Saturday, September 30, 2023

Saturday Practice

 

                                        An improvised Standing Meditation Posture 

Here I'm working on the 'rear' position of a Forward Bow Stance. A 'guard' in transition. 

 Even though I'm back I'm not back too far; I'm still able to transform and neutralize a push (or pull) from most any direction, but especially the front. A goal is that the posture  remains 'neutral' to a push or pull, through aligned bones and slightly stretched connective tissue. 

I started with Holding Postures then did a full Warm Up using The 10+ Exercises - Master Choi's Standing Set for #9. I added a brief Deck Railing Leg Stretch and a set of Railing Plank Push-Ups.

Afterwards I did a Round (right side) to the CD of beat, 1/2 beat, vocalized count. Once again I tuned in to keeping with the count/time/sequence. I noticed when I started to recite The Tai-Chi Classics out loud I would loose my place in the count and once, towards the end of Part III, the sequence. Oy! 

Good fodder for Indomitable Spirit, being equanimous while realizing (and accepting) that you've made an error.....'Something' went wrong!! This 'something' is nothing to be overly concerned about, which makes it a perfect practice for self acceptance. IMO



Friday, September 29, 2023

Friday Practice

 

Raining out again this morning. Ugh! We had a late night then an early morning attending to the O'day 17. But we did get her in the garage before the heavy rain came in. Yay!

I had early morning Doctors appointment in Greenfield. Afterwards I went to The Co-op for supplies and then home to practice.

I practiced in The Loft this morning, starting with a full Warm Up, using The 10+ Exercises.

I did a Round (right side) to the CD I made with a metronome set at 60 bpm, with two tones, one set for the downbeats (first beat of the measure) and subsequent numbered counts, the other tone is set for the 1/2 beat. I overdubbed a vocal count ( using Master T. T. Liang's count) over the metronome. 

One of my goals this morning was to simply stick with the sequence without a glitch. Well, Echo interrupted me a half dozen times, each time I paused the 'beat & count' I attempted to come back in exactly where I left off, staying true to the sequence. I was on target about 95% of the time. The time I wasn't on target, was good fodder for staying equanimous when I notice that I've made an error. 

I consider this idea of being non-reactive when you notice something if not quite 'perfect' super important. Striving to less reactive is training that is going in the correct direction (IMO). 

So refining without reacting of adjustments is a small step towards developing an Indomitable Spirit, which is supremely resilient and non-reactive. 

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Thursday Practice

 

Busy day! Started out with a short Warm Up in the driveway followed by a Round (left side)

Then I drove the 325 down to Hatfield for a private with Paul C. from 10-11:30. We had a really good result from the training today. Best yet! Eye's closed allows Paul to access a 'special' place inside. Wonderful to witness!

Next I drove straight up to SYC, Spofford NH. I ran into construction traffic around Greenfield. Ugh!

When I arrived at SYC, we dis-masted the sail boat and secured her for the trip down I91 to store here in Leyden.

Next I popped the top, it was a perfect temperature for a convertible and I ready to enjoy the drive south.

I was almost home when I received a call from Bobby V. "Are we on for music today? I'm in your driveway!" Yikes!

Here I was thinking it was Wednesday!! Oy! 

Then I remembered....Oh ya! We cleaned the whole day. First we cleaned out my garage and stored the rowboat in the 'way back', making room for the O'day 17. Then we super cleaned and re-organized the 'way back'.

When I got back from the lake, Bob and I went out to barn to wait for Shubal who wasn't here yet. Eventually I called Shubal and he said he had Covid...Oy.

Bob and I visited and jammed a bit.....All's well, although I hope Shubal doesn't get too sick, for too long!

Sending Healing Energy>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Wednesday Practice

 

This morning I practiced on The Deck to this CD. Echo was inside on his blue chair top watching me.

I brought my CD player out so I could practice to this CD that I made back in 2015: I set a metronome to 60bpm with two tones; One for the downbeat (on the count 1-6) and one for the upbeat (the & of the downbeat.) 

I used Master T. T. Liang's count; Some movements are 2 beats, some are 4 beats and a few are 6 beats.

The movement of the whole body starts on the 1 of each movement regardless of the count and it ends on the & of the final count for that particular movements. The movement concludes, it stops without stopping (paradox) between the & of the previous movement and the 1 of the next. 

Cycling between Wuji (stillness) and Tai-Chi (movement) and back to Wuji; This cycle repeats over and over throughout the Form.

