Sunday New Years Eve Day Practice

                                                          From my phone just before sunrise

                                  Taken with my Cannon camera on a tripod. Just before sunrise.

One of the first images this morning. I took it with my camera as soon as I got set up on the beach. The seagull photo bombed me. Ha!! I liked it;^)

The Photo:

The sunrise was at 7:18 with low tide at 5:26. It was cold  for Florida; It was in the upper 40's when I left the house around 7:00. Luckily there wasn't much wind. I dressed for it with everything from long johns to gloves. I was warm enough with my ear flaps down and my hood up! 

There was plenty of hard packed sand to practice on. Because it's New Years Eve tonight there are a lot of tourists in town. The beach was way more crowded than normal on such a clear and cold morning. I only saw a few regulars walking the beach. Notably Dave and Tonya walking north. 

I brought my Cannon camera with a tripod this morning. I've been using my phone the past two days. Friday it was raining and yesterday....it was too cold? Anyway I felt a bit of resistance this morning so I thought it best to not get too used to using my phone even though it's definitely easier because it's just less gear to mess with. The downside is I loose experience with shooting in manual mode and experimenting with ISO, shutter speed and f-stop, plus the workflow from camera to external hard drive and of course the use of Photoshop CS6 to process the images. I'd like to keep all that going..... 

The Practice:

I started with a full warm up using The 10+ focused on 'opening' 

Hang the Muscles

Open the Joints

Muscle Down

Bone Up

Next I did a Round (right side) focused on big 'open' movements and transitioning for yin to yang with every posture; Only forming the posture at the end. 

I recited out loud that the energy:

Originates in the hips

Is rooted in feet

Is developed in the legs

Is directed by the waist

Is formed in fingers

From hip to foot, to leg, to waist, to fingers all act as one integrated whole.

Next I did Standing Meditation with Earth Breathing and eyes focused on the horizon.

Next I reviewed Anyo Isa (#1) and Nihanchi Kata - Focused on full extension (open) in kicks and punches, relaxed balance (Zhong Ding) and a little more focus on the punches.

Next I did a double cane warm up with several rows of basics.

Next I reviewed the Tai-Chi Jian Form with names recited out loud.

Lastly a Healing Qigong then back to the house.......

Saturday Practice

 

The Photo:

The sunrise was at 7:17 with low tide at 4:38. The tide was rising but there was plenty of hard packed sand to practice on. Coldest day yet (40's) but there was very little breeze. In spite of the cold weather there were lot's of tourists on the beach. The 'benefit' of a holiday weekend?

The Practice:

I dressed for the cold and was happy that there was virtually zero wind. I started with The 10+ focused on release and shape. Those 10 Exercises are GOLD! I can personally attest to the benefits; I've been doing them daily for 40+ years. When I was working full time I'd do them multiple times per day. It was one of the many benefits that derived from teaching martial arts full time. If you ever studied with me I'd suggest to get in the habit of doing The 10 daily. Let me know if you need help!

email Sifu Roy

Next I did a Round (left side) in the quicksand near the waters edge. I focused on connecting to the horizon and wildlife with the idea that I am not separate from nature and the inside of me is a complete universe. I contemplated being one with the Tao, balancing qi - shen - jin and coordinating the internal with the external. 

Next I reviewed Anyo Pito (#7) and Anyo Walo (#8) and Sanchin focused on the correct sequence and direction of movements. 

Next I did a double cane warm up and basics then reviewed Tai-Chi Double Broadsword with my Dragon Canes. I am getting used to the weight and texture of those canes. Gratitude to Sifu Ray Hayward for them!

Finally I did a brief Healing Qigong then back to the house. 

Friday Practice

 

     The squadrons of pelicans were at it again this morning. When I watch them skimming the waves...

                                                                  I'm in awe!!

                                         At sunrise looking south.....Breathe deeply!

The Photo:

The sunrise was at 7:17 the last low tide was at 3:53. It was cold (low 50's) with a N/E breeze. I dressed for it with long johns and gloves, my ear flap fleece hat with my hood up. It was clear (thus the cold), but not much color. I was a bit late this morning, Echo's flapping kept me up most of the night. I got up about an hour later that usual. Luckily the sun doesn't rise until 7:17 this time of year, so I had a little leeway. 

It's the second day in a row that I didn't bring my camera or tripod. I took these photos with my Motorola phone camera. It felt weird going to sunrise without a camera and tripod. Habits are a strange thing to experience. Today marks 50 consecutive days of sunrise practices this season. With gratitude and appreciation.

