Tuesday Practice @ The Studio

 

                     I went into The Studio to teach the 8-9:39 am Taiji and Qigong Class.

The Details: 

It was warmer (the 50's) but rainy. It rained hard overnight with thunder and lighting too! April showers bring May flowers? 

The Practice:

I got to The Studio about 10 minutes early. It gave me time to get 'set up'. Change into my training sneakers etc. 

When folks started to come in we all visited for a bit. 

I started with The 10+ explaining a few of the principles that I've been working on. 

Ting (awareness) leads to Song (release/expand) - The idea is to create space inside the body. 

Hang the muscles - Open the joints

I also talked briefly about Song creates Peng and that those principles are throughout Taiji

I also talked briefly about Zhong Ding (relaxed balance) like a perpetual gyroscope inside. Eventually all encompassing and omnipresent. 

I briefly mentioned that I've observed that Taiji practice can keep one's gate youthful longer. It's not a panacea, but it does hedge you bets.

Next I did a Round (right side) at 70 bpm - I think that the group found it difficult to keep with the count. I tried to talk about the genius of Master Liang and the fact that he had the form all laid out in an accessible way to get a good feel for Pausing at the end of postures without stopping. Flowing on ceaselessly like a great river flowing towards the sea.

I did a brief Healing Qigong at the end of the Round.

After class there was a bit of visiting. 

Next I did a couple of rounds of Taiji Jian with Read, Janee and Pat

We ended with a bit more visiting. It was great to see these folks are still practicing and to be able to talk with human beings about what I'm currently working on. Yay!!

 A small but enthusiastic group this morning. Pat is the junior of the group about to celebrate her 15th year of practicing and studying Taiji and Qigong.

I'll be teaching at The Studio this morning

 

I'll be teaching Taiji and Qigong at The Studio this morning from 8-9:30. I hope to see you there!

Monday Practice

        I shot this image with my phone camera mid-morning. It was warm an delightful for exercising.

 The Details:

It was 59 at the house. Sunrise was at 5:47. It's cloudy but not raining! The spring qi is palpable, thick and strong here in the shire (Leyden).

The Practice:

I practiced in the driveway facing south.

I started with a round of Taiji Dao using Master T. T. Liang's sword. It felt fabulous to be practicing with his broadsword (Dao) again. It's heavier than I remember!

Next I did a modified warm up using The 10+ mostly, but interspersed with several other spontaneous improvised methods that I was inspired to do.

Next I did a Round (left side) to a metronome set at 70 bpm with two tones. I'm finding it helpful to maintain focus and to not overthink. I also focused on:

Yang Cheng Fu's Ten Essential Points for Taiji Quan: 

Especially #5 "Sink the shoulders and let the elbows hang down loosely."

Master Paul's commentary on #5:

"Sinking the shoulders means that the shoulders must be relaxed and free and allowed to hang loosely. If one cannot relax them, they will begin to rise with the result that the qi will also rise and the entire body will be without real strength. Letting the elbows hand down loosely means to let them relax completely. If the elbows are held up, the shoulders will be unable to sink, and one will not be able to push an opponent far away. This will resemble the broken off energy of the external schools."

Next I did a round of Anyo Pito observing that my postures and flow are improving.

Next I did a round of Sunsu Kata tuned into the changes I'm making and the overall sequence and postures of the Kata.

I ended with a Healing Qigong

Note:

I'm getting many more spontaneous inspirations that lead me to new methods and exercises in Leyden. It's fabulous to practice here!

With gratitude and appreciation.

Sunday Practice

 

I shot this with my phone camera shortly after I got the fire going in the stove and picked up a bit. 

I have decades of history in this barn......Many fond memories going back to 2003 when we bought the property and started working towards what it's become. Living here is like living in a park with fabulous accommodations and a view that is captivating and accessible. I've been getting fabulous practices here. I think it's the vibe and the privacy. I'm going further inside; slowly, slowly, day by day I continue to take baby steps in my internal development. If you're patient it's fun!  

The Details:

It was 45 at the house this morning. Rain is in the forecast but nothing yet. It ended up being cool, a bit windy but sunny. I started a fire in the barn.

The Practice:

I practiced in The Barn interspersed with cleaning and organizing the space. I built a fire with some of the deadfall that I've been picking up since we arrived last Sunday. We've accomplished a lot since we arrived and have a ton more to go. 

I did a round of The 10+ interspersed with organizing The Barn and my practice space on the 'porch'.

Next I did a round to Master T. T. Liangs music with him counting out the beats. The CD player started screwing up during Part I so I used a metronome set at 70 bpm with two tones; one da, two da etc.....

I finished with a Healing Qigong.

Yang Cheng Fu's Ten Essential Points of Taiji Quan:

#4 (Clearly) Distinguish the substantial and the insubstantial.

Master Paul Gallaghers commentary:

"The number one principle of the art of Taiji Quan is to clearly distinguish the substantial and the insubstantial. If the weight of the entire body is placed on the right foot, then the right foot is substantial, and the left foot is insubstantial; when the weight of the entire body is placed on the left foot (or leg) , then the left foot is substantial and the right is insubstantial. If one has learned to clearly distinguish the substantial and insubstantial , then one can begin to move lightly and nimbly, without using the least bit of clumsy strength. If one cannot distinguish substantial and insubstantial, then one's steps will be heavy and clumsy, one's stance will be insecure, and one will easily fall under the control of an opponent." 