My principle Tai-Chi teacher Master Paul Gallagher, didn't teach with Master T. T. Liang's music but he did teach with the idea of 'intersections'; Points in the Form where you can check to see if all the parts arrive at the same time or not. I've come to realize that these 'intersections' came from understanding where the body parts should be during the music. With the original music you had to count the boom / dah's. The music has a bass drum for the downbeat (numbers) and a slight snare drum (brushes?) for the upbeat (&). I think Master Liang thought the music would make it easier for folks to practice and also to keep the class together. It is a form of mindfulness and I think for me personally it helps with my sense of time and feel for music in general. 

I've noticed that the count helps to inform these 'intersections' of body parts (feet, waist, upper body) to be in better time with each other. All the while keeping true to the sequence of the Form. 

After a brief Warm Up, I did a Round (left side) to the CD. I then did Part I on the right side to just the metronome (60 bpm). 

One benefit I noticed is that the vocalized count over the metronome, really keeps you honest with the sequence. 

For me, the more I go into the feeling, training to embody the principles unconsciously, the more apt I am to 'loose my place' in the sequence. So this is a welcomed opportunity to 'tune in' to how much and when to focus on the internal (feeling) in balance with the external (sequence). This is a similar paradox while improvising in music. You still need to adhere to the arrangement, key and time/feel. 

 For example was the three or five Wave Hands Like Clouds?? Oy! Those kind of 'errors' are good fodder for staying equanimous when your realize your error. Self Love....Be kind to yourself....This is a perfect opportunity for self reflection! IMO



Tuesday, September 26, 2023

Tuesday Practice

 

               I went in to The Studio this morning to teach the T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Qigong class.

When I first arrived to open up, I started with a review of The 13 Spear Set on both the A and the B parts, with the long pole (12') and the plastic practice Spear head placed on the end of it. I need to put this on a more regular rotation as I feel that I'm still trying to maintain the sequence and not yet really getting to the nitty gritty.....The 'internal' aspect. 

IMO Working on sequences no matter how 'good' or 'important' it is, it's still external training until you've assimilated the sequence to where it doesn't require conscious thought. I don't you're not able to 'work' on the more subtle aspects without loosing the original sequence until you have the sequence fully vetted. Eventually you would like to be able to improvise with just those movements from that particular form.  

Once students started to arrive I shifted gears and after a little discussion we went on to:

- The 10 Exercises 1-4

- The first half of Sifu Ray's Warm Ups

- Back to The 10 5-10

- Straight back in #8

- First three standing postures from Cheng Bagua Single Leg Standing Set for #9

- The Three Swings and Song Gong for #10

A brief discussion on Hun/Haah and then a Round (right side) focusing on hun (bringing energy to the center) breathing in and Haah (expanding energy out to the finger tips) breathing out, throughout the Round. Not so much right or wrong but simply to contemplate!

Note: 

Contemplation doesn't demand an answer.


Equanimity in the face of confusion, 

leads to insight.


Correct practice leads to epiphany 


After class I reviewed the Tai-Chi Jian Form with Read and Janee. Janee and I did a second run through without the names and I did a third run through talking about the stances I was using. Almost all the stances in this form and be found in the Tai-Chi Solo Form. 

We had some discussion on the idea of common denominators. The particular things that repeat often in a form/exercise and the particular things that you see from form to form and art to art. Like in music there are both similarities and differences between various songs and styles. The all play 'in time' and 'in the same key'! In martial arts training physical balance is as important as time in music. Without it you don't have much. When you do a form you should be able to say out loud what stance you are using and explain what you are doing to make it that stance. You should know it but you should not have to consciously think about it when you are performing in real time. IMO

Next I went to the YMCA and did a round of Cybex....I had a discussion with Fredie about vestibular disease. 

Balance is key to human function. 

Vertigo is very difficult to deal with. 

Monday, September 25, 2023

Bagua For Health Seminar w/ Sifu J. R. Roy

                    


               Sifu Roy holding ' The Golden Rooster Stands On One Leg' from Yin Bagua Zhang



                                        Bagua Zhang For Health Seminar

with

Sifu J. R. Roy

Sunday October 22nd 2023

8-9:30am No Experience Required

9:30-Noon Advanced (Prior Bagua Experience Required)

at

J. R. Roy Martial Arts Studio

1 Osgood Street

Greenfield MA 01301

$35 for one - $60 for both 

(10% discount for current JRRMAS students)

Email Sifu Roy to Register:

Email Sifu Roy

Sunday, September 24, 2023

Sunday Practice


                         "Golden Rooster Stands On One Leg" from Yin Style Bagua Zhang.

Choose your path and follow it with heart

                                                       Is the thought of the day!

I practiced outside on The Deck this morning. It's Sunday morning so I'm practicing while listening to classical music and drinking green tea (Dragons Well) in solidarity with Masters Paul and Ray. Thinking of you guys!

