Friday, May 31, 2024

Sifu Lee Lowery and Prof. Remy Presas


 A photo from a demonstration (probably) note the uniform and rank belts. Perhaps is was just a photo shoot. Generally the Prof. did 'dress up' for training, rather it was more a relaxed with family feel.

"You got it baby?" "Relax, go slow" "Be Happy" "Go with the Flow" are some of the Professors regular sayings that leads to the 'Magic' meaning everybody had a good time and they were smiling?


Friday Practice

 

The Details:

It was 46 at the house (Brrr). Sunrise was at 5:15. It ended up being a beautiful blue bird kind of day. A wee bit on the cooler side but still!!


The Practice:

I've got a 8-9 video call with Jeff this morning, then a guitar lesson with Shubal at 11. Cancelled!

I practiced out by Big Greenie (The tree) and started with The 10+ tuned into #4 to prepare the attendants on Sunday for one of the baiting techniques in Tapi Tapi and an empty hand technique and entrance for Single Sinawalli.

Next I did a Round of Taiji (right side) tuned into the transformation that occurs with daily practice.

Next I did a round of Anyo Anim tuned into applications especially at the beginning and at the end.

Next I did round of Kusanku Kata tuned into the agility and benefit that is gained from practicing this form. I demands agility!

Next I did a Healing Qigong

Next I moved to the driveway and did a round of the 4 Modern Arnis Stick/Cane Anyo with a broadsword.  

Thursday, May 30, 2024

The last photo that I have with Prof. Remy Presas.

 

Taken in Victoria B.C. 

l to R Roland Dantes, Prof. Remy Presas (wheelchair), Kelly Worden (sitting) Brian Zawalinski and myself.

Many thanks to Brian Z for sharing this photo with me. It's the last time any of us were with the Prof. RIP - Gone but not forgotten.

Thursday Practice

 

It was raining so I opted to practice up in The Loft. I shot this wide angle with my phone camera.


The Details:

It's 55 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:16. It was cool and raining medium hard.


The Practice:

I started with a full round of The 10 + interspersed with inspiration about what to teach this coming Sunday at the Modern Arnis Workshop from 10-Noon. I have some ideas!

I did a short Healing Qigong sending Healing Energy to family, friends, students and teachers, and all sentient beings throughout the universe (s)

Next I did a Round (left side) tuned into the principles and transformation.

Next I did a round of Anyo Lima tuned into the application with an imaginary partner.

Next I did a round of Chinto Kata tuned into the specifics in this Kata and the notion that the form represents SD on a hillside.

 I finished by brainstorming material to present on Sunday. I have a bunch of ideas.

The main one from the Prof. is to create the 'magic':

Be relaxed, 

Be Happy, 

Don't worry,

Go slow and easy,

No stress,

Be comfortable and enjoy yourself. 

 

Smile!!

Go with the flow. 

Find your own way to make 'it' work for you!

Master Wei Shaotang

Wei was grandmaster of 8Step Praying Mantis and Master Liang's teacher in Taiwan.

Thanks to Master Ray Hayward for finding and sharing this historical footage.

Isn't video marvelous? IMO it's the biggest innovation to happen in martial arts this era. 


Wednesday, May 29, 2024

Modern Arnis Workshop Sunday 6.2.24 @ The Studio w/ Sifu Roy from 10-Noon

 

I'm offering an Arnis Workshop this coming Sunday from 10-Noon at The Studio.

Curriculum will be determined by who signs up, but it will be pure Modern Arnis that I learned directly from Prof. Remy Presas. 

Email me if you're interested

Email Sifu Roy

Or speak to Sensei Jeff or Guro Luke before or after classes.

Wednesday Practice @ Paul's

 

  From the driveway looking west towards the back yard. I shot this wide angle with my phone camera.


The Details:

It's 59 here at the house. Sunrise was at 5:16


The Practice:

I did a Round (right side) in the driveway before driving to Paul's in Hatfield.

I started with a brief round of The 10+ doing only a few of each.