Saturday Practice - World Tai-Chi Day 2024 10-11 am local time

 

I shot this with my phone camera. I did bring my Canon, but I haven't processed the images yet. More photo's to come!

The Details:

It was a balmy 40 at the house this morning. Sunrise was at 5:50. It's cloudless, blue sky with little to no wind. It had warmed up considerably (60's?) by 10 am when the WTCD group formed at Dial/Self on Federal Street in Greenfield, MA 01301

The Practice:

I went into Greenfield to practice with the group that assembled for World Taiji Day at Dial/Self headquarters on Federal Street. Many thanks to Sensei Jeff for organizing and orchestrating the event again this year. There were between 15 and 20 participants. About half were Taiji players and about half were there to support the event and partake in the training. I started doing WTCD events back in the early 2000's. Jeff's has been hosting the event since I retired in 2016. There was a good turn out and I got to see and touch hands with a number of my long term students. That felt great.

First Jeff led through a warm up consisting mainly of the first half of Master Haywards Warm Ups. He explained a number of internal concepts, emphasizing Song and Peng.

Next he did several two person exercises to build a connection from contact point to feet.

Next he did a Round on the right side with folks just following along unless you already knew the form. After practicing on my own for the past 6 months, I found practicing with folks that didn't know the form a little distracting. I simply looked down and went inside my own form. It was great to see folks that didn't know the form making and effort and hopefully they will be inspired to learn Taiji at some point in the future. For those of us that are already practitioners it was great to practice with a group again. I'm looking forward to Tuesday morning at The Studio. It'll be my first time back to teach a class this season. 

Here's some food for thought the next time you practice Taiji.

Yang Cheng Fu's Ten Essential Points of Taiji Quan:

#3 Relax The Waist.

Master Paul Gallagher's commentary:

"The waist is the controlling axis of the entire body. If on can relax the waist, then the feet can develop rootedness and strength and one's stance can be secure. The interchange of substantial and insubstantial all derives from the rotation of the waist. Hence the Classics say, "The original source of the meaning (of the Thirteen Postures) is in the waist."

"If one's postures lack rootedness and strength, one must seek the cause in the legs and the waist."

I did a little push-hands with Jeff and Phil, reviewing a drill that I haven't done since last February with Jeff in NSB.

馬岳梁吳式太極快拳演練 Ma Yueh Liang practices Wu Style Taijiquan's Original Long Form (Wu Shi Taiji Kuai Quan):

Friday Practice

 

I used my phone camera for this image. Zoomed in as far as I dared to. Then I cropped it trying to get the 5 deer that were grazing throughout my practice session on the deck. Oh yeah and first a single hawk crying for it's mate then the mate and the first hawk flew away. Nature is amazing!!

The Details:

It was 30 here at the house...Brrr! Clear sky and lot's of sunlight. It'll be warmer this afternoon, all the way up to the 60's. Yay! 

The Practice:

I started off with a round of Taiji Jian with my metal sword and the music with me reciting the names of the postures. It's a CD that I made for training this form, back in 2009. It still works!!

Next I did a brief warm up #1 and #2 of The 10.

Next I did a Round (right side) to Master T. T. Liang counting the beats One Da, Two Da......tuned into staying with the count and issuing from my back, with the resulting Jin forming in my fingers

Next I did a Round (left side) to just the music. I was having a challenging time keeping my concentration on the continuous flow of the form and keeping it in time with the beat. Interesting practice from a mental attention point of view. Then when I did find I was out of sync (spaced out), trying not to react and just stay calm and focused and simple get back to it. I was able to do that on both Rounds. Doing a right followed by a left round is challenging from a mental attention and short term memory stand point. It requires the same sort of mental focus that playing an arrangement in music demands. You have to know where you are in the arrangement and if you're doing multiple iterations, as in a band practice, you must keep straight which iteration you are currently playing. Very similar mental attention is needed to keep 'things' straight.

I also tuned into the use of my back to store and release energy throughout the Round (s)

Yang Cheng Fu's Ten Essential Points of T'ai Chi Ch'uan (a handout from Master Paul Gallagher's classes)

#2 - "Let the chest be hollow and pluck up the back."

Master Paul's commentary: "Hollowing the chest means to let the chest be held in a bit do the ch'i can sink to the tan t'ien. One must avoid forcing out the chest; if the chest is forcibly expanded, then the ch'i will accumulate in the chest with the result that the upper part of the body will be heavy and lower part will be light; the heels will easily rise of the ground and ones's root will be broken. Plucking up the back means the ch'i must adhere to the back. If one can hollow the chest in the proper manner, then one can automatically pluck up the back; if one can pluck up the back, then energy can be issued from the spine so that one can be without match."

Next I put on wrist 2lb weights and did a round of Anyo Apat tuned into keeping my shoulders in the proper place and generally being careful not to injure or aggravate my shoulders. I have hurt them both in the past and one of the culprits was using wrist weights incorrectly. 

Next I did a round of Kusanku Kata using the same 2lb wrist weights. I tuned into the agility and health benefits of this Kata.

I finished with a Healing Qigong - 

"Pore Breathing 

- Qi Permeates My Bones - 

Breathing Out Into The Space 

That Is Everywhere

 Inside And Outside Of Me"

Thursday Practice

 

I shot this with my phone camera. I waited until the sun warmed things up to a balmy 40! Oy!! It was lovely on the deck out of the wind.