The Practice:

There were a lot of tourists on the beach this morning, walking, jogging, sitting and just being at sunrise. I have to admit it was a bit distracting, but I managed it by going even more inside myself one of my goals is to not allow the distractions of folks walking by pop me out of my meditative state of mind. It's harder when they pass by really close and are talking really loudly on their phones (common) or with their walking partner (also common). The most distracting thing for me is when folks on electric bikes pass by withing a few feet, going very fast. Incredibly inconsiderate!! My goal is to keep the fast bikers, from startling me.  

I started with The 10+ focusing on my 'shape' and getting the proper amount of engagement of my connective tissue and internal and external alignments. 

Next I did a Round (left side) connecting to the horizon and the ocean. 

Next I reviewed Anyo Pito (#7) and Sunsu Kata focused on full extention of kicks and punches. I had a bit of trouble with Anyo Pito; Distracted by passers by. There were a few folks that came withing a few feet of me, as if I was a lamp pole. Oy! The level of narcissism in our culture is very apparent when I practice on the beach (public spaces in general). Oh well, I attempt to keep myself in a meditative state. Challenging at times for sure!

Next I did a double cane warm up and basics. 

Followed by a healing qigong before heading back to the house.

Thursday Practice

 

Yet another cloudy, grey, washout of a sunrise. There were some spectacular squadrons of pelicans skimming the waves. I never tire of watching the squadrons of pelicans. I'm in awe of nature! 

With gratitude and appreciation.

The Photo:

The sunrise was at 7:17 with high tide at 9:37. It was cool and raining...not very pleasant. The good things are; There was virtually no wind (I guess the rain kept the nsum's down?) and there was not a single person on the beach, on Hill St., or on the way to and from the beach. Not one single soul! Ah the benefits of a cold and rainy day.....

The Practice:

Because of the weather, I did a minimal practice this morning. A modified 10+ followed by a Round (right side) then back to the house. If the rain stops I'll do a bit more on the back patio.

Wednesday Practice

 

Total wash out this morning. Cloudy and grey....again! 

There's been a run on these grey washed out sunrises lately...Oy! 

 I predict that there will be a colorful one.....Soon!!

Right??

                                             It did lighten up about 20 minutes after sunrise.

                       The best part of higher tides is that it surely keeps folks off the beach!

                         Santa Ritchie on Christmas morning shooting a cloudy and grey sunrise! 

The Photo (s):

The sunrise was at 7:16 with high tide at 8:54. It was another wash out, cloudy and grey sunrise. It did get lighter but there was virtually zip in the color department. 

There was a slight breeze from the east and it was warm enough to prompt me to take my hat and jacket off! At least is wasn't raining and cold!! Yay...

The Practice:

There was very little beach to practice on and the tide was rising. Once again I practiced in soft sand with lot's of seaweed scattered about. Not the easiest surface to practice on but I seem to be able to make it work for these old feet, ankles and knees. Yay!

I started with The 10+ interspersed with taking a photo or two......Stretching is a great thing to do in the early am to reset the golgi tendon organ. ("The Golgi tendon organ (GTO) is a proprioceptor – a type of sensory receptor that senses changes in muscle tension.")

Main thing is 'gently' stretching, getting lengthening through release as opposed to forcing it. The 10+ is a great system/modality to get the whole body top to bottom. With gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Leung Kay-Chi for teaching me the original 10. 

Next I did a Round (right side) focused on smooth, steady, expanded, relaxed and soft movements with a light and spirited feeling. I had a profound connection to natures energies as I viewed and contemplated the horizon. 

Tuesday Practice

 

The Photo:

The sunrise was at 7:16 with high tide at 8:08. Completely socked in, cloudy, foggy, dense sea mist it rained about half way through my Round. The temperature was cool but doable. The ocean was high and still coming up. I had to run for higher ground a couple of times. It was a challenging morning to take photos and practice on the beach...But still!!

With gratitude and appreciation!

The Practice:

The tide was high and still coming up so I ended up practicing in soft sand and very uneven ground, covered in seaweed. It's very challenging to practice on uneven ground and the soft sand and seaweed only made it more challenging....Oh yeah and the rising tide with the occasional biggest wave in the set, sent me to seek even higher ground. It's like push-hands with the ocean. With me trying to keep my sneakers dry;^) I won this time!!

I found a patch of soft sand to do The 10+ on.....I stayed focused on my footing and stance work. Attempting to keep relaxed balance as much as possible, to not overtax my feet, ankles and knees. I was able to make it work.

The sea mist was so dense, like a thick fog bank covering the entire beach. You could really see it as you looked up and down the beach. I was inspired to recite: 

Breathing in, the sea is in me

Breathing out, I'm in the sea

Next I did a Round (left side) focused on slow and smooth motions and maintaining Zhong Ding (relaxed balance) throughout the Round.