During this mornings session I was focusing on 'calibrating' my frequency (tuning in) attempting to vibrate at the same frequency as nature and the universe itself. 

I was also contemplating string theory; A vibration created by my voice box can affect the inside of a star on the other side of the universe! Really?? 

I do think that vocalizing things like The Tai-Chi Classics while I'm practicing, is starting to have an effect on the standard that I'm able to apply to my practice, with much less conscious thought;

The Four F's

*Form* - and all it's details

*Function* - Both martial and health

*Feeling* - Gestalt

Initially the feelings of the applications while performing the Solo Form

(on an imaginary opponent)

*Forgetting* - 'IT' is so well trained that 'IT' no longer takes conscious thought

(Thinks learning to drive a standard shift a car or motorcycle) 

  Reaching the level of 'forgetting' is critical in things like music and martial arts. 

'Forgetting' is a frequency 

'Forgetting' is a very evolved state of being

'Forgetting' is: Mind / No Mind


Next I practiced drum set out in The Barn on my Tama's with the RokSteady device that I bought recently on the snare drum. I couldn't get the clamp to work on the Eames Monster with DieCast rims but I did get the clamp to work on my Premier 2000 which also has the Premier version of DieCast rims. I think the clamp was designed to be used on a flange type rim. I did get it to work simply lying it on the head of my Eames Monster with good accuracy.

I had a really good practice for time and feel. I'll be doing more practice sessions with this device on my snare drum. 



Saturday, September 23, 2023

Saturday Practice

 

It's cold and damp outside, I'm also watching Echo this morning, so I decided to practice in the living room/dinning room area looking out towards East Hill and Beaver Meadow.

I did this mornings entire session listening to the cassette tape that I made last year, of the Tai-Chi Classics from Master Paul's book Drawing Silk. I recorded several of the 'Classics' from Master Paul's and have found that listening to them while I practice has been immensely helpful. I also memorized most of the first classic: (The first is called simply, The Tai Chi Classic and is traditionally attributed to the immortal Taoist Chang San-feng), to that I have added a few lines of my own which I've been regularly reciting out loud while I do the T'ai Chi Ch'uan Solo Form.

I started the session this morning with a full Warm Up of The 10+ Exercises. I added Bagua Zhang Standing (Guard Posture) for #9 with some auxiliary Bagua exercises in preparation for the Bagua For Health Seminar that I'm offering on Sunday Oct. 22nd. 

Email Sifu for more information on the Bagua For Health Seminar

Next I did a Round (right side) while listening to The Tai-Chi Classics. 

Practice Plus Perseverance Equals Mastery…

 



The formula for success at most anything:

Practice Plus Perseverance Equals Mastery…


The only shortcuts are consistency and sincerity.

Bagua Zhang for Health Seminar @ J R Roy Martial Arts Studio


Sifu Roy holding a Yin Style Bagua Zhang 'Guard Posture' (right side)

 Bagua Zhang For Health

with

Sifu J. R. Roy

Sunday October 22nd 2023

8-9:30am No Experience Required

9:30-Noon Advanced (Prior Bagua Experience Required)

at

J. R. Roy Martial Arts Studio

1 Osgood Street

Greenfield MA 01301

$35 for one - $60 for both 

(10% discount for current JRRMAS students)

Email Sifu Roy to Register:

Email Sifu Roy


Friday, September 22, 2023

Friday Practice

 

I started the morning off with dubbing the mini-Disc recording I did of yesterdays Jam with Wayne, Shubal and Bobby V. I practiced drum set for about an hour.

Next I did a medium warm up using The 10+ Exercises then a Round (left side) focusing on No Mind - Unconscious Competency 


                           Bobby V. - Bass, Shubal - Guitar/Vox, Wayne - Keyboards, Me - Drum Set 


Thursday, September 21, 2023

Thursday Practice

 

'The Wild Goose Leaves The Flock' (w/ Kick Up)  from the First Set, Yin Style Bagua Zhang

I practiced on the deck this morning. I started with a medium Warm Up and then I used my Bosu Ball as the center of my Bagua Zhang Circle and I reviewed the first Yin Fu Set (with kick ups ala Wang Shujin).
Next I worked on the Bagua Spear Set that I've been creating. I've got the introduction, basic walking posture and Changes #1 & #2 pretty flushed out. It's still a work in progress! But it's a labor of love!!

Next I worked on the new Standing Meditation sequence that I've been working on, using the Taoist formula of the most difficult postures in the middle and ending with a gradual returning to the easiest postures. The 'old' sequence had the overhead posture (THE most difficult) at the end. So I'm moving it to the middle and ending by slowly returning to the first posture.