The Details: 

The sunrise was at 5:51 and it's 32 here at the house....Brrr!

It looks like it's going to be clear and warmer this afternoon.

The Practice:

I practiced on the deck again. I started with the first half of Master Haywards 30 Warm Ups and then went into The 10+ starting at #5.

Next I did a Round (right side) using Master T. T. Liang's music with him counting

Next I did a short Spear session in the driveway. I also found my metal Jian and the Dao that was bequeathed to me after Master Liang passed in 2002

Next I did a Round (left side) using Master Liangs music without the count. I lost a beat somewhere in Part III. Oh well, tomorrows another day. 

Next I did a round of Bagua Zhang working on Snake And Sparrow Palm and Yin/Yang Circle Walking

Notes:

During my Rounds I focused on Yang Chenfu's first principle:

*Copied from a hand out from Master Paul B. Gallagher

#1 - "Suspend the crown of the head lightly and alertly."

Master Paul's commentary: *"Preserving energy on the crown of the head (i.e. suspending the head) means that the head must be held perfectly erect, so that the spirit can reach the crown of the head. One must not use force; if one uses force the muscles of the neck will be strained and the result that qi and blood will not be able to circulate freely. Rather, one must have  light and alert feeling. if the crown of the head is not suspended lightly and alertly the spirit of vitality cannot be raised."

Wednesday Practice

 

I shot this with my phone camera mid-morning after it stopped drizzling. The buds are coming! All we need is one more sunny and warm day and they'll be busting open;^) Nature's Qi is strong here!

The Details:

It was down to the mid 40's and drizzling first thing this morning. I waited until 8:00 or so, then went out to practice on the deck. It had stopped drizzling for the most part but it was still cold. I wore a jacket and gloves.

The Practice:

I started with a full round of The 10+ tuned into breathing fresh air and lightly stretching internally from foot to finger tips and top of head. I aimed to produce a specific frequency, natures frequency; I was calibrating my mind/feeling/experience.

Next I did a Round to Master Liang's music and count on the right side tuned into my environment. It's beautiful here!

Next I did a round of Anyo Tatlo tuned into the flow of the postures and the quality of my basics.

Next I did a round of Chinto Kata tuned into the agility that this Kata demands.

Next I did a Round of Taiji on the left side to Master Liang's music without his count. I stayed right in time up until the very end when I got a spam phone call and stopped for a few beats to look and see who it was forgetting that I needed to keep the count because the music just kept going. I was off a few beats at the end. Oh well! Tomorrow's another day. 

I finished with a Healing Qigong.

Tuesday Practice

 

The Details:

I shot this image with my phone camera from the deck, mid morning after it warmed up a few degrees as the sunlight warmed up the earth and air. It was super clear without a cloud in the sky. It was 'crisp' but the air was fresh, clean and tasty! The Spring Qi was strong and delightful.

The Practice:

I used The Music with Master T. T. Liang counting out the beats. I used the solo form as a 'warm up' this morning. 

I started with Round on the right side to the music with Master Liang counting. One Da, Two Da........ 

Next I did a Round on the left just to the music. I was accurate with the count all the way through.

I noticed that the quicker pace (15 minute Round) afforded more opportunity for 'light and agile' movements. I like the idea of multiple round alternating between the right and left sides.

Next I did a round of Bagua Yin/Yang walking first using 'Wild Goose Leaves The Flock', followed by 'Snake And Hawk Palm' and I finished with 'Yin/Yang Palm'. The last two palms were spontaneous and came out as I continued to practice with Wild Goose Leaves The Flock Palm/Guard'. An epiphany that comes from doing and not overthinking, but allowing the epiphany to occur by getting out of the way mentally and spiritually while still doing the practice physically. A very interesting experience.

Next I did a round of Anyo Apat - I messed up the ending and had to re-start.

Next I did a round of Wansu Kata tuned into the quality of my basics getting full extension and more snap.

Email me if you see this.....

                            Holding The Moon at Christmas time on the beach last year.

*I've just returned to Leyden. Please email me if you're reading this. Thanks!

Email Sifu Roy

Monday Practice - First day back in Leyden

I started my day off with a cup of tea dedicated to Master Paul.  I used the teacup that was given to me soon after he passed. RIP - Gone but not forgotten!

 

I shot these images with my phone camera.

The Details:

I practiced on the deck this morning soon after it warmed up a few degrees! It was in the high 40's! Brrr!!

The Practice:

I started with a full round of The 10+ interspersed with beginning on Master Ray's 30 Warm Ups. I tuned into getting a very specific stretch; Not too much or too little, but just right.

Next I did a Round (left side) tuned into the view, the trees, the quiet, the air quality, the deer and most importantly the bird songs. There was continual bird songs throughout my Round. Spectacular Round! 

Next I did Standing Meditation session exploring the Taoist idea of the hardest section should be in the middle, making the beginning and ending more relaxed.

Next I resumed my rotation of the Modern Arnis and American Karate-Do forms with a round of Anyo Tatlo tuned into the applications of the postures.

Next I did a round of Seiunchin Kata tuned into the quality of my basics and adding more focus at the end of my postures.

Next I did a round of Taiji Double Dao with my Dragon Canes

I finished with a Healing Qigong.