About 1/2 way through it started to rain. Luckily, I had worn my new GorTex rain jacket (Christmas present from GG)  to the beach so I was able to finish my Round with my rain jacket zipped up with the hood up too. All dry and cozy!!

I had to get back to the house for an 8:30 haircut in NSB with Crystal and to keep my camera dry too!

Monday Christmas Day Practice

                                                                        Play Guitar

                                Merry Christmas!

The Photo (s):

The sunrise was at 7:16 with high tide at 7:20. Slight breeze from the S S/E kept the nsum's away the temperature was pleasant enough that I didn't need gloves or earflaps. I did wear my lighted up Christmas Bells necklace and my Santa Hat to the beach this morning. Very festive! I did get a few smiles;^)

The Practice:

There wasn't much beach and a no hard packed sand to practice on and the tide was still coming up. Oy!

I found a patch of usable sand here and there. I did have to escape to higher ground on more than one occasion. 

I started with a full warm up using The 10+ exercises.

Next I did a Round (right side) focused on the horizon and becoming one with natures energies. 

Next I reviewed Anyo Lima (#5) and Chinto Kata mindful of full extension on kicks and punches.

Next I did a cane warm up using my dragon canes and then double cane basics in a line.

Sunday Christmas Eve Day Practice

 

Holding the Moon at sunrise! 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

 Peace and Love! 

The Photo:

The sunrise was at 7:15 and high tide at 6:31. There was a very slight breeze coming from the S/E, enough to keep the nsmu's away! The tide was high. I found enough sand to practice on, but it was softer than I prefer. 

The Practice:

I started with a full Warm Up using primarily The 10+ a few 'extras'. 

Next I did a Round (right side) focused on smooth and light, coordinating the internal with the external and connecting to the Atlantic Ocean at the horizon. As I connected more and more I became the earth rotating. An amazing experience. With gratitude and appreciation. 

Next I reviewed Anyo Apat (#4) and Wansu Kata

I did a double stick warm up with my dragon canes and started to do my 'basics routine' but had to rush back to the house to use the restroom. Must be the coffee and tea before I left the house....probably more the coffee!

Saturday Practice

 

The Photo:

The sunrise was at 7:15 and high tide at 5:40. There was a pleasant breeze from the E S/E and enough hard packed sand to practice on. Busy weekend so I'll be writing a bit less....

The Practice:

I started with The 10+ followed by a Round (left side) 

Next I reviewed Anyo Tatlo and Seiuchin Kata

 I did  double cane warm up and reviewed the 4 cane anyo right and left side.....

Friday Practice

 The Photo:

The sunrise was at 7:14. This image was shot about  7:00 when the color on the horizon was spectacular. The photo does not do it justice but does represent the basic idea of what I saw. The photo is nothing like actually being there. The best thing for me about taking photographs is that the photo usually is able to transport me back to that moment in time. I love that!!

With gratitude and appreciation.

High tide was at 4:47, so the tide as going down and there was plenty of hard packed sand to practice on.

The Practice: 

I wanted to get down to the beach early enough to get my practice in and get back to the house for my weekly video call with Jeff from 8-9 am on Friday's. 

I started with The 10+ followed by a Round (right side) focused on moving slow and smooth contemplating the unconscious complexity of being a live human being. I had a profound feeling of being part of the sunrise, the ocean, the beach, the sky, the wind, the sun and all the life around me, people and animals.

Next I reviewed Anyo Dalawa (#2) and Seisan Kata focused on full extension of my kicks and punches. 

I ran out of time.... I had to get back to the house!

Thursday Practice

 

The Photo:

The sunrise was at 7:14 this morning, high tide will be at 10:10. The wind was steady (5-10)  out of the E N/E and the temperature was warm enough so that I didn't need gloves or ear flaps....Yay!

The Practice:

There was plenty of hard packed sand to practice on but I choose to practice in the 'quick sand' right near the waters edge. It's fine until you stand on one leg for an extended period of time, then you sink in and the footing becomes very unstable = Challenging! 

I started with The 10+ and began to adjust my thinking. I was focused on stretching the connective tissue from foot to fingers, all the while maintaining relaxed balance. 

Next I did a Round (right side) focusing on being soft and smooth. I had a profound feeling of my 'frequency'...I'm simply a vibration, a manifestation of a specific frequency. The principles of Tai-Chi along with abdominal breathing and a focus on balancing Qi, Shen and Jin.