Next I did a Round (left side). I've been reciting the Tai-Chi Classics out loud right at the beginning of the form and tying the lines in the Classics like "Neither excess nor deficiency" to the physical movements in the form with really good results. I'm beginning to 'embody' the principles with much less conscious thought.....'IT'S' just happening naturally. Well 'naturally' after decades of dedicated effort...IT has become effortless. It's an odd sensation, I only wish I could bottle IT.


Master T. T. Liang studied T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Taoism with Master Liu Peizhong

Center Prof. Cheng Man-Ching, to his left Master Liu Peizhong, to his left Master Wang Shujin

                                                     Wu Style Master Liu Peizhong

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Wednesday Practice

 

I practiced on The Deck this morning with my trusty (but reluctant) practice partner. 

I did a full Warm Up with The 10+ Exercises. I used the Cheng Style Bagua Zhang Single Leg Standing Set for #9. Then The Three Swings and Song Gong.

Then I used my Bosu Ball as the center of my Bagua Zhang Circle and worked on the first Yin Fu Set (w/ kick ups). 

Next I reviewed The Tai-Chi 13 Spear Set. The A and B sides on the left side. Then I went on to the first two Changes in the Bagua Spear Set that I'm working. I feel like I'm flushing out the beginning of the Set. 

Next I did a Round (right side) focusing on emptying the unweighted leg, then the arm that is working less. I also focused on "Stepping Like A Cat" 

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Tuesday Practice

 

GG's away at the Cape with her friend. I've got Echo and house duties; "Holding Down The Fort"

We went out to The Barn to practice. Echo has totally lost interest in my practice; It's become ordinary and ho hum. Frankly he's rather chill on his 'tunnel bed'. 

After a 20 minute walk with Echo, I did a full Warm Up on The Porch. I added Master Choi's Bagua Zhang Standing Set.

Next I did a Round (left side) focusing on The Principles described in the Tai-Chi Classics.

Monday, September 18, 2023

83 year old practicing weapons forms

 83 year old practicing weapons forms

Monday Practice

 

Keyboards all set up in The Barn, for Wayne 'WaHa'. I have a jam scheduled for Thursday afternoon.

GG is away this week so I needed to go in to town to drop off some trash and grocery shop. While I was in town I went to the YMCA and did a full Cybex workout.

When I got back home after unloading the groceries it was raining pretty hard, so I went out to The Barn to practice. 

I started with a full Warm Up with The 10+ Exercises. I added the Cheng Style Bagua Zhang Single Leg Standing Set for #9.

Next I did a Round (right side) focusing on The Principles described in the Tai-Chi Classics.

Sunday, September 17, 2023

Sunday Practice

Close The Door and Push The Moon 
from
Bagua Zhang 
Yin Fu Style 
8 Palm Set 
(Our second Yin Fu Set)

I'm practicing around my first Bagua Zhang Tree in Leyden

It's Sunday morning so I'm practicing to classical music and drinking green tea in solidarity with Master's Paul and Ray. This morning I'm practicing to Gustav Mahler - Symphony No. 1

I started out in my main practice area, with a full Warm Up using The 10+ Exercises. I added The Old 8 Palms from Cheng Style Bagua Zhang for #9 and concentrated on The Three Swings and Song Gong. I added a full round of Standing Meditation focusing on rearranging the sequence to abide by the Taoist Rule of the hardest part in the middle and easier at the beginning and the ending. So I put the 'overhead double yin palm in the middle and then transitioned down to the first position (basic Wuji). I also added Single Leg Standing during the "Embrace The Moon" posture.

After completing my Warm Up I went up on The Deck so I could use the wifi to listen to classical music while I did my Round (right side). 

Once again I recited the Tai-Chi Classics out loud while I was in Wuji right at the beginning of the form. The I continued to focus on The Principles throughout the Round.


Saturday, September 16, 2023

Saturday Practice

 

Tea and Spear Practice

Big open, 

Big close, 

Thrust 

I have Echo duty this morning so I practiced on The Deck. I started with a full Spear Practice including basics, review of Ta-Chi Staff and Low Family Staff that I've adapted to Spear. 

I went on to the Bagua Spear Set that I've been working on. It's been awhile so I found myself re-thinking the introduction and the first couple of Changes. I worked on it for awhile; I made some progress!

I used a balance board as the center of a Bagua Circle for the Spear Set and then for a Yi Fu 8 Palm Set. In the 8 Palm practice I Focused on Changes #1 & #2 w/ names of postures. 

After Bagua Zhang practice I moved on to a Warm Up & Qigong. Today I added Deck Railing Stretching and Push-Ups against the deck railing.