Next I drove to Hatfield for 10am

When I arrived at Paul's we went upstairs to his beautiful Taiji Room

I started with empty hand single Sinawalli with moderate success.

Next a brief warm up mostly the neck and upper body.

Paul was tired from 4 days of visitors this past week.

Next we did a push and pull version of single arm Push-Hands. He is having trouble putting his weight on the right side.

Next we walked around my knapsack, with the idea to keep a constant distance from the knapsack.

Next we worked on Dorsiflexion. As we age there's usually on foot that is more difficult to 'pull back' than the other. A combination of tight calf and weak front of shin. Working on it regularly will yield results. Daily is best. 

With any method:

Consistency is more critical that intensity.....Always!

Lastly we did 3/4 of Part I of the Taiji Solo Form - I focused on the proper sequence for the introduction.

Paul said he was tired, so we stopped training and went down stairs.

I watched him go down the stairs. 

Afterwards I made a few suggestions.

He did a little practice on the first few steps going up and down holding on to the railing. Working on his 'Stair Climbing Method' both going up and then coming down. It seems that going down is more difficult than going up. Going up he is using a lot of pulling himself up with both hands.

Hopefully the PT person will address going up and down stairs during his PT appointment this afternoon.

I drove back to Leyden and stopped for gas and groceries on the way.


Tuesday, May 28, 2024

B. P. Chan Taiji Form

Tuesday @ The Studio Practice -- Longevity!

 

                                I shot this with my phone camera before anyone showed up for class.

The Details:

It's 66 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:17.

The Practice:

I went into The Studio to teach the 8-9:30am Taiji and Qigong Class. I had four students show up.

I talked about Longevity.....It's a thing! You can relate that to just about everything. Strive to consistently practice over a long period of time. Just staying healthy enough to practice as one ages is a goal.

I started with a Warm Up using the first half of Master Ray Haywards warm ups.

Next I did full session of Standing. I adjusted the sequence to put the hardest postures in the middle and starting and ending with the easiest.

Next I did a round of The 21 (Taiji Qigong) talking through the breathing.

After a short water break we did a Round of Taiji Quan starting on the left side for Part I and back to the right side for Part II & III.

I ended with a Healing Qigong

After class I did a round of The Taiji Dance with Read. We made it through both sides. Yay!

Next I did a round of Taiji Jian with Janee talking through the names of postures. 

Next I did a round of Taiji Jian on my own.

I left The Studio to make a short stop at Travis' to return his tablet.

Next I went to the YMCA to do a CYBEX session. I saw Jackie Burke there.

I connected with Zach to repair the Gibson 335 ES Dot.....Yay! It'll take time and a couple hundred dollars...but at least it'll be fixed!


Monday, May 27, 2024

Prof Cheng's 4 directions pushing hands method, part 2. Techniques and i...

Master Ray Hayward teaches 4 direction Push-Hands from Master T. T. Liang

Prof Cheng's 4 directions pushing hands method, part 3. Techniques and c...

Master Ray Hayward explains 4 direction Push-Hands from Master T. T. Liang's

Prof Cheng's 4 directions pushing hands method, part 1

Master Ray Hayward explains Master T. T. Liang's 4 direction Push-Hands

Prof Cheng's 4 directions pushing hands method, part 4, Roll Back: Half ...

Master Ray Hayward presents Roll Back.

Monday Memorial Day Practice

 

It was raining today so I opted to practice in The Barn. I also set up my Tama drum kit and started in on the PA. I shot this wide angle with my phone camera.

The Details:

It's 65 here at the house. The sunrise was at 5:18.

The Practice:

After setting up the Tama's and a session of drum set practice. I got them sounding pretty darn good! I started with a round of The 10+ on The Porch.

Next I did a Round (left side) to the Master T. T. Liang's music and his count. I tuned into the 'arrangement' and focused in on making what could feel fast, feel slow. 

Next I came inside The Barn and did a round of Anyo Apat tuned into the kicks and set ups for the kicks and basics in general.