Next I'm back and the beginning of my external form review so I did Anyo Isa (#1) and Nihanchi Kata again I focused on full extension and a little more power all the while being relaxed and in balance. 

Next I did a double cane warm up and some basics with my dragon canes. I finished with a round of the Tai-Chi Double Broadsword.

I'm finding the 'binding of the head' with the weapons an excellent shoulder development exercise as long as the shoulders are relatively healthy to begin with the binding of the head movements in the weapons forms are excellent at building bullet proof shoulder strength and flexibility. 

Wednesday Practice

 

The Photo:

The sunrise was at 7:13 with  low tide at 9:06. The wind was steady out of the east. It was cool but not cold. There was plenty of hard packed sand to practice on.

The Practice: 

I started with The 10+ followed by a Round (left side) focused on balancing qi, shen and jin....slowly cultivating and recharging myself. I had a profound connection with natures energies. 

The last couple of days I haven't had time to write early in the day. I'm finding it challenging to remember exactly what came up during my practice. I regularly have mini epiphanies while I practice. More so when I'm improvising empty hand or with weapons. Lately I've been doing more forms and less improvising. 

Frankly I'm usually focused on some similar things. My main purpose in training is to contribute to my self development physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. In order to accomplish that I employ the principles and ideas that I've accumulated over the past 4 decades of study and practice. It doesn't seem that complicated when I'm doing it, it sure seems complicated when I try to write it down. 

At this point I'm also using No Mind and mostly observing the fruits of my labor. I wish I could bottle the connection to natures energies that I'm feeling....I'd be rich!

Tuesday Practice

The Photo:

The sunrise was at 7:13 with low tide at 8:00. It's the coldest day so far. I think it got down into the 40's last night. I'll be dressing accordingly. The wind was out of the N N/W at a steady 15-20 and made it feel even colder. I had my hood up, gloves on and ear flaps down! I kept my back to the wind whenever possible.

The Practice:

I started with The 10+ followed by a Round (left side) focused on feeling connected from foot to fingers. All connected as if the joints were pearl necklace. 

Next I reviewed Anyo Pito (#7) and Sunsu Kata concentrating on full extension and correct hand positions.

Next I did a Double Cane Session using my dragon canes. I started with Modern Arnis basics and warm up and then into some Tai-Chi double broadsword basics.

I reviewed Tai-Chi Broadsword next.

I ended with a Healing Qigong  

Monday Practice

 

The Photo:

The sunrise was at 7:12 with low tide at 6:54. It's colder this morning (60). The wind was steady from the W N/W and was topping off the waves and creating that beautiful spray. There was a heavy cloud bank on the horizon and a grey sunrise until the sun peaked out from above the clouds about 10 minutes into the sunrise.

The Practice:

There was plenty of hard packed sand to practice on. I started with The 10+. I used Hun/Haah Breathing (out loud) for most of my warm up and then into my Round (left side). I could feel the contracting and expanding of my entire body (neck down). I also incorporated HuiYin Breathing when applicable. I've been doing 2 kinds of HuiYin Breathing 1. Abdominal Breathing 2. Reverse Breathing. I generally do abdominal breathing while practicing buy I've been doing reverse breathing while I'm qigong walking in the evenings.

Next I reviewed Anyo Anim (#6) and Kusanku Kata, focused on deepening my stances, especially the lower stances in Kusanku.

Next I did a double cane session with my dragon sticks. I also reviewed Tai-Chi Jian Form....

I ended with a healing qigong

Notes:

Despite the cold there were more folks walking and jogging on the beach. I saw this 'beach art' and thought that the ocean will eventually reclaim everything!

Standing Meditation

Standing Meditation using Play Guitar. Meditation is the gateway to understanding what's inside of us. 

It's simple:

- Be still -

 - Breathe - 

- Observe -

If you can do it in a place that resonates with you, all the better!

ENJOY BREATHING and BEING ALIVE
 

The Intelligence of Ignorance

The Intelligence of Ignorance 

No matter how much you know, it's still a very small percentage of the actual knowledge that is present in the cosmos. 

The cosmos was here before we came into being and it will be here, after we're gone.

IMO - We humans do not have the capacity to understand what we are or where we are.

Throughout history just when we think we have something figured out, we find that we were completely wrong. This paradigm happens again and again throughout history. 

It appears that our ignorance is truly limitless. 