Sunday Practice

 

We finally arrived back in Leyden this afternoon. I had a fabulous practice in my original practice spot in Leyden, near Big Greenie and all her friends. I had a profound connection to the trees all around me.  One the best Rounds I've had in weeks.

The Details:

Later than I usually practice but I wanted to wait until I got back to Leyden as opposed to practicing again in the hotel room before we left this morning. It was a good idea!

The Practice:

I started with a modified warm up. Less reps done slower with more feeling. 

Next I did a Round (right side) tuned into the trees all around me especially Big Greenie.

Saturday Practice

 

On the road practice in the hotel room before we hit the road again. Not the best round I've ever had but I got it in!

Friday Practice

 

My last sunrise beach practice for this season (2023-2024) this morning makes 158 sunrise practices this season. I shot this with my phone camera just as the sun was rising above the horizon.

The Practice:

No warm up just a Round (right side) tuned into the environment.

Thursday Practice

 

I shot this image with my phone camera as soon as I arrived at the beach. There was very little wind and what there was, was coming in from the west, so the beach was in the lee. The noseeums were out and bugging my face and neck. I was happy that I had long pants and long sleeves on.

The Details:

It's 69 here at the house. The sunrise was at 6:55 and the last high tide at 5:48. There was a strong Sea Scent reminiscent of the Sea Scent that I'm familiar with on the coast of Maine.

The Practice:

I started down by the water's edge with a full round of The 10+ tuned into the health benefits of doing this set daily. 

Next I stayed down by the water's edge to do a Round (right side) tuned into expressing Jin in my fingers and using that expression to connect to the horizon for cultivation of natures energies.

Next I did a round of Anyo Dalawa tuned into the quality of my basics and overall postures.

Next I did a round of Seisan Kata tuned into the timing of my steps and strikes. I used the crane stances to open my hips.

Next I did a round of Taiji Dao reciting the names of the postures out loud. I've been working on memorizing the names of the postures. I'm at about 40-50%.....More work is needed on this.

Next I did a left hand Dao session using Level Push and Draw the Knife Horizontally.

I finished with a Healing Qigong while I returned to the house.

I've got a 10 am haircut and lot's and lot's of packing to do .......Tomorrow we migrate north!

A Demo tribute to my late teacher Dr Leung Kay-chi RIP

Yin Fu 8 Palms with Master Ray Hayward.

Wednesday Practice

I shot this image with my phone camera when the sun first appeared over the horizon. 
 

The Details:

It's 70 here at the house. The sunrise was at 6:56, last high tide at 4:56. As soon as I arrived on the beach the steady south wind delivered a very strong scent of the ocean. It reminded me of Maine at low tide (love that particular aroma - The Sea). I frankly couldn't understand what was causing such a strong Sea Smell. A strong Sea Smell is very unusual on the beaches of NSB. It was pleasant surprise this morning. 

The Practice:

I started down by the water's edge with a round of The 10+ in combination with the beginning of Master Ray's 30 warm ups tuned into the environment, breathing in the aroma of the sea, feeling the gentle sea breeze, the sun rising, the clouds, the sound of the waves crashing on the beach....Ahhhh! 

With gratitude and appreciation!

Next I did a Round (right side) tuned into counter balancing and experiencing how a 'Round a Day' helps to keep ones gate and balance more youthful. 

Next I did a Standing Meditation session using Holding The Moon and Play Guitar tuned into cultivating with the horizon. I've been doing this version most every day after my Round of Taiji.

Next I did a round of Anyo Isa tuned into the quality of my basics and stance work. I focused on the flow, rather than the power.

Next I did a round of Niahanchi Kata tuned into the changes that I'm contemplating. I have a bunch of this form that is currently under revision. Stay tuned....

Next I did a round of Modern Arnis' 4 Cane Anyo's first with the right side and then with the left. I noticed that the left side of #4 was more accurate and easier than before. Yay!

I finished with a Healing Qigong as I was returning to the house.

Notes:

Marc, Gayle and Bill walking north. They are regular sunrise beach walkers. Like clockwork I see them most every morning when I'm down there exercising. They also socialize as they are exercising. 

"The very best exercise? The one that you'll do!"

Sifu

I said my good bye's to Marc, Gayle, Bill, John and Doris this morning. Although I may see them tomorrow. I'm not sure if I'll make it to the beach on Friday morning before we leave for Leyden.

Adam Hsu2017八卦猶龍(八掌篇)THE Secret file of Ba Gua Zhang

Great Grand Master Wu Tu Nan interview

Tuesday Practice

 

I shot this with my Canon on a tripod as the sun appeared over the horizon. I tried to time the shot to get the sparkle on the tops of the waves. I think I caught it!

The Details:

It's 65 here at the house. The sunrise was at 6:57, low tide at 10:30. It was cool at first with the breeze coming in from the west. 

The Practice:

There was plenty of hard packed semi-wet sand to practice on. I started down by the water's edge with a full round of The 10+ tuned into preparing my body and mind for the rest of my practices.

After moving my rig up the beach and taking off my jacket I did a Round of Taiji (left side) tuned into feeling the effects of daily Taiji practice. It's been an interesting experience to be able to practice at sunrise on the beach. Today was day 155 this season. It's been a wild ride. I'd highly recommend sunrise practices to any of you that have the will and self-discipline to pull it off. Give a try if you can!

With gratitude and appreciation.

Next I did a round of Anyo Walo tuned into the quality of my postures and stance work.