Next I did a round of Wansu Kata tuned into the slipping of punches by angling my body. This happens several times throughout the kata.

Next I used my Dragon Canes to do a complete Stick Warm Up and a session of Arnis basics ending with the 'Around The Head' series.

I finished with a Healing Qigong....


The Tama's w/ my Premiere 2000 snare drum (hidden). This kit is all birch, very well constructed with a 18" bass drum. I've been playing my big Ludwig kit in the loft. This kit sounds very different and is very fun to play. I'm looking forward to playing music with my pals.


         A high quality all Birch Kit that I bought this a few years back from my drum pal Dave K.



I'll be teaching Taiji & Qigong Tuesday 5/28 from 8-9:30 @ The Studio

 

I hope you can join me Tuesday 5/28 from 8-9:30 am @ The Studio for Taiji Quan and Qigong Class.

Email me if you can make it. Thanks!

Email Sifu Roy

Sunday, May 26, 2024

Sunday Memorial Day Practice

 

                 My main outdoor practice spot. I shot this with my phone camera wide angle.


The Details:

It's 65 here at the house. The sunrise was at 5:18.


The Practice:

I started outdoors in my main practice spot. I immediately noticed the Black Flies, but thought I could pull it off.

I started with a round of The 10+ but by the time I got to #2 it was apparent that I would have to move indoors to escape the pesky Black Flies.

I went into The Barn and finished The 10+ interspersed with cleaning and organizing The Barn. I'm preparing to set up my Tama drum set. 


The Barn before I started to set up the Tama's

I've been having a massive amount of trouble posting to this blog. Evidently  my newer chrome book is in need of an overhaul. It's become completely useless and super annoying. I've switched to the Lenevo laptop that I usually keep upstairs. It's working much, much better!

After The 10+ I did a Round (right side) tuned into consistency of practice and the slow but steady transformation that occurs with daily practice.

Next I did a round of Anyo Tatlo tuned into the applications and transformation.

Next I did a round of Seiuchin Kata tuned into the sequence and stability of postures and transitions.

Next I used my Dragon Canes to do a full Stick Warm Up and Modern Arnis double stick basics for twirling. I did a full shoulder routine also.

Saturday, May 25, 2024

Saturday Practice - O'Day 17 to the boatyard

 

                   It took a few hours but there she is all tucked in and ready to launch.


The Details:

It's 53 here at the house. Sunrise was at 5:19


The Practice:

I had limited time this morning. It's the day to bring the boat to the lake.

I practiced in the driveway before I drove up to the lake.

I started with a modified version (shortened) of The 10 +

Next I did a Round on the right side tuned into consistency

I ended with a Healing Qigong.


                One of the more complicated things to rig; Rigging the main sheet through it's cleat.




Friday, May 24, 2024

Friday Practice

 

                        I shot this with my phone camera. Looking north towards my main practice area.


The Details:

It's 56 here at the house. The sunrise was at 5:20.


The Practice:

I practiced in my main practice area this morning. I had a 8-9 video call with Jeff, but was later cancelled. 

I started with round of The 10+ tuned into transformation and the effects of daily practice. Consistency is the key!

Next I did a Round (right side) tuned into the principles and cultivating natures qi.

Next I did a round of Anyo Dalawa tuned into transformation

Next I did a round of Seisan Kate tuned into the quality of basics and postures. I also tuned into the timing of stepping and punching or blocking.

Next  I did a round of Taiji Double Dao (broadsword) using my Dragon Canes tuned into the health benefit by doing this form, especially tuned into shoulder and arm/hand health.

I finished with a healing qigong.

Note:

I had a guitar lesson with Shubal at 11. I needed time to pack up and get ready to go. It takes about 1/2 hour to get to his place in Colrain.


Thursday, May 23, 2024

Thursday Practice - Looking deeply at one thing -


                   I shot this with my phone camera looking west in front of The Barn.