Sunday Practice

 

                Looking south about 10 minutes after sunrise there was a splash of color on the horizon.                                                                         Taken with my phone/camera

The Photo:

The sunrise was at 7:12 with low tide at 5:49. I expected more beach damage. I'm happy to report although the tide came all the way up, there was no visible erosion to the dunes but there was copious amounts of sea weed on the beach and a few Portuguese Man of War too! It was warm, balmy in fact but very windy and gusty from the S S/W. It knocked my hat off twice, before I gave up and took it off. Gusts also threatened to knock my tripod and camera over and it was sprinkling, so I put my camera in it's travel bag and stored it on the Walkover stairs. I did continue to take a few photos of the sunrise with my phone/camera. Alas, it was mostly a grey event this morning. Although I did see a splash of color on the horizon and some subtle variations on blue and pink in the clouds. (probably too subtle for the camera to pick up on). It sure was beautiful in person....Support your local sunrise!!

The Practice:

There was plenty of hard packed sand to practice on. I did a full round of The 10+ followed by a Round (left side) focused on transitioning from formless (yin) to formed (yang) during each sequence of postures. This is a principle that was transmitted to me some years ago by Sam Masich during a private lesson. I'm contemplated the idea over the years and as I applied it the principle throughout my round I had a profound feeling of the energy forming in my fingers and throughout my body as the transitions in the postures evolved. I could feel an expansion at the conclusion of my postures, unlike anything that I've felt before. Very cool feeling. 

Notes:

I saw several folks out walking and jogging the beach this morning. Greg and Arian came down to walk the beach and inspect the damage. They were picking up some of the plastic debris that washed up last night. 

Saturday Practice

 

The Photo:

The sunrise was at 7:11, with the last low tide at 4:46, with a steady wind coming in from the E N/E. Very heavy cloud bank. A mostly grey and colorless sunrise...Again! The sea is angry, but not as angry as yesterday. The forecast is for the worst weather to roll in overnight. Tomorrow morning should be interesting. The mid-island coast line is very tender these days. 

The Practice:

There was finally some hard packed sand to practice on. Yay!! 

I started with a full round of The 10+, interspersed with shooting a few photos.

Next I did a Round (right side). It was a pleasure to practice on hard packed sand at sunrise on the beach. 

With gratitude and appreciation! This was my 33rd consecutive day of sunrise practices. I'm really starting to feel the difference. It's wild to be so in tune with nature....

I breath in the sea is in me

I breath out and I'm in the sea

Next I reviewed Anyo Apat (#4) and Wansu Kata. I put a bit more umph (focus) into the punches, kicks and strikes this morning. Again I found the hard packed sand much easier to perform Karate and Arnis Forms on. It's much easier on my feet, ankles, knees...etc. too! Yay!

Next I did a Double Cane session with my Dragon Sticks. Modern Arnis warm up and basics first then a review of Tai-Chi Double Broadsword Form. That form has many 'shoulder rotations' similar to the dumbbell shoulder routine that I've been doing at the gym

Speaking of the gym, I just completed my third week going M, W, Friday and after 9 sessions in three weeks I'm really feeling the difference. This is the first time in my life that I'm lifting to add muscle mass. At 72 it takes more commitment than in my teens and twenties. 

Friday Practice

 

The Photo:

The sunrise was at 7:10 the last low tide was at 5 so the tide was coming up. There was very little beach to practice on. The wind was steady at 15-20 with gusts as high as 40. Luckily it wasn't too cold...Yay! 

The Practice:

I was in soft sand again! Really soft sand right up by the dunes. Very difficult to keep firm footing. The soft sand kept me focused on exactly how my feet were contacting the ground. Stepping like a cat hunting. 

I started with The 10+. I'll write more about these special exercises at some point. I feel that they are very developmental and that I gain a lot of skill and health benefits from doing the full series each and everyday. The 10+ change from day to day according to what I need during that particular session. I'm warming up more than just my muscles and nerve. 

Next I did a Round (left side) trying to replicate the feelings and experiences that I had yesterday on the patio in the backyard. The soft sand kept bringing back to the realization of exactly how much more difficult it is to keep relaxed balance in soft sand. Especially the kicks were very challenging. If I was very careful about my footing, I could maintain balance and take my time with the kicks, extending them all the way to muscle lock. 

Next I reviewed Anyo Tatlo (#3) and Seiuchin Kata

I had a 8am video call with Jeff, so I needed to get back to the house.

I'll do some weapons training in the back yard to top it off. Then a trip to the gym and an evening beach walk.

Thursday Practice

The Photo:

 Sunrise was at 7:10 with the next high tide at 9:35. There was a heavy cloud bank on the horizon. So it was almost a complete wash out. The wind was a steady 15-20 gusting to 25-30, coming straight in from the east, perpendicular to the beach, the worst wind direction for the fragile shoreline mid-island. The sea was angry!!