Next I did a Round (left side). I recited the Tai-Chi Classic out loud during Wuji at the very beginning of the Solo Form (Round). Then during the Round I focused on releasing my mind. Getting out of the way and simply 'allowing' the Form to flow through me. I experienced a profound connection to the energies of the universe itself. A connection that is simultaneously inside and outside of me. It became one in the same.

Breathing in,

Ch'i is in me.

Breathing out,

I'm in Ch'i.


 

Friday, September 15, 2023

Friday Practice


                                                       I'm keeping my eye on YOU!

I practiced on The Deck (I'm home watching Echo this morning) with a full Warm Up starting with a review of Sifu Ray's Warm Ups, adding a Deck Railing Stretch Routine followed by a set of Bill Wallace inspired Slow Roundhouse Kicks, then a set of Push-Ups against the deck railing. 

Next I did a Round (right side) focused on The Principles described in the Tai-Chi Classics.


Then I used a 10lb Medicine Ball as the center of my Bagua Zhang circle.

 I reviewed the first four Changes from Yin Fu's 8 Palm Set (second Yin Fu Set). 

Focusing on Changes #1 & #2.

Next I reviewed Modern Arnis Empty Hand Anyo Tatlo (#3) then Seiuchin Kata from the American Karate System.

I finished with a short healing Qigong and a Tai-Chi Ruler w/ Medicine Ball (ala B P Chan)



Thursday, September 14, 2023

Thursday Practice

 

I rode The Star Ship (BMW R2100RT) down to Hatfield to work with Paul C. this morning. I've been thinking about riding down for weeks now but the threat of thunderstorms has kept me in a car. This morning ii's a bit cool but it looks like several dry days in a row....Yippee!

I did a short Warm Up and a Round (left side) in the driveway before I left for Paul's.

When I got there I changed and we went upstairs to Paul's Tai-Chi room. (very nice space)

We started with a short Warm Up concentrating on BIG - OPEN movements. We had a discussion about fascia and stretching the skin in relationship to the Warm Ups and Tai-Chi.

We then did short Standing Meditation working on his vertical alignment. His lower back locked up so we moved on to some walking (the Go To exercise). Once he was able we did a short "Pulling The Ch'i" then moved in Wave Hands Like Clouds with hands only then he started to add the footwork. After a few minutes of that we reviewed the first dozen movements to Part I of the solo Tai-Chi Form. He also did a little improvising with Tai-Chi like movements. I encouraged him to do that.

After a little rest we did Single Arm Push-Hands on both sides. His left side was working much better than the right. He is left handed. We did Push-Hands for quite awhile. He did get fatigued.

We finished with him punching two pillows that I held for him. The few minutes of punching the pillows were his most energetic actions of the session. I've seen that before! I must remember to do that with him every time we train.

When I got home I practiced Drum Set for an hour or so. Working on placing my high-hat on the & of every beat in a shuffle. Working on independence with the ride (right hand) and backbeat (left hand) to shuffle, full triplet or straight time, all the while my feet, high-hat (left foot) and bass drum (right foot) are doing a shuffle. Excellent exercise for neuroplasticity.

My Ludwig kit is set up to record with in The Loft. It's a total dream to play! High end maple shells and finish by Steinway (as in piano Steinway). The veneer is African Makaray. A type of mahogany that is burled.


Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Wednesday Practice - Bagua Zhang Study -


 The late Dr. Leung Kay-Chi performing "Embracing The Moon" from Yin Fu's Eight Palms. 

Embrace The Moon is found in both Yin Fu Sets that I do. This one is from the second palm change  'Double Palm'


It's raining again this morning. I'm studying by re-watching Sifu Ray's newest Bagua Zhang video, reading and writing down my thoughts. A 'study day'!

I just re-watched Sifu Ray Hayward's instructional video on the Second Change of Yin Fu's Bagua Zhang. I find it's always best to watch an instructional video a few times. 

The second Set is called The 8 Palms. 

The second change is called 'Double Palm'.

Sifu Hayard's instruction is very clear! 

I love getting the names and details of the movements. 

With gratitude and appreciation! 

I bow from the waist.