The Details:

It's 64 here at the house. Sunrise was at 5:21


The Practice:

I practiced on the stone patio in front of The Barn.

I started with a modified warm up using the beginning of Master Ray's 30 warm ups interspersed with The 10+.

Next I did a Round (right side) tuned into the continued and subtle transformation that I'm receiving as I practice Taiji daily. I'm in my third decade of consistent daily practice. What a marvelous and mysterious exercise.

Next I did a round of Anyo Dalawa tuned into the overall quality of the form

Next a short session of double stick basics using my Dragon Sticks.

I had a long conversation with Brian Z. I'm planning on participating in the next Modern Arnis 'Round Table' discussion next Wed. evening


"Looking deeply at any one thing,

 we see the whole cosmos."

Thich Nhat Hanh

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Wednesday Practice - Compassion is born of understanding -

 


I shot this with my phone camera looking south from in front of the 3rd bay of my garage. 

The Details:

It was 65 here at the house. Sunrise was at 5:21.



The Practice:

I did a Round (right side) in the driveway tuned into the constant transformation that occurs when one practices the principles when doing a Round of Taiji daily.

I drove down to Hatfield to work with Paul. I met Read there at 10.

We started with a warm up in Paul's Taiji Room.

I suggested to Paul:

 A wider stance 

Big open circles 

Circles in both directions

Turning palms up and down, in and out

The Introduction to the solo form - Six Counts

Reverse Punches with resistance

Single Hand Push-Hands

I finished with a little conversation with Jean.

Paul was tired.



"Compassion is always born of understanding,

and understanding is the result of looking deeply."

Thich Nhat Hanh

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Tuesday at The Studio Practice

 

                        I shot this with my phone camera this morning before anyone showed up.

The Details:

It was 56 at the house. Sunrise was at 5:24


The Practice:

I drove into The Studio around 7:25 for the 8 am class.

I unlocked and opened a few windows and changed into my training sneakers. 

I did a round of  The 8 Animal Set from Cheng Style Bagua Zhang.

Next I did a session of Yin/Yang Walking from Cheng Style Bagua Zhang

I had Read and Lucy show up for class this morning. They wanted to work on Master T. T. Liang's Two Person Dance (form). 

Lucy and I started with two person Withdraw And Push tuned into palm up on the hand moving under in a wiping manner and keeping a neutral posture throughout.

I introduced the first Da Lu - We worked on Shoulder Stroke

Lucy and Read did parts I II III with a few suggestions.

Time was getting short so we did a Round of Taiji Quan on the left side.

I ended with a short Standing with a Healing Qigong 

Lucy had to leave

Read and I worked to get through the entire sequence on one side. It's been awhile!

I went to the YMCA and did a full round of CYBEX - Those are great machines!

A short stop and TITO'S for a pork bowl. 

Next stop home and lunch wih GG

Next a walk around The Farm to help digest and then some Blog-ing.....That's all folks!

Please let me know if you're reading this. Thanks!

email Sifu


Monday, May 20, 2024

Monday Practice - Take care of ourselves -

 


The Details:

It's 53 here at the house. The sunrise was at 5:23.

The Practice:

I practiced on The Patio in front of The Barn this morning. I've got a doctors appointment at 11 this morning, so I was on a schedule.

I started with a full round of The 10+ tuned into transformation and principles.

Next I did a Round (right side) tuned into taking care of myself. How does doing a Round a Day translate to abundant health as we age? I can't quite put my finger on exactly why, but I do enjoy the benefits of daily Taiji Quan practice. It's a marvelous and intelligent form of exercise for mind, body and spirit! I feel lucky to have it in my life.

Next I did a round of Anyo Isa tuned in the quality of my basics and postures. 

Next I did a round of Naihanchi Kata tuned into the changes that I'm making to that form. I think I've got it pretty well flushed out, in the end it looks like just a couple of changes; Taking out the finger strikes and the second double pivot. 

Note:

A quote to reflect on:

                                                                    Thich Nhat Hanh

"To take care of ourselves, 

we take care of those around us."