The forecast is for stronger winds over the next couple of days, topping out Saturday night at high tide. Oh boy!! I can only imagine the shoreline erosion. Fingers crossed the big black bags that have been put out help. I guess time will tell. I'm sure the walkovers are going to take a hit. Some of those walkovers  are brand spanking new. 

The Practice:

Because of the strong wind and with the tide rising, there was hardly any beach left  to practice on. There was no hard packed sand. The past few days I've been dealing with the soft sand; Stepping  very carefully (like a cat hunting) and focusing on Zhong Ding (relaxed balance - central equilibrium). 

I started with a full round of The 10+ interspersed with taking photos of the sunrise.

Next I started a Round (right side) but 1/2 way through Part I a squall came in from the east. I had been watching the squal for a while. I could see it first on the horizon, but with the wind direction due east it finally made it to shore. I kept practicing but I quickly started to get wet...Enough is enough! I packed up and headed back to the house. I figured I'd finish my practice in the backyard.

When I resumed my Round I started at the middle part of Part I. I found myself easily able to access some of the progress I've been making on the beach. Different shoes and a solid surface made for an awesome Round. Some hard earned principles were present unconsciously and noticeably evolved. I had a profound feeling of my whole body being connected as if the joints were a 'string of pearls'. I was extended enough to enhance the feeling of 9 Joint Harmony. I especially was able to identify the Joint Harmony as the Jin rebounded upward from foot to finger tips. Wonder-filled Round! I wish I could bottle it....I'd be rich!!

email Sifu

Wednesday Practice

 

The Photo:

The sunrise was at 7:09 with high tide forecast to be 8:57. It was warmer than yesterday. I didn't need the gloves I brought. It was almost a complete grey, cloudy wash out this morning. There was just a smidge of color on the horizon as the sun rose. The wind was briskly coming from the N N/E. It was windy but not that cold....Yay! The sea was angry!! The forecast is for severe beach erosion over the next few days...Crap!

The Practice:

The tide and wind were such that there was no hard packed sand to practice on. I am learning a lot from working out on soft sand. The softer sand is challenging to not strain my feet and ankles. I have to step very evenly as if I was walking on crusty snow trying not to breakthrough. Very even pressure on my feet before I put any weight on the foot. I was about 85-90% successful. 

I started with a full round of The 10+ followed by a Round (left side) focusing on my empty stepping and relaxed balance. I had a profound connection to natures energies. 

Next I reviewed Anyo Isa and Nihanchi Kata focused on proper extension of strikes and kicks, maintaining relaxed balance throughout.

Next I used my heavy Dragon Canes to do Modern Arnis and other basics (double cane basics). I'm slowly getting used to the weight of the the Dragon Canes.

Notes:

I only saw two folks on the beach this morning. One of them was GG with Shy and Echo. I guess the weather kept folks off the beach. Yay! I always cherish the solitude by the sea.

                                                  Shy, GG and Echo at sunrise.

Tuesday Practice

After sunrise, the sun peaked out from behind the clouds in this lovely display of light.

Just before sunrise. This is the very first shot that I took. The sky had some incredible variations on pink...The camera failed to capture the nuance. Oh well.....That's a normal paradigm with camera's vs reality.

IMO - The camera is merely a surrogate. Even the very best camera is not able to recreate the nuance and variations in color that nature is able to produce. Even though we humans are seeing a very small band of the actual light spectrum....Same with our hearing. Music is particularly suited for human listening....same with the visual arts. IMO

The Photo (s):

The sunrise was at 7:09 with high tide at 8:00. It's cold (low 50's) with brisk N N/E wind. Brrrr! I dressed for it. The forecast was for it to be even colder. It was not as bad as predicted. I didn't need my ear flaps, gloves or hood. Yay! 

The Practice:

There was beach but it was soft sand, difficult stuff to practice in. Balancing is a real issue when the ground beneath you isn't solid but in fact easily movable, giving away when you try and balance on one foot. 

I started with The 10+ feeling the slight stretch of fascia, nerves and connective tissue throughout. I also tuned into Zhong Ding (relaxed balance) throughout. Relaxed single leg balancing is challenging in the softer sand, it reminds me of walking on crusty snow attempting to not 'break through'. 

Next I did a Round (left side) focused on a light and agile body at all times. I also tuned into stepping onto the dead center of my feet. This brought a lot of attention and intention to my feet, especially the Bubbling Spring area. 