Next I did a round of Sanchin Kata tuned into the changes that I'm making and feeling the connection between my Tan T'ien (Hara) and my fist, fingers and palms.

Next I used my Dragon Canes to do a round of Taiji Double Dao tuned into the health aspect of this form and paying attention to keeping my right thumb and wrist safe. My right thumb is still bothering me a bit. I'm noticing stiffness in the morning and some discomfort while sleeping.

I finished with a Healing Qigong as I was returning to the house.

More packing today......Only three days to go before the big migration.

Monday Practice

 I continue to struggle to get down to the beach in time for sunrise....Never mind 10-20 minutes before the sunrise when there's a chance to get the color of the morning. I shot this image with my phone camera as soon as I arrived on the beach. I was about 10 minutes late. I does give me the opportunity to capture the actual sphere of the sun. It's all good! I have to remember that I only have 4 more opportunities to practice on the beach at sunrise. Frankly it's become such a regular and therefore ordinary way that I start my day here in New Smyrna Beach, I believe that I'm transitioning into extra-ordinary territory. Today makes 153 sunrise beach practices and photo shoots this season. 

With gratitude and appreciation!

The Details:

It's 64 here at the house. The sunrise was at 6:58, low tide at 9:35. There was a breeze but it was coming directly from the west and the beach was in the lee. Yes, the noseeums were out. I had a few buzz around my face and neck but not so bad that I needed to change venue.

The Practice:

I started down by the water's edge with a full round of The 10+ tuned into opening my body and calibrating my Yi. Preparing myself for the rest of my practice.

I stayed down by the water's edge to do a Round of Taiji (right side) tuned into the feeling  of Jin rising up to my fingers. I also tuned into the principle of 'swimming in air' feeling the Qi field all around me thicken up. I accessed the gestalt that I've felt while scuba diving. When I get my buoyancy dialed in and get neutrally buoyant the body is weightless but the resistance of the water is still present. In Taiji practice the body is light but the root is deep. Every posture is neutral and readily able to transform energy (roll back).

Next I did a round of Anyo Pito tuned into the agility that is needed for the change of direction stance work.

Next I did a round of Sunsu Kata tuned into the changes that I'm making and the sequence at the end.

Next I did a round of Taiji Jian with my wooden broadsword I recited the names of the postures out loud while I practiced.

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

I finished with a Healing Qigong as I was returning to the house.

Barrett was coming at 9 to detail the Lexus.

Sunday Practice

 

I arrived on the beach a bit late this morning. The sky was super clear and the sun was already above the horizon. I shot this image as soon as I got down to the water's edge with my phone camera.

The Details:

It's 59 here at the house. Sunrise was at 6:59, low tide at 8:38. There was plenty of hard packed semi-wet beach to practice on.

The Practice:

I started with a round of Bagua Zhang's Old Eight Palms tuned into opening my body and mind cultivating with nature's energies focused on the distant horizon.

Breathing in Qi is in me,

Breathing out, I'm in Qi.

Next I did a Round (left side) tuned into feeling the expanse at the ends of my postures and forming Jin in my fingers.

Next I did a round of Anyo Apat tuned into the quality of my postures.

Next I did a round of Kusanku Kata tuned into extracting as much agility as the form offers. I went really slowly and spent a few moments in the lower postures like the Zen Dashi and Crane Stances.

Next I did a round of Taiji Dao reciting the names of postures out loud as I remembered them.

I finished with a Healing Qigong as I was returning to the house.

Saturday Practice

 

I shot this with my phone camera as soon as I arrived on the beach. Sunrise get's earlier and earlier, day by day and getting down to the beach 10-20 minutes before sunrise on the off chance that there will be an amazing display of color is getting more and more challenging. It's also the end of the season here in NSB. We are heavy into packing for our migration to Leyden. Today was 152 sunrise beach practices this season and like everything else that I do on a daily basis eventually it becomes common place, ordinary and challenging to maintain a beginners mind set and maintain a high level of appreciation and gratitude for being able to practice the material that I practice at this age and of course where I'm practicing. It has been a life long dream of mine to live by the sea. 

With gratitude and appreciation!

The Details:

It's 60 here at the house. The sunrise was at 7:00, low tide at 7:42. It was cool on the beach with a steady breeze from the west. I dressed for it and had my hood up and gloves on.

The Practice:

I started down by the water's edge with the first half of Master Ray's 30 Warm Ups and then #8-10 of The 10+. I did a full session of the Swings and Song Gong.

Next I did a Round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics out loud as I started the Round. I payed close attention to "Neither excess, nor deficiency". To assist I imagine that I was being pulled when I was forward weighted as in a Bow Stance and pushed when I was shifted to the back leg as in Roll Back. 

Next I did a round of Anyo Tatlo tuned into my postures.

Next I did a round of Chinto Kata tuned into agility and quality basics

Next I did a round of Arnis Cane Anyo's 1-4 on both the right and left sides, working on the #4 on the left side. I used my wooden broadsword. These 4 Cane Anyo's lend themselves to being done with a broadsword. When I do these with a cane I keep track of where the imaginary blade is. 

I finished with a Healing Qigong as I was returning to the house.

Friday Practice

 

I shot these images with my phone camera. It was super clear and a rare chance to see the sun rise above the horizon. 

The Details:

It's 64 here at the house. The sunrise was at 7:01, low tide at 6:45. It was a bit cooler but less windy than yesterday. I kept my jacket on and put my gloves on too! 