Sunday, May 19, 2024

Sunday Practice - Graduation Party Day

 

Setting up for the big graduation party for Dylan and Guilia. Yay, it doesn't look like rain and with the cloud cover to too hot either. Perfect!!

The Details:

It's 59 at the house this morning. Sunrise was at 5:24.

The Practice:

I did a short workout in between chores, lot's and lot's of chores! But The Farm never looked better. The house and barn too! 

I did an abbreviated version of The 10 + tuned into opening my body, releasing tension and entering into a tranquil state. The last one was challenging because of the amount of chores that need to get done before the party.

Next I did a Round (right side) tuned into the transformation that occurs with long term consistent practice of the Taiji solo form.

I ended with a brief Standing and a Healing Qigong.


A quote from Thich Nhat Hanh:


"Breathing out,

I am the moon

that is sailing 

through the sky

of utmost

emptiness.

I am freedom"

Saturday, May 18, 2024

Saturday Practice - Live in the present moment

 

                                     I shot this with my phone camera facing S S/E from The Deck.


The details:

It's 59 at the house. Sunrise was at 5:25.


The Practice:

I practiced on The Deck this morning.

I started with a full round of The 10+ tuned into the opening of my body and mind and connecting to the spring Qi.

Next I did a Round (right side) tuned into the being in the present moment and realizing that if you were truly in the present moment you would loose the sequence of the form. So there's a balance of being IN the moment but do to the point where you loose your place in the form. Cool!!

I ended with a Healing Qigong before returning to preparations for the graduation party tomorrow afternoon.

So much to do!!

A quote from Thich Nhat Hanh:

"One of the basic teachings of the Buddha

is that it is possible to live happily 

in the present moment."


Friday, May 17, 2024

Friday Practice - Compassion will transform life

 

I shot this image with my phone camera from The Deck looking W S/W. The lilacs are in bloom it smells amazing all around the house. Perfect!

                                       Looking S S/W from The Deck. Spring green is Ooh la la!

The Details:

It's 51 at the house. Sunrise was at 5:26.


The Practice:

I had a 8-9 am video call with Jeff to start the day, then I had a dental cleaning in Greenfield at 10.

I started my practice, out on The Deck with The 10+, after getting off the computer with Jeff.

Next I did a Round tuned in to gratitude, appreciation and compassion in the present moment!

I ended with a Healing Qigong before cleaning up for my dentist appointment.

Notes:

Thich Nhat Hanh:

" The energy of compassion in you will transform life 

and 

make it more beautiful."

Thursday, May 16, 2024

Echo emerging from his tunnel bed....

 

                                             A daily routine; emerging from his cocoon!

Thursday Practice - Touching one thing deeply -


                       The view from The Loft looking south towards East Hill and Beaver Meadow.


The Details:

It's 59 here at the house. Sunrise was at 5:27. It's going to be a rainy day!

The Practice:

It was raining so I practiced up in The Loft. 

I started with a Standing Session on a Bosu Ball. I released downward and tuned into feeling the difference of my new orthotics.

Next I did a full round of Self-Massage tuned into moving blood, lymph and Qi.

Next I did a round of The 10+ interspersed with organizing and cleaning The Loft. I've got a dump run in my future!!

Next I did a Round of Taiji Quan (left side) tuned into transformation and mobilizing Jin. I had a very powerful Round both from a cultivation perspective and a martial perspective. Well balanced and very serene.

Thich Nhat Haah quote:

"You touch one thing deeply and everything is there." 


Next I went out on the deck (it had stopped raining momentarily) and did a round of Anyo Walo tuned into the quality of the Form.

Next I did a round of Sanchin Kata focused on connecting my tan t'ien to my fists, fingers and palms.

                      The view from The Deck looking south towards East Hill and Beaver Meadow.


Tian Zhaolin frame 'Huang DeFa' - Historical Video -

A historical video 
Perhaps the oldest video record of the Tian Zhaolin Form.
Performed by Huang Defa, direct student of and assistant teacher for Tian Zhaolin.