Notes:

I didn't see a single person on the beach this morning. The cold forecast, the strong N N/E wind and high tide at 8 is what kept folks off the beach. I really enjoyed the privacy! Makes me look forward to those cold and windy days coming up.....The privacy is delicious! Yum

Sifu

Monday Practice

 

The Photo:

Sunrise was at 7:08 with high tide at 7:14. It was cold (50's) with a strong N N/W wind. There was just enough beach to practice on. I had a bunch of technical and physical difficulties again this morning including the wind knocking my tripod over with my good Cannon camera spilling out of it's case onto the beach. Oy! Then I got an error message when I went to download the card. I restarted my computer and it was able to read the card. Oy!!

The Practice:

I put my hood up and my back to the wind and just started with The 10+ for a warm up. 

Next I did a Round (right side) focusing on cultivating the natural energies that were all around me at sunrise on the beach. I also focused on expanding and contracting using silent Hun/Haah breathing. I felt very expanded during my Ward Off's.

Next I reviewed Anyo Pito (form #7) and Sunsu Kata focusing on full extension and relaxed balance.

 Next I used my Dragon Canes to review double stick basics in a line using stance work.

Then I noticed that my tripod had been blown over by the wind and my good camera was on the beach. Oy!!

Scissor fighting LKFS

                            Deadly serious.....Stabs are deadly! 

Sunday Practice

 

The Photo:

The Studio Logo - Sunrise was at 7:07 with high tide at 6:29, there was little to no breeze so the nsum's were pesky. I was warmer than yesterday (low 60's) but tomorrow looks to be 20 degrees cooler. Oy!! I'll be sure to dress for it.

*No photo today....It was a wash out, but I still took a number of photos but I had massive technical difficulties. Evidently the card formatting that I used in the camera does not jive with the computer?

It's the same work flow that I use every morning but this morning the computer kept wanting to re-format the card. Oy!! Reformatting will erase the card....Oy!!

The Practice:

I started with The 10+ focusing on Ting/Song, feeling a slight stretch in all the connective tissue from head to toe. I did an extra neck and shoulder routine and extra Song Gong.

Next I did a Round (left side) focusing on Ting/Song and feeling the Jin line down and up from foot to hand.

Next I reviewed Anyo Anim (Modern Arnis empty hand form #6) and Kusanku Kata focusing on Zhong Ding, stretching the connective tissue and fully extending the kicks.

Next I did double cane basics with the dragon canes from Sifu Ray. They are heavy!!

I ended with a Healing Qigong before heading back to the house

Very disappointed that the camera's card screwed up. Not sure what I'll be doing about that. Tomorrow I'll be using a different camera...For sure!!

Saturday Practice

The Photo:

Sunrise was at 7:07 with high tide at 5:46. It was warmer than I expected so I was overdressed and had to take a few things off to be comfortable. I was happy that I had long sleeves and pants on though. There was very little to no discernible wind so the nsum's were a bit pesky. I had several around my face and at least one biting my hand....Ugh! Where is the redeeming value of nsum's? Where and what!! Such little tine pests. Oy!

The Practice:

After getting my camera rig set up and taking a few shoots I started with The 10+. I added a number of extra's this morning including a full neck and shoulder routine. I regularly stretch my shoulders and upper back and I've been adding dumbbell routine for the past couple of weeks at the gym. While doing the weapons forms I've noticed and have accentuated the circling of the head in both directions and with both arms. This motion closely resembles what I'm doing in the gym with more weight. I concentrated on keeping the weapon close to my head, just like what I'm doing with the dumbbells.

After a full warm up I proceeded to do a Round (right side). As usual, I had several focuses during this mornings session; Ting leads to Song was a constant theme throughout the warm up then the Round.

Next I reviewed Anyo Lima (empty hand form #5) and Chinto Kata. I focused on relaxed balance (zhong ding) and fully extended kicks.

Next I worked with single and double canes. I spent a fair amount of time on Abiniko and one and a half finger circling. 

Notes: 

I saw a few regulars walking, jogging and biking the beach. The nsums were pesky this morning. 

TT Liang Solo form

Performed by Johathan Russell

Friday Practice

The Photo:

Sunrise was at 7:06, high tide at 5:03 with very light breeze from the north. If there was a little less wind the nsum's would have been pesky. I only felt one on my face. I dressed for a sunrise more like yesterday (Brrr) so I was very overdressed. I ended up taking my hoodie off and the next layer too! I brought gloves and a ear muff hat but I didn't need any of that. 

The Practice:

After setting up my rig, I took a few sunrise photos:

Interspersed with shooting the sunrise I started with a full round of The 10+  There's so much benefit to derive from these simple Qigong and Neigong (s). IMO, If the principles aren't present in these exercises....Well, they probably aren't going to be present anywhere else either! An important part of my Warm Up is to get the mind to be paying attention to some specific stuff without 'overthinking' about 'it'. Eventually one would like all the principles to be present without any conscious thought. 