The Practice:

There was plenty of hard packed and semi-wet beach to practices on. I started out down by the water's edge with a combination of The 10+ and a few of Master Ray's 30 warm ups too! I did a full round of the neck stretches that I've added after #3 and then switched back to #4 - 10 with a full session of the 'swings'.

Next I did a Round (left side) tuned into the effects of long term daily practice and the will and self-discipline that it takes to persevere and how that develops indomitable spirit over time and how doing a 'Round a Day' keeps ones gate youthful longer. 

Next I moved up the beach towards the dunes to do a round of Anyo Apat tuned into the kick/punch sequences and overall agility that this form helps with.

Next I did a round of Wansu Kata tuned into the stretches from extending the kicks all the way to muscle lock.

Next I used my wooden broadsword to do a round of Taiji Cane tuned into the new moves in Part III and the changes at the beginning and end to accommodate the broadsword. I was aware of the blade and tip throughout the form.

I finished with a Healing Qigong as I was returning to the house.

Thursday Practice

 

I shot this with my phone camera after the sun made it's appearance and before the color was completely washed out.

The Details:

It's 73 here at the house. Sunrise at 7:02, last low tide at 5:50. It was warm with a very strong wind coming from the S S/W and then swung around to the south. There weren't any noseeums, but the wind was an issue. Luckily nothing blew away....Yay!

The Practice:

There was plenty of hard packed sand to practice on so I started out down by the waters edge with a combination of The 10+ and the first half (upper body) of Master Ray's 30 warm ups. I've been attracted to this warm up combination for a while now. It just feels right! I've been freely moving between these sets as it suits me on that particular session.

After my warm up I moved further up the beach towards the dunes to see if could get in the lee. It worked a little, until the wind swung around to the south. 

I did a Round (right side) tuned into "In every movement my entire body is light and agile (spirited)".

Next I did a round of The 21 (Taiji Qigong) tuned into opening my body and mind. I used Hun/Haah breathing throughout the qigong and added the side to side bends and breath hold ala Master Choi.

Next I did a round of Anyo Tatlo tuned into the opportunities to train agility with the throw stance work.

Next I did a round of Seiunchin Kata tuned into the stance work and quality basics.

Next I did a round of Taiji Double Dao with my Dragon Canes

I finished with a Healing Qigong as I was heading back to the house. 

Notes:

Bill is coming over around 11 and we have to prepare the house for Laurie coming at 12:30

Wednesday Practice

 

I shot this with my phone camera a few minutes before the sun appeared. I love the various shades of pink. The surrogate (camera) can only approximate what I actually saw. There was so much more nuance, but this image is representative of the color that was only there for a few moments before it washed out.

Once the sun pops over the horizon the color disappears, you can count on it!

The Details:

It's 69 at the house. Sunrise was at 7:03, the last low tide was at 4:56.

The Practice:

I started with The 10+ and then at #3 I switched over to the first half of Master Ray's 30 warm ups. I think that they give a superior stretch to neck, shoulders, arms and back. The combo takes a little longer but I suspect the bang for the buck is substantial. It also just feels right!

Next I did a Round (left side) tuned into opening from arm pit to hip. I also tuned into dropping my Yi and Qi to the soles of my feet and feeling 9 joint harmony as the Jin rises up from feet to leg to waist to spine finally forming in my finger tips.

Next I did a round of Anyo Dalawa tuned into adjusting the quality of basic techniques.

Next I did a round of Seisan Kata tuned into quality basics, full extension and more focus.

Next I did a round of Taiji Jian with my wooden broadsword. I recited the names of postures out loud throughout the form.

I finished with a Healing Qigong as I was returning to the house.

I had a 8:15 appointment at Stuarts for the Lexus. Getting her ready for the trip home next week. Don't blink, time flies.

Tuesday Practice

 

                     I shot these images with my phone camera shortly after arriving on the beach.

The Details:

It's 67 here at the house. The sunrise was at 7:04, high tide at 9:58. There was no discernible wind. The noseeums were bugging me. Luckily I had long pants, socks and a long sleeved top on but they still were biting my neck and face. The little buggers!!

The Practice:

The main thing I've been thinking about is how long term consistency feels. I believe it's the same paradigm no matter the endeavor. First it's new, that makes it easier to approach, next it becomes regular, familiar and occasionally more difficult to approach, finally it becomes so regular and consistent that it changes and becomes so ordinary that it is regularly more difficult to approach. The length of time that you've been able to consistently do something has an affect on how that practice feels. One of the things that will come up is questioning if it's working. The most common inner dialogue is "With this amount of effort I should be better than I am"! There's a tendency to then change lanes, or choose a different path that will be easier and quicker to the goal. Think of it like walking the Appalachian Trail, if you haven't seen a mile marker for awhile, you may think you're on the wrong trail and decide to backtrack and take a different route. That can waste a lot of time. This is very common in martial arts training. There are those that change paths every few years thinking that they are not making fast enough progress.

"Choose your path, follow it with heart" Don't give up and change paths easily, but don't stop studying and refining either. 

I started with a combination of The 10+ and Master Ray's 30 warm ups tuned into consistency.

Next I did a Round (left side) tuned into longevity of practice (I'm in year 49) and consistency (I practice every day). With consistency comes questioning what you're doing and how you're doing it. 