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Wednesday Practice

 

             I shot this with my phone camera standing right outside the back door to the house looking east.

The Details:

It's 60 here at the house. Sunrise was at 5:28.

The Practice:

I practiced out in The Barn before I left for South Hadley. I had an appointment with Fournier Foot Care to get my orthotics looked at and a new pair made. It's an hour drive each way and I had a gig in Greenfield at the Energy Park at 1 with the Awesome Possums. I had a limited amount of time.

I started with a brief warm up using the first few of The 10+

Next I did a Round of Taiji Quan (left side) tuned into transformation and making space inside my body. 

After my appointment I drove back, had a bit to eat, loaded up my car and drove back into Greenfield just in time to set up my snare drum and bass guitar. The sound was weird for my bass because when Brian (the sound guy) took and out from the back of the amp to the PA the sound went out on the amp. I had a heck of a time hearing myself. That's how it goes with gigs, chalk it up to experience!


       The Awesome Possums on stage at the Energy Park event for Mental Health in Franklin County.


Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Tuesday Practice @ The Studio

 

I shot this with my phone camera after class this morning. 


The Details:

It was 57 at the house. Sunrise was at 5:29. 


The Practice:

i went into The Studio this morning to teach the Taiji and Qigong class from 8-9:30. 

I started with a short talk about the importance of 

- Doing This / Don't Do That. 

- Going At Your Own Pace

- Listening and adjusting moment by moment.

-  Some theory on how to stretch your fascia. 

- Hun/Haaa Breathing

I started with a round of Taiji Qigong (The 21) tuned into Breathing and Opening/Stretching.

Next i did a round of The 10+ with just a little explanation on #3, #6, #9 and #10+ (too much material to share here.)

Next I did a Round of Taiji Quan tuned into the space/no space between the postures. We also tuned into Zhong Ding (relaxed and consistent balance) throughout. 

I finished with a Healing Qigong

After class I did a couple of rounds of Taiji Jian with Jeff, Janee and Read.

I finished with a row or two of Lazy D on the left side.

I stayed and talked with Jeff until about 11......His back is an issue. I hope he can work through it! Lower backs are tough! Especially for a martial arts teacher!!



Monday, May 13, 2024

Monday Practice

I I shot this with my phone camera looking S S/E from The Deck.
 

The Details:

It was 46 this morning. Sunrise was at 5:30.

The Practice:

I did a short practice on The Deck because I had a Doctors appointment at 10. The office called about 9 to tell me that they had to reschedule because the Doctor was out sick today. Next Monday at 11:00. Oh well...

I did a Round (right side) to Master T. T. Liang's music with him counting out the beats. I tuned into the space between the postures and the overall flow of the Form. 

I also cultivated Nature's Spring Qi by expanding out and drawing in Qi then sinking it to my Tan T'ien.


Sunday, May 12, 2024

Sunday Practice

 

I shot this with my phone camera looking north from my main practice spot.


The Details:

It's 47 here at the house. Sunrise was at 5:31, cloudy but dry.


The Practice:

I practiced in my main practice spot about 9 ish. 

I started in the driveway with a round of Taiji Dao using Master Liang's broadsword

Next I did level push basics with my left side.

Next I moved to my main practice spot to do a round of Yin Fu 8 Palms Set around my first Bagua tree. I did Changes 1-6 on both sides. I'm still working on my understanding of Change #6 in this Set. Master Hayward is doing a different version of this Change than what I originally learned from him.

 Next I did a Round of Taiji Quan (right side) tuned into feeling and sinking my Qi and cultivating nature's Qi.  

Next I did a round of Anyo Pito tuned into agility. I can see the Shotokan influence when I practice Modern Arnis Anyo Pito. RIP Prof. Remy Presas - Gone but not forgotten. 

Next I did a round of Sunsu Kata tuned into the changes that I'm making to that form. I haven't fully flushed them out yet. Slow and steady as she goes!