This morning I was tuned in to the earth breathing in and out, through my bubbling well points in my feet. My feeling was as if I was a balloon deflating and inflating. I could feel my skin expanding in all directions during the inflation as well as the spacing at my joints expanding and the connective tissue on both sides of my joints slightly stretching. On the inhale (deflating) I could feel a similar stretch just in the opposite direction. Very interesting mental focus. It helped with several principles like my body feeling very light and connected (like a string of pearls)

Notes:

Paul stopped to chat. He was on a bicycle this morning. He was very chatty this morning. Talked about his work and the count down to retirement. I think he said 41 months, so many days, hours etc. He's pumped about retirement. I wished him well. I fine the transition to retirement a difficult transition to navigate. For the first time you have to set your own schedule and you get to spend all your time with your teammate (wife or partner).....That will be a huge transition for the busy, heavily scheduled work life. Watch you habits!!

Thursday Practice

The Photo: 

Sunrise at 7:05, the next low tide at 10:35 am, cold (40's) with a steady N N/W wind. It was cold, but I dressed for it.

The Practice:

I started with a full 10+ followed by a Round (right side). I focused on feeling the connection from foot to hand throughout the session, in particular the Round. 

Next I reviewed Anyo Tatlo (Modern Arnis empty hand form #3) and Seiuchin Kata, focused on moving relaxed balance (tricky on the beach).

Next I reviewed:

Tai-Chi Double Saber

Tai-Chi Cane

All 4 of the Modern Arnis Cane Anyo's

Followed by cane basics

I ended with a Healing Qigong

Then off to shop at Gaff's

Notes:

I saw John again.....He said it's just too cold to surf!

 John walking north at sunrise

I also saw several sunrise beach regulars like Paul, who was walking this morning.

I also saw Marty who get Thursday's off and likes to walk to Flagler before the sun rises so he can watch the sunrise on his way back south to 22nd Ave. He had short and a t-shirt on!! His concession to the cold was to wear a hat. Oh ya and he was wadding in the water. He said the water temp was warmer that the air! 

Wednesday Practice

                             Sunrise at 7:04, there was some colorful sparkle on the beach.
 

                                          Just before sunrise, when I first got set up on the beach

The Photo:

The sunrise was at 7:04 and the next low tide will be at 9:40. It's cold (60's) with a north wind on the beach. The weather guy said the wind would be stronger but it wasn't bad at all. Yay! I dressed for it anyway. 

The Practice:

I did a full 10+ with additional cane work. I did mostly two cane basics like Redonda and Sinawalli's with stance work. 

Next I did a Round (right side) focused on: My body feeling light and agile......I felt very big and open throughout with a strong sense of Zhong Ding (central equilibrium). d 

"Using neutral postures, readily able to transform energy, through aligned bones and slightly stretched connective tissue, maintaining a calm and relaxed but focused mind."

I also tuned into feeling Song (release) continuously throughout the session.

Remember:

Muscle Down,

Bone Up

Next I reviewed Anyo Dalawa (Modern Arnis empty hand form #2) and Seisan Kata along with Tai-Chi Cane (right side) and the 4 Modern Arnis Cane Anyo (isa, dalawa, tatlo, apat in Tagalog Fillipino).

I ended with a Healing Qigong

Notes:

I saw several of the sunrise beach regulars. Notable Paul, Nissann and Natasha

                              They loved this photo of them goofing off on the beach....Yay!

Tuesday Practice

The Photo:

Sunrise was at 7:04, low tide at 8:43, with a light north breeze. It was a bit cooler in the low 60's, they say tomorrow will be cold, oh boy! There was plenty of hard packed sand to practice on. 

The Practice:

I did a full Warm Up using the 10+ followed by a Round (left side) focused on being light and agile. I had a very 'full' feeling throughout. Filled with emptiness. I especially could feel the fullness during Ward Off and Cloud Hands. It felt like the proper amount of stretch with Song (release). Excellent Round!

Next I reviewed Anyo Isa (Modern Arnis empty hand form #1) and Sanchin Kata

Followed by a Healing Qigong......."Qi permeates my bones"....ect.......

Notes:

I had another social morning on the beach. It's wonderful to connect with this group of folks that are out on the beach for sunrise. 

Several folks stopped to chat. First the main walking guy (don't know his name yet) who has been friendly and always says hi as he is walking by. He was alone today.

Next John (the surfer) stopped to chat. I hadn't seen him yet this season. He said he's been surfing instead.

Next Nissann and Natasha stopped by to chat and I took a couple of photo's of them. 

                                                          Here they are being silly!