"Dong Haichuan (Bagua Zhang founder 1797-1882) taught Yin Fu (his #1 Disciple). Fu taught Gong Bao-tien. Gong taught Liu Yun-chiao. Lui taught Dr. Leung Kay-Chi. Dr. Leung taught Sifu Ray Hayward" 

J. R. Roy studied Bagua Zhang directly with Dr. Leung and Sifu Ray

Names for the second change in Yin Fu '8 Palms':

Lean on the Horse to Inquire the Way

Hide the Flowers Beneath the Leaves

The Wild Goose Leaves the Flock

Press

Reverse Palm

Piercing Palm

Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg

The Swallow Skims the Water

Embrace the Moon

Hide the Flowers Beneath the Leaves

The Wild Goose Leaves the Flock

I copied this history of Yin Fu from:

 Link to Bagua Zhang history

Yin Fu was also known as Te An Shou P'eng and "Shou Yin" ("Little Yin") because of his size. He was born in Zhang Huai Village, Qi district, Jixian county, Hebei province. His father, Yin Lao Shan was a farmer. When he was young, he might have studied the following styles: Mei Hua Quan (Plum Flower Boxing), Lian Huan Tui (Chain Kicking) and / or She Xin Quan (Snake Tongue Boxing). A series of natural disasters (drought followed by floods) drove him out of his home village and he moved to Beijing. He eventually moved to Beijing and worked as an apprentice in a cutlery (scissors) shop. A short time later he gave up the scissor business and began selling pancakes and "fried-dough twists." In his early years in Beijing he picked up the nick name "Fried Dough Twist" Yin. Since he was tall and slim, people also called him 'Thin" Yin.

There are several versions of the story concerning Yin Fu's introduction to Dong Hai Chuan. In the first version, Yin Fu did not know any martial arts. Yang Kun, a third generation Yin style practioner, tells how Yin was extremely diligent about his job. He would arrive very early at the baker's, pick up the first batch of baked and fried goods and then quickly run out to sell them, thus getting a jump on his competition. It is said that Dong took an early morning walk every day and frequently witnessed the young man frantically making his morning rounds near Prince Su's palace. On one morning Yin Fu was robbed while making his rounds. Determined that he would not let this happen again, Yin began to practice martial arts on his own in the woods. Tung saw him practicing one day and was highly impressed with Yin's determination and drive. He approached Yin and asked if Yin would like to study martial arts.

Yet another version of the story, as told by Xie Pei Qi, states when Yin Fu came to Beijing he was already skilled at "Snake's Tongue" Boxing (She Xin Quan), which he had practiced since childhood. Shortly after he arrived in Beijing he heard of Tung Hai Chuan's reputation and went to the palace to challenge him. When Yin met Tung and initiated the challenge, Tung was holding a tobacco pouch in his left hand. Tung stretched out his right hand with the palm facing up (yang palm) and said, "You start first." Yin squared off with Tung and extended his hand in attack. As soon as Yin's hand met Tung's arm, Tung turned his palm over and pressed on Yin's arm. Yin Fu moved to block up and when he did Tung speared straight in and struck him in the mouth with his fingertips, knocking out his two front teeth. Tung never dropped the tobacco pouch. Realizing that he had been outclassed, Yin knelt and asked Tung to be his teacher. Tung refused. Yin said, "If you do not take me as your student, I will kneel here and die in front of you." Prince Su was passing by and observed what was happening. He noticed that Yin was very thin and had a "unique look." The prince told Tung to please accept this young man as his disciple. He said, "I will be the one to make the introduction between teacher and student." At this, Tung accepted as his disciple.

The last version, often found in Chinese marital art books, tells that Yin was experienced in the arts of Mei Hua Quan and Lian Huan Tui before meeting Tung. When he came to Beijing, Yin heard about the great teacher Tung Hai Chuan and was determined to meet him. In an effort to be noticed by Tung, Yin purposely chose his business route near the palace of Prince Su. Yin constantly asked people who worked and lived near the palace about Tung Hai Chuan. Tung received word of this persistent young man and eventually agreed to teach him.

Yin started studying with Dong in the mid 1860’s. Dong first taught Yin Fu Luo Han Quan because this was the style being taught at the palace before training in Bagua. He spent twenty years with Dong. For ten years, he was collecting taxes for the Court in Inner Mongolia. History records that the teacher and student practiced morning, noon, and night, and it was during that time that Yin learned the entire system. He popularized the Tornado Palm and Ox Tongue Palm techniques of the Bagua system. He was Dong’s first and by far his longest serving student.

When Yin Fu became proficient in Bagua, he started a protection and bodyguard agency. His students worked for him, guarding the homes and bodies of the well-to-do and the elite of Beijing. The success of the agency was due to the fact that each and every guard was backed by the reputation of Yin Fu. Each of these guard/students learned Lohan Shaolin, Pao Chui and Kung Li before learning Pa Kua Chang, making each of them effective fighters in their own right. As he became wealthy from his two businesses, Yin Fu began to send food and clothing back to his home village every month. 

In 1900, during the evacuation of the capital due to the Boxer's Rebellion, he was appointed the head bodyguard of the Empress Dowager and the Guang Xu emperor. After government returned to Beijing, Yin continued in the employ as head of the royal guard. When he retired, he was succeeded in his position by Gong Baotian, one of his more accomplished disciples. He died when he was 70 years old. His two sons later moved to Shandong province.

