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!

Sunday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

It's Day #6 in the rotation. I've been a little stalled because of the oral surgery I had on Friday.

GG is at the Cape until Friday and I've got Echo and the house (and me) to look after.

It's Fathers Day....Happy Fathers Day to all the Dad's out there!

The Practice:

I went out to The Deck to practice this morning.

I started with a round of The 10, Changes 1-5 focused on health

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

Next I did a round of Anyo Pito focused on Correct Sequence and Techniques

Next I did a round of Sunsu Kata focused on using the Correct Sequence. I had several glitches which I attempted to resolve with some but not all resolved. The sequence of this Kata needs work.

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

Next I did Standing and Healing Qigong.

Saturday Ptactice

 

The Details and Notes:

It's 66 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:11. 

I had a left rear molar pulled yesterday afternoon and a bone graft. I'm happy that it's over but I'm pretty sure and swollen. I got up late and feel like I'm in a fog....Ugh!

I'm healing today. No strenuous exercise. 

The Practice:

I practiced in the late morning on The Deck this morning.

I started right in with a Round (right side) focused on the health benefits.

Next I did a brief Standing.

That's all I had today.

Friday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

It's Day #7 in the rotation.

It's 66 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:11.

I've got a Dental Procedure at 2 today in Noho. I'll be happy when it's over. This too shall pass.

I've got lawn mowing to do. Perhaps in the morning after my practice. I did it!

There was another power outage that interfered with my lunch and journaling plans.

The Practice:

I practiced on The Deck this morning.

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

Next I did a round of Yin Style Baguazhang 8 Palms, Changes 1-4 reciting the names of the Postures throughout and turning all the way back during Hide The Flowers Beneath The Leaves. 

Next I did a round of Anyo Pito tuned into the proper Sequence and Direction.

Next I did a round of Sunsu focused on the Correct Sequence, Basics and Direction.

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

Next I did Standing and Healing Qigong.

Thursday Practice

 

                                 I shot this yesterday. Today was rainy and windy too....

The Details and Notes:

I'm counting this as Day #5 in the rotation. Because I'm trying to add the Y into my weekly routine I'll need to adjust in other areas. At best between the travel time and the actual work out it takes 1 - 1/2 hours. It's easier in NSB because the gym is only a mile away!

It's 66 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:10.

I had a 2 hour conversation with my cousin Patrick (Jack) yesterday. 

First thing is I drove into town to the YMCA to do a round of Cybex resistance training. I'm really trying to incorporate strength training into my routine. I've been using dumbbells and TRX straps for years but the Cybex routine is far superior. I wish it was closer!

Next I did 6 minutes on an elliptical machine and managed to get my heart rate up to 135. I need to do 30 minutes with an elevated heart rate. My goal is 123-130....sustained.

The Practice:

After returning from the Y and walking Echo (trying to, it was too wet and windy for him) I went out on The Deck and began with a brief Warm Up.

Next I did a Round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. I remained focused on my empty steps, especially on my right side, to increase my training for balance and overall health.

Next I did a round of Standing using all 8 Postures.

Next I did Healing Qigong...

Wednesday Practice

 

The Details and Notes:

It's Day #6 in the rotation.

It's 60 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:10. 

I had a Jam planned for this afternoon but Shubal fell and hurt his left hand yesterday so the Jam has been cancelled. Hopefully next Wed.?

I'm planning on grocery shopping and perhaps a dump run later this morning.

The Practice:

After chores and eating a late breakfast I went out to my main training area to practice.

It's a beautiful day...perfect temperature with a slight breeze...Perfect!

I just did a Round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. I remained focused on my Kua throughout the round.

The most remarkable thing about this Round is that I had not just one or two but three deer watching me practice. The main teenager I tried to photograph but ran off before I could snap the shot. He/she returned and I also noticed two others off at a distance. I managed to snap a photo of the third one (above). I always take it as a good omen when wild animals are interested in watching me play Taiji. It seems like it's very interesting and unusual human behavior.

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 5:10.

I've got grocery shopping (didn't happen) and a stop at CVS (after a phone call with Fran, she realized she had sent the prescription to WallGreens) later this morning and a return to the YMCA too. (I made it to the Y for my first workout. Yeow!) 

I need to check with Chris about the date for our mom's Celebration of Life. She will get confirmation on Thursday night at the moose meeting. (she got back to me and will know Thursday evening after the moose meeting) 

The Practice:

I wore a 10 lbs weighted vest throughout the practice today.

I practiced on The Deck and started with a full round of The 10. I added to #10 and was focused on exercise for my overall health.

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

Next I did a round of Chinto Kata focused on Sequence and Agility.

Next I did a Round (left side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. I tuned in to the opening and closing of my Kua, distinguishing where my weight is.

Next I did a brief Standing and Healing Qigong.

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