms Changes 5-8 reciting the names of the Postures where I could. I did the round around my Bosu Ball Platform.

Next I went out to my main practice area and did a Round (left side) focused on staying on the left side and breathing through my nose. I recited the Taiji Classics during Part I 

Next I did a brief Standing and Healing Qigong. 

Than's all I had the juice for today.

Friday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

I'm counting this as Day #2 in the rotation.

It's 71 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:21.

I still can't seem to start the Sthil Weed Whacker! I'm trying not to get too frustrated. Jared is coming later today to help.

The Practice:

I started in The Driveway with a round of Taiji Jian using my metal Lung Ching Sword. I recited the Taiji Classics during Part I. I focused on following the tip of the sword with my eyes and the overall quality of my postures.

Next I did a row of Lazy D's with my left hand.

Next I went up to my main practice area and did a round of Anyo Dalawa tuned into Sequence, Techniques, Direction and Applications.

Next I did a round of Naihanchi Kata focused on the changes I've made to this Kata and the quality of my Angle Kicks and Knee Lifts (Steps).

Next I did a full round of The 10 adding to #7, #8, #9 (incorporating Ba Shi's Golden Rooster, Single Leg Squats and Push The Mountain Into The Sea) and #10 (Three Swings and Song Gong 1-4) I was focused on Consistency and just Doing without much thinking.....Accessing Discipling to Just Do Them!

Next I did a round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. I remained focused on Opening and Closing my weighted Kua.

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

I was focused on accessing gratitude and appreciation for having learned all these Forms, Qigong's and Modalities.

Thursday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

I'm not counting today in the rotation. I've just got too much going on.

It's 61 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:20. 

I've got a bunch to do this morning:

- I tried and tried to start my Weed Whacker motor but only ended up getting more and more frustrated. I haven't been able to start the motor for all the attachments that I have for it....ALL Season. I came in and called Jared Smith for help. Ugh! I'm going to keep trying but if I can't start it he will come tomorrow 

- grocery shopping at Big Y - I did shop with a list. I had brought a cooler for the cold stuff.

- a dump run - GG did one with the old computer parts. 

- CYBEX and Eliptical Trainer at the YMCA - I did CYBEX then 6 minutes of the Stair Master. Boy did that get my heart rate up dangerously close to the max of 150 for a 75 year old. I remember the day's when I could do 3+ hours!! 

and phone calls to:

- Ray

- Travis

The Practice:

After a very frustrating bout with the Sthil Weed Whacker I went up to my main practice area.

I did a Round (right side) focused on acquiring a calm state of mind. 

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

Wednesday 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 5:20. It's cooler and dry out today.

Bobby V. is coming over at 2 to play music.

I've got several phone calls to make today:

- Travis - I WhatsApped him about possibly dinner tonight

- Ray - I need to text him about a good time to talk.......

- Shubal - I left a phone message

- Chris - We had a phone call about photo's, numbers and she is meeting with Bonnie tomorrow about the Pot Luck food that the Women of the Moose are providing for our Mom's service.

We need a grocery shop and perhaps a dump run too! We've decided to do that tomorrow morning along with going to the YMCA

The Practice:

I started in my main training area with a round of Taiji Cane (both sides). I focused on Sequence (especially on the left side), Shoulder Health and Ground Propegrated Force.

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

Next I did a round of Seisan Kata tuned into the quality of my Basics. I added more pop and extension to my techniques.

Next I did a round of Cheng Style Baguazhang Yin/Yang Figure Eight Walking.

Next I did a full round of The 10 adding to #7, #8, #9 and #10 focused on Overall Health.

Next I did a Round (left side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. I focused on Sequence, Breathing Through The Nose and Staying of the Left Side throughout the Form.

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

Tuesday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

It's 61 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:19. It's forecast to be cooler and rainy today.

We've got the Ponton's coming at 10.

The Practice:

I went into town to the YMCA and did a round of CYBEX and then 11 minutes on an elliptical trainer on level 14.

Next I stopped at Tito's for a couple of Pork Bowls for lunch.

Next I ate lunch with Ginnie

Next I did went up to the loft and did a Round (right side) observing the Principles throughout. I'll admit I didn't really have the juice but was trying to stay consistent with my daily Taiji practice. I'm determined to practice Taiji for 10,000 consecutive days. These last couple of thousand have really been challenging!

That's all I had the energy for today. Adding the Y has really taken a lot of energy, but I feel that it's really important that I get to the Y (gym) regularly for my health as I age. I feel that Strength Training and time on the cardio equipment is Really Important! 

Monday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

I'm counting this as Day #8 in the rotation

It's 66 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:18

We had a nice time at SYC yesterday evening. We sat with Peggy and Denny by the beach in 'Commodore Corner' (Klaus and Bob and wives were at the next picnic table)

It is forecast to be cooler and possibly a bit of rain later today.

I'd like to take my BMW R1200 RT to Ray's to be inspected later today (or tomorrow) 

I've got mowing to do

GG washed our O'Day Daysailor yesterday. It's ready to bring up to SYC and put in the water. Soon!

The Practice:

I started up in The Loft with a full #8 with 15 lb dumbbells and then on The Blue Ball for dumbbell bench press and sit ups. I also did Triceps and Back with the dumbbells.

Next I went out to my main training area and did all 4 Modern Arnis Cane Anyo's (both sides) focused on Consistency and Sequence (especially on the left side)

Next I did two round of Anyo Walo focused on Sequence. I had a glitch right at the end which I resolved on the second round.

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

Next I did a full round of The 10, adding to #7 and #9

Next I did a Round (left side) tuned into observing the Principles throughout the Round.

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

Next I did Cheng Style Baguazhang Old 8 Palms around my Bagua Poles focused on Postures and Placement on the Circle

 

Sunday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

I'm counting this as Day #7 in the rotation. Double Dao, Anyo Pito and Sunsu Kata

It's 68 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:17. It's forecast to be a little cooler today.

It's Genna's 22nd Birthday today;^)

We're going to SYC for the 4th of July Celebration.

We brought the O'Day out to start preparing it to bring up to SYC

We also took the picnic table out to wash it and prepare to give it away. 

The Practice:

I started in the driveway with a round of Taiji Double Dao using my wooden broadswords. (above)

Next I went up to my main training area:

I started with a round of Yin Style Baguazhang 8 Palms, Changes 5-8 reciting the names where I could. I focused on Sequence and Turning to the Back.

Next I did two rounds of Anyo Pito focused on Sequence and Techniques.

Next I did two round of Sunsu Kata focused on Sequence and Basics.

Next I did a full round of The 10 adding to #7 and #10 focused on Consistency and Health.

Next I did a Round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. I tuned into observing the Principles described in the Classics throughout the Form.

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

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). Jeff came up to Leyden at 10 and we practiced until Noon. 

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.

When Jeff came we started with him doing a round of Anyo Anim

Next Jeff did a round of Yin Style Baguazhang 8 Linking Palms Changes 1-8 both sides.

Next we worked on The Taiji Dance (both sides) we worked on Push and Defend in Part 5

Next we worked on the whole dance and especially Part 5.

We stopped around noon.

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!