The style and flavour of Bagua that Yin Fu began to teach became known as Yin Style Bagua.

    Students
    Cao Zhongsheng, Cui Zhendong,Geng Jishan, Gao Wencheng, Gong Baotian, He Jinkui, Jiu           Qingyuan, Li Yong Qing, Liu Yinliang, Lu Zijian, Ma Gui, Men Baozhen (1870-1957), Rong Shi,          Wan Tongli, Yang Junfeng,Yin Yuzhang (his son), Zeng Zengqi, Zhang Shouheng .

Two of his students, Yin Yu-Zhang and Gong Bao-Tian, both wrote books entitled Baguazhang. These books, which were published in 1932, are valuable contributions to our under¬standing of the art. One of Gong Bao-Tian's students, Liu Yun-Qiao (1909-1992 A.D.), had taught Baguazhang in Taiwan until 1991. In addition, another student of Yin Yu-Zhang, Pei Xi-Rong, contributed great effort in developing Baguazhang in southern China. Yin Yu-Zhang has a student, Jiang Hao-Quan, currently teaching in the United States.

I practiced upstairs in The Loft this morning. 

Starting with a full Warm Up with The 10+ Exercises followed by a Round (left side)

Next I did an hour of drum set practice while recording the MiniDisc recording through the Boss 1600 recording deck to a free standing CD recorder. I get to practice and mess around with the material we covered during yesterdays Jam Session. I mostly used BlastSticks but moved on to sticks and some brushes towards the end. 

Next on to some Bagua Zhang


I'm going to use a balance board as the center of my Bagua Zhang Circle. This morning I'm working on the second Yin Fu Set - Yin Fu 8 Palms - the first two changes - Single Palm & Double Palm - Reciting the names of the postures out loud. 

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Tuesday Practice

I went in to The Studio to teach the 8-9:30 am T'ai Ch'i Ch'uan class this morning. I had Sally, Nancy, Read, LJ, Wes, Janee and Ron join me this morning. 

  The theme for this mornings session. 

Doing / Not Doing

 

Doing first:

Align the bones - from the feet to the top of head

Release the muscles - from top of head to the feet

Bone Up - Muscle Down

Feel a connection from the bottoms of your feet to the top of your head


Not Doing:

Shifting your weight too far forward (in a bow stance)

Shifting your weight too far backward (in a bow stance)

Collapsing your bone structure

Overly tensing a muscle

Not releasing a muscle back to homeostasis (relaxed state) after using it

Overthinking

I went right into The 10+ Exercises using the first three postures from The Cheng Bagua Single Leg Standing Set for #9 and The Three Swings and Song Gong for #10

Afterwards we did 10 minutes of Standing Meditation with Single Leg Standing while doing Holding The Moon.

Next we did a Round (right side) holding postures throughout Part I

A short healing Qigong at the end of the Round

After class I reviewed the Tai-Chi Jian Form with Pat, Read and Janee. First time through with names of postures and second time without. Basic Lazy D with left hand and some discussion on the stance work involved. 


                                Later I had a music session with Bobby V and Shubal 

Monday, September 11, 2023

Monday Practice


 

Using my TRX set up for push-ups and pull-ups

I started this morning with a TRX workout in The Barn. 

Afterwards I did 15 minute drum set practice, focusing on 'feel' and 'ghost notes' with some bass drum work too!

Then I went outside on The Patio in between rain drops and swept it off. 
Lot's of cherry seeds this time of year. 

After sweeping The Patio I proceeded to do a full Warm Up with the The 10+ Exercises.

Next I did a Round (right side) focusing on the principles described in the Tai-Chi Classics. 

Next I reviewed the second Yin Fu Bagua Zhang Set...Focusing on the first Change on both sides reciting the names of the movements out loud.

Next a review of Anyo Dalawa, Modern Arnis Empty Hand Form II and Nihanchi Kata from the American Karate System. 



I guess it's been raining....A lot! 
There's this cute little mushroom that grew overnight in the lawn. 
I don't think I've seen that before. 





Wu Gongyi insight to T'ai Chi Ch'uan training

                                Raise Hands Posture at the Hile's ramp access in NSB
 

Traditional Tai Chi is not about achieving skill by simply being "relaxed" but rather about using the right force (Li), applying Li correctly, and engaging in proper expansion and contraction movements. The "square frame" utilizes a balanced and stable "internal Li (force)" to support and stretch the entire spine, joints, tendons, and muscles, promoting expansive and gentle large opening and large closing movements, as well as calm, balanced lifting and sinking. These movements gradually improve the body's functions and quality, increasing its strength and flexibility. One should coordinate the internal and external movements, maintaining a balance between tension and relaxation, connecting each section, and integrating it into the spine, allowing the "centralized internal strength (Zhong Ding Nei Jin)" to govern the whole body, resulting in an "elastic" body frame that can withstand pressure without collapsing even during dynamic movements.