Don't think, just do!

Next I did a round of Anyo Isa tuned into consistency and longevity of practice. I learned this form in 1986 from Sifu Lee Lowry one of my mentors in Modern Arnis.

Next I did a round of Naihanchi Kata tuned into the changes that I'm making and full extension of techniques. 

Next I did a round of Taiji Dao with my wooden broadsword.

I finished with Healing Qigong as I was heading back to the house.

Monday Practice

 

                                I shot this image with my phone camera soon after arriving on the beach.

I shot this image with my Canon on a tripod shortly after sunrise.

The Details:

It's 67 at the house.  The sunrise was at 7:06, high tide at 9:08. There was no discernible wind and very little beach to practice on.

The Practice: 

I started with a round of Wuji Hundun Qigong. I needed a change from The 10+ and it was time to review and re-connect with this qigong set that I learned from GM Duan Zhi Liang back in the early 2000's.

I did a brief session of swings before doing a Round (right side) tuned into sinking my qi. I dropped my Yi to the bottoms of my feet throughout the round.

Next I did a round of Anyo Walo tuned into full extension of punches and kicks.

Next I did a round of Sanchin Kata tuned into the changes that I'm making to that form and connecting my mind to breathing and moving from the T'an T'ien (Hara).

Next I did a round of Taiji Double Dao with my Dragon Canes tuned into the 'blade' of the canes.

Next I did a Healing Qigong as I was returning to the house.

                                                                         Oopsie!

Sunday Practice

 

I shot this with my phone camera as the sun was rising. I wished I had brought my camera rig....Oh well!

The Details:

It's 62 here at the house. Sunrise at 7:07, high tide at 8:16. The tide was high and there was very little beach to practice on. No discernible wind.

The Practice:

I practiced in very soft and deep sand again. It made for a challenging session. I find that I'm unconsciously adjusting my footing and placing my weight very evenly on my supporting foot. I'm also using higher stances in the deep sand.

I started with a full round of The 10+ tuned into opening my joints

Next I did a Round (left side) tuned into 'Swimming in Air' and opening (song) the space between my armpits and hips.

Next I did a round of Anyo Anim tuned into agility

Next I did a round of Sunsu Kata tuned into the changes that I'm making and the overall quality of my basics and postures.

Next I did a round of Taiji Dao tuned into the tip of my wooden broadsword.

Next I did 'Level Push' repeatedly with my left hand including the knife flower and change step.

I finished with a Healing Qigong as I was returning to the house.

Notes:

Very few tourists on the beach this morning. The high tide keeps the riff raff off the beach....Yay! It's all good except the lack of hard packed sand to practice on.

We're having brunch with Al and Claire at the Bakers Table at 11:30

 

Saturday Practice

 

I shot these photos with my Canon on a tripod. I had several Pelicans cooperate with composition. Thanks Peli friends.

There were several squadrons of Pelicans cruising the waves just offshore.

I captured these little cutie pies just before sunrise. There were some beautiful hues of light pinks on the horizon, ala Maxwell Parish!

The Details:

It's 62 here at the house. The sunrise was at 7:08, high tide at 7:24. There was no discernible wind and very little beach to practice on. I didn't notice any noseeums.

The Practice:

The tide was rising and there was very little beach to practice on. I ended up practicing in deep soft sand, not my favorite but I made due with what I had.

I started with a full round of The 10+ tuned into waking my body and mind up. I've been feeling a bit tired lately. I'm at that point in the season that I'm so used to practicing at sunrise on the beach that it's become very, very ordinary. I have to keep reminding myself of where I am and what I'm doing. It may be easier to access the 'feel good' chemistry if I was training intermittently. Consistency is challenging on many levels. 

Next I did a Round (right side) tuned into opening (song) from my armpits to my hips. I also tuned into forming Jin in my finger tips and connecting my Yi to the horizon. 

Next I did a round of Anyo Anim tuned into adding more snap to my punches and kicks

Next I did a round of Kusanku Kata tuned into agility and stretch. This Kata is substantially more challenging in the deep soft sand. I adjusted accordingly!

I finished with a Healing Qigong as i was returning to the house.

Notes:

The sand was too deep to practice in so I didn't do any weapons training. My left foot has been bothering me. Better safe than sorry? I haven't been doing as much weapons training or musical practices since injuring my right thumb practicing three finger triplets on my bass guitar. I'm working up White Rabbit by Jefferson Airplane along with Eight Days a Week by The Beatles for possibly playing with Awesome Possum.

Friday Practice

 

                                      I shot this with my Canon camera in RAW (CR2) format

                                    This is the same image shot in JPEG (compressed) format.

The Details:

It's 57 at the house. Sunrise at 7:09, high tide at 6:32. There was no discernible wind and there was plenty of beach to practice on. It was cool but with my hood up and gloves on I was toasty warm and cozy.

The Practice:

I had limited time this morning due to the regular video meeting with Jeff from 8-9 am on Fridays.

I started with a round of Wild Goose Qigong tuned into natures Qi all around me.

Next I did a Round (left side) tuned into Mushin State of Mind and Wu Wei

Next I did a Standing Meditation session tuned into cultivating natures energies. I used Holding The Moon and Play Guitar postures to connect internally and externally with the horizon. 