I finished with a Healing Qigong.

Saturday, May 11, 2024

Saturday Practice - #10


 I shot this image with my phone camera about mid morning from The Deck looking south toward Beaver Meadow and East Hill.


The Details:

It's 45 here at the house. The sunrise was at 5:32.


The Practice:

I practiced on The Deck. It's easiest with tea and 'stuff' 

I started with a full round of The 10+. I focused on #9 using #3 Change from Yin Fu's 8 Palms. I did both versions of #3. One from the First Yin Fu Set (from Wang Shujin - with the 'kick up') and the other from the 8 Palms Set. I've been consistently working on Snake & Hawk Palm this year. 

Next I did a round of The Old 8 Palms from Cheng T'ing Hwa BaguaZhang tuned into opening without contracting, Breathing in the fresh, breathing out the old and stale. I cultivated Nature's Qi throughout the set.

Next I did a Round (left side) to Master T. T. Liang counting out the beats to the music. I stayed with the count and reflected on the tranquillity and flow that I can access from doing a Round of Taiji with Master Liang counting. Pretty awesome it is!! 

Next I wore 2 1/2 lbs wrist weights and did a round of Anyo Anim tuned into posture and positions. The idea is to strengthen not injure my shoulders (whole body).

Next I did a round of Kusanku Kata tuned into the agility, coordination and strengthening that can be cultivated by doing this Kata.


Throughout the session I stayed tuned into Principal #10

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

#10 "In movement seek tranquility."

Master Paul's commentary:
"The eternal arts are proficient in leaping and making forceful movements. The exhaust the breath and strength so that after practicing them one must pant for want of breath. Taiji Quan uses tranquillity to control movement. Although one moves, one remains tranquil, so that in practicing the postures the more slowly one moves the better. When one moves slowly the movement of the breath becomes long and deep, qi sinks to the tan t'ien, and the excessive tensing of the blood vessels is avoided. If the student examines carefully (each principle) and makes it his own through constant practice, how can he fail to acquire the true meaning of all the above?

Friday, May 10, 2024

The Spine - Translation by Liang Dehua

 The Spine (背脊)

Han Xiong Ba Bei, or 'contains the chest and raises the back,' are Taijiquan terms. Being able to contain the chest enables raising the back; thus, these two actions are interconnected. When the chest is slightly drawn inward, the muscles of the back relax and sink downward, and the spine between the shoulders seems to be raised and pulled upwards naturally, which is referred to as raising the back. It should occur naturally and should not use force to raise it up intentionally, as this could lead to developing a hunchback.
Taijiquan is about the transformation of storing and releasing (Xu Jin and Fa Jin), and the key lies in containing the chest and raising the back. The function of containing the chest is conducive to neutralizing Jin (storing Jin), and the function of raising the back is conducive to Juan (rolling back) Jin and Fang Jin (releasing Jin). The saying "force is released from the spine" is the result of raising the back. In the technique of Fa Jin, raising the back cooperates with the waist, allowing the Nei Jin (internal Jin) to rise from the heel, pass through the spine, and manifest in the fingertips.
Taijiquan places great emphasis on training the spine and back because the back houses the Governor Vessel (Du Mai), which contains important acupoints that are the convergence centers for the body's Qi and blood. The Qi of the organs and meridians is interconnected through the acupoints. Practicing the form helps stretch and activate the muscles around the shoulders and back, giving the spine strength and elasticity, harmonizing qi and blood, opening blockages, and having a good effect on digestion, absorption, and metabolism, playing a significant role in overall health and wellness.
From 《太极拳谱内外功研几录》or 'Treatise on the Internal and External Practices of Taijiquan,' by master Shi Chengzhi.
May be an image of text that says '大 秋 極花 極 孝 詞 抱 生 式 梅 善 香 六 外 阳巧行 ジ 肉 著 th ゆ 哈 巧万 我 舒 陈沟水'
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Friday Practice

 


I shot this image with my phone camera looking south towards East Hill and Beaver Meadow. I was standing right in front of my garage at the opening where I keep my Bimmer.

