Saturday, April 24, 2021

Friday, April 23, 2021

Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Thursday, April 15, 2021

Gichin Funakoshi - Tekki Shodan (1925)

Sunrise practice spot this morning


 My sunrise practice spot this morning. It was mild with a pleasant SW breeze and the tide was almost fully out. I was glad to make it out to the beach early for some interesting clouds and a fair amount of color. Mother Nature never fails to amaze!!

After a warm up (The 10 Exercises) I had a very nice round of Tai-Chi. Then came back to the house to work out with Bill R. from 10:30-1:15. We've been meeting twice per week for a couple of hours at a time. He's getting it!
With appreciation and gratitude;^)

Tai-Chi Warm Ups with Master Ray Hayward

Song explained

Song explained 

Monday, April 12, 2021

Beach practice this morning!


 Made it out to the beach for sunrise this morning. Not much for color, but still beautiful.

The beach was almost empty of tourists so after shooting a few photos I decided to do my morning practice on the beach.

The temperature was perfect (mid 60's) with a slight breeze coming out of the South; Just enough to keep the no-see-ums down. The tide was about 1/2 out, so I started my warm up (The 10 Exercises & qigong/ I Ch'uan) in the softer sand and as the tide went out I moved  closer to the water line to do a 'round' of Tai-Chi (left side). 

I've got to be really carful practicing in the softer sand so that I don't strain my feet/ankles/Achilles tendons. I've hurt myself in past years practicing Bagua Zhang in the soft sand. The sand is just not stable enough to do the one leg balancing that is required, without straining. 

I hope your personal practice is going well. Even though we all have more time, that does not always translate into more practice. Motivation and morale can be hard to come by during these trying times.

If you're having trouble....Welcome to the club;^)  We are ALL struggling in one way or another. 

 My advice when you are Re-Starting a practice; "Just Do It", Do NOT overthink it, or wait for the perfect moment.....Just Do It.....START TODAY.....Don't wait....Start now!

Sifu

Saturday, April 10, 2021

Sunrise this morning


 I made it out to the beach early again this morning. I was rewarded with a spectacular display of color. Mother Nature never fails to amaze me. 

I did a little meditation while I was intermittently shooting photos, then I came back home to participate in Sensei Jeff's virtual Tai-Chi class at 8am. Had a nice warm up and a round with the group Hung out after class with Phil (virtually) and shared some principles and drills I've been working on with the Tai-Chi Spear / Staff. 

I was happy to see Nancy and Read in class at the Studio, along with Wes, Paul and Jeff. WooHoo!! Can't wait to get back in the room with all of you. It's coming;^) 

Friday, April 9, 2021

Arnis (Kali/Escrima) knife defense skill drills

Knife defense - sensitivity drill Arnis/Kali 

Sunrise practice on the beach this morning


 I was determined to make it out to sunrise this morning!! Happy I did...

I was rewarded with a slight breeze, mild temperature (60's) and calm seas. Besides a low cloud bank on the horizon, the sky was completely clear.
I snapped a few photos, then warmed up with The 10, The Three Swings and Song Gong, followed by a 'round' of Tai-Chi (left side), some meditation and finished with some qigong. Very pleasant indeed;^)
Take a few moments to be still and breathe deeply.....Slow, Fine, Even and Soft. In and out through the nose. The abdomen is expanding on the inhale and contracting on the exhale.
Even a few breaths can make a BIG difference.

Enjoy your day!

Documentary on Grand Master Wu Tu Nan

Grand Master Wu Tu Nan