Through continuous practice, under the condition that the internal strength (Nei Jin) does not become weak and the structure does not become loose, gradually reduce the force applied. Ensure that the posture and movement are completed with just the necessary amount of force, without using even a tiny bit of extra effort, allowing every posture and position, every movement and change of the entire body and individual parts to lay on the lightest point. Jin must come from "harmonize the upper and lower, mobilized of Shen-Qi"; the body should "appear relaxed but not loose (seems to relax but not relax), with both hardness and softness present." Only by reaching the state of "when hardness is needed, it is hard; when softness is required, it is soft; every movement is a skilled power (Gong), and attaining without thinking", can one truly master the essence of the "square frame."
Wu Gongyi
All r

Sunday, September 10, 2023

Sunday Practice

 

It's Sunday morning so I'm going to practice on The Patio of The Barn with tea and classical music...I'm thinking about my teachers Master's Paul and Ray....In solidarity!

I did a short Warm Up and a Round (left side). Today I was focused on connecting internally and externally to the small universe inside of me and larger universe (s) outside of me (ala Cheng Bagua Zhang). I had a profound connection to nature throughout the session.

Breathing in, Ch'i is in me

Breathing out, I'm in Ch'i


Finally got a break in the the rain and a few moments so I got in a Beemer ride. The RT is purring like a kitten....Riding "The Star Ship" is like driving a work of art! The Ultimate Driving Machine indeed;^)

Motorcycling is still the most dangerous things that I do on a regular basis.....Since the advent of Cellular Phones, I've witnessed some really crazy sheet on public roads. 


Saturday, September 9, 2023

Saturday Practice

 

I've been having some challenges approaching my daily practice lately. Today is no exception! 

I started with a TRX and dumbbell session in The Barn.

When I finally got to it, I decided to out my original outside practice spot with 'Big Greenie' in the foreground, the largest Maple Tree on our property.

I did a short Warm Up with variations of The 10+ Exercises and a Round (left side) focusing on The Principles described in the Tai-Chi Classics.


                                          I'm going to go out for a ride later today on my RT. 

                                                       I think I'll go 'around the block'.

We went up to Perkins to buy a new Weber gas grill in the morning. By the time I get ready to take a ride it was too hot and there were thunder storms around. The sky was rumbling! Maybe I'll take a ride tomorrow?


Friday, September 8, 2023

Friday Practice

 

Jeff came up 9-1. We talked about and practiced a whole bunch of 'stuff'. One of the main themes throughout:

Contemplating doesn't need an answer.


A question begets an answer. 


The first thing we started to practice is The 21 (Tai-Chi Qigong) using Hun/Haah Breathing Out Loud. We also used the new middle section from Master Choi (side bends and different breathing pattern on the side to side movement).


Next The 10+ Exercises with discussion on the variations for #8 (against a wall) & #9 (we reviewed all the variations and the original).

Then some detail on the 3 Swings, especially #3. 

We also had some practice and discussion on Song Gong.

We did a Round (right side) to a metronome set at 60bpm with two tones; On the beat and half beats.

We started out by discussing the idea of a 'count' using a four count: 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & The 'movement' starts on the 1 and ends on the 4 &. From the & of 4 until the 1 there is a state of Wuji (stillness) and one movement does not 'splice' to the next movement but rather stops without actually stopping (paradox).

All Parts Start and Stop Together


Next we reviewed and practiced the Tai-Chi 13 Spear Set. First solo vocalizing targets and then as partners. After several rounds of the three sections we practiced 'coiling' as a discreet exercise. We focused on keeping the front arm relaxed when practicing the Spear Jab.

Then we reviewed and practiced The Tai-Chi Dance from Master T. T. Liang on both sides. Focusing on 'correct thinking' and Wu Wei. 

Mind / No Mind

*No mind is referring to a highly trained skill that no loner requires conscious thought.

The 4 F's idea I learned from Master Paul Gallagher back in the 1970's:

Form - Function - Feeling - Forgetting


'Forgetting' is referring to the state of Mind/No Mind above and Unconscious Competence below. Your skill (of whatever) is no longer dependent on conscious thought. An example is learning to drive a standard shift car. Tough at first but with practice becomes 'second nature' and will not require much conscious thought. 


Another way of saying 'Forgetting' comes from my Drum Set study:

1. Unconscious Incompetence

2. Conscious Incompetence

3. Conscious Competence

4. Unconscious Competence