The Detail:

It's 52 here at the house. Sunrise was at 5:32.


The Practice:

I started with a full round of The 10 + tuned into internal development/cultivation

Next I did a Round (right side) tuned into Transformation and accessing a tranquil state of stillness internally. 

I got a text that my John Deere was ready for pick up. Oh Boy!!

Thursday, May 9, 2024

Thursday Practice - #9

 

         I shot this image with my phone camera from the deck looking W S/W. It's a beautiful morning to practice outside! With gratitude and appreciation!

The Details:

It's 52 here at the house. The sunrise was at 5:34.

The Practice:

I started inside with The Ten +, I was on hold trying to get my John Deere X320 fixed. I've got my fingers crossed that April is going to come through for me. Please!!

Next I went out on the deck to do a Round (right side) to the music with Master T. T. Liang counting out the beats. I tuned into #9 principle:

Yang Cheng Fu's Ten Essential Points

#9 "Each posture must be joined to the next without interruption."

Master Paul's commentary:

" The energy of the external arts is the brute muscular force of Later Heaven. Therefore, it alternately waxes and wanes, is broken off and re-connected. When the old strength has been exhausted and the new is not yet developed (i. e. when one move is finished and the next has not yet begun) one can very easily be controlled by an opponent. In Taiji Quan one uses mind-intent rather than muscular force. From beginning to end it continues fluidly without a break; completing a cycle and beginning again, it flows in an endless circle and is never exhausted. An early treatise says, "it is like a great river or the sea itself, flowing on endlessly without ceasing." It is also said, "Mobilize the intrinsic energy as if you were reeling silk from a cocoon." All of this refers to its continuity without break.

Next I did a round of Anyo Lima tuned into the applications and stance work.

Next I did a round of Chinto Kata tuned into the stance work for cultivating agility.

I finished by using the Power Broom on the driveway for 1/2 hour or so. We're about 85% done with the driveway, thanks to the power broom. Oy Vey!

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Wednesday Practice

 

         I shot this image with my phone camera before it started raining, actually pouring cats and dogs!


The Details:

It's 52 here at the house. Sunrise was at 5:35. 

The Practice:

I'm going down to Hatfield to visit and train with Paul C.

It was raining by the time I was ready to practice. I did a round of The 10+ to warm up and check my body for injuries that I might have picked up yesterday using the 'power broom' to clean up the driveway. 

Note:

Because the ground didn't freeze the plow person really chewed up the driveway. There's a lot of TRG on the lawn, especially at the bottom. What a wreck!!

Next I went up in the loft to do a Round (left side) tuning into internal development and how daily Taiji strengthens ones core and affects ones bone and joint health. 

I looked for space everywhere inside by releasing and expanding.

"Hang the muscles

Open the joints"

                                 I shot this with my phone camera soon after arriving at Paul's. 


I got to Paul's around 10. We started right in with a short Warm Up that included Up And Down and Whirlwind and Whirpool with arms making large circles with finger tips leading, then we finished with #1 and #2 of The Ten

Next we did the bow stance version of Taiji Ruler.

Next we did a round of Separate and Push expressing Jin in the hands and fingers.

Next we did open and close the hands and fingers - Fist to Open Hand - 

Next we did two Rounds of Part I up to the second Brush Knee And Twist Step, with no corrections.

Next we walked around the kitchen island.

Next we worked on #4 Pulling The Toes Back to strengthen the front of the shine 

Next we practiced Lion Walking - Heel strike w/ toes up then rolling onto the ball of the foot - around the kitchen island.

Next we did Cross Punches to a focus pad with long stretched out punches without leaning forward too much, rather maintaining ones balance, also extending and retracting the punch as if the forearm was in a 'sleeve' ala a piston.  

 Next we did single arm Push-Hands focused on pushing and pulling power. I had him using me to push and pull on with the goal to push me off my base. 

After a bit of conversation I headed back up the valley to Leyden.