I finished with a Healing Qigong as I headed back to the house

Notes:

A shorter practice this morning; I needed to get back to the house because, I have a standing video meeting with Jeff every Friday morning from 8-9

I got to the gym to do resistance training twice this week and it felt really good to get back to building lean muscle mass (LMM). Having house guests changed my schedule so I ended up missing the gym last week altogether. I've been very consistent about going to the gym this season. First three time a week then twice. Last week was the first week that I've missed since November 2023. Yay! Resistance training is an essential part of longevity training after 40, definitely after 70!! 

Thursday Practice

 

The Details:

It's 61 here at the house. The sunrise was at 7:10, high tide at 5:37. It was cool on the beach, the sea was flat with no discernible wind. I didn't notice any noseeums.

The Practice:

I left my exercise sneakers with my orthotics in the pouring rain yesterday afternoon. It'll take days for them to dry out. Ugh!!

I used my 'go out' sneakers without orthotics and I seemed to be able to get away with it.

I was later than I wanted to be. I've been dealing with an inordinate amount of self-speak, attempting to negotiate a 'day off'. alas my way is to adjust, to rest, to modify, to change just enough to keep consistent. IMO consistency is more critical than intensity, unless you can be consistent at that level of intensity. Anyway I've been having to use more self-discipline to get out to sunrise and the gym than I think is healthy. It's time to adjust!

I started with a modified warm up using The 10+ tuned into consistency of 'doing them'

Next I did a Round (right side) tuned into the horizon, soft and smooth, and expressed  Jin in my fingers and hands.

Next I did a round of Anyo Apat tuned into agility and the quality of my basics and postures

Next I did a round of Wansu Kata tuned into adding for Jin at the focus point of my punches and kicks

Next I used my Dragon Canes to do Arnis cane warm ups and Arnis and Taiji basics and sequences from the forms.

I finished with a Healing Qigong as I was heading back to the house.

Wednesday Practice

 

I shot this with a Canon camera on a tripod soon after arriving on the beach. I brought my camera because it was very colorful when I looked out the backyard but by the time I got to the beach most of the color had faded away. I was still happy to have my camera rig.

About 1/2 hour after sunrise the sun peaked out from behind the clouds and delivered a moment of color and a splash of red on the wet beach too!

The Details:

It's 71 here at the house. The sunrise was at 7:11, last high tide at 4:35. It was warm with an intermittent south wind.  

The Practice:

I started with a full round of The 10+ tuned into adjusting my frequency to match mother nature.

Next I did a Round (left side) tuned into counter balancing and using head butt when angling forward as in "Part the Wild Horses Mane". I'm still working on the three positions for 'Press'; Wrist, Forearm and Palm. I'm finding a comfortable position in all three variations. I prefer the Wrist and Palm.

Next I did a round of Anyo Tatlo tuned into developing agility with the Step Behind and Turn stance work

Next I did a round of Seiunchin Kata tuned into the quality of my postures and techniques

Next I used my Dragon Canes to do a round of Taiji Double Dao (broadsword)

Tuesday Practice

I shot this with my Canon on a tripod after the sun was up in the clouds.

I shot this with my phone camera shortly after the image above.

Interesting clouds this morning.

The Details:

It's 68 here at the house. Sunrise at 7:12, low tide at 10:15. It was warm with very little to no wind. I didn't notice any noseeums but I did have sweat pants and long sleeves on. I was overdresses....Again. It's supposed to be 89 later this afternoon. Well it is April 2nd!

The Practice:

There were lot's of tourists on the beach this morning; Low tide, less wind and warm temps attracted the masses.

I started with a full round of The 10+ tuned into the horizon and the overall energy of the beach at sunrise.

After taking off my jacket and then my long sleeve technical top I did a Round (left side) tuned into

"Rub the Neck on the Collar"

Counter balancing and jin forming in my fingers

Next I did a round of Anyo Dalawa tuned into the accuracy of my postures.

Next I did a round of Seisan Kata tuned into the quality of my basic, punches, kicks and strikes.

Next I did a round of Taiji Cane tuned into the changes in Part III. First I did the form with my wooden broadsword in my right hand and then I got up to the end of Part IV with my left hand.

I finished with a Healing Qigong as I was returning to the house.

Monday Practice - Day 8,311 -

 I shot this photo with my phone shortly after arriving on the beach. As the sun rises earlier and earlier I'm having more trouble getting down to the beach 10-15 minutes before sunrise. It is better for the photos that have the actual ball of the sun above the horizon. But I still prefer to get down there before that, so that I can see the whole deal, before, during and after the sun actually rises above the horizon.

The Details:

It's 65 here at the house. The sunrise was at 7:14, low tide at 9:17. There was very little breeze and lot's of beach to practice on. It was warm and I ended up taking my jacket off after my warm ups. For the second day in a row, I was overdressed.

The Practice:

I started out with a full round of The 10+

Next I did a Round (right side) tuned into "formed in the fingers", expressing Jin when it rises up to my fingers. I initially got this idea from William C. C. Chen and have been contemplating it ever since.

Next I did a round of Anyo Isa and Naihanchi Kata tuned into the quality of my basics in Anyo Isa and the changes I'm contemplating in Naihanchi Kata.

At this point I really needed to use a bathroom (too much coffee this morning!) so I did a Healing Qigong while I was rushing back to the house.

After a much needed bathroom break I resumed my practice in the backyard.

I did a round of Taiji Staff, Monkey Staff and Low Family Staff tuned into my Jin extending out to the tip of the Staff.