The color is already starting .....A bit early this year. Oy Vey!
The Details:
It's 63 at the house and raining. I got a little thrown off my training sequence yesterday working with Jeff and the Taiji Students. After looking at my list I decided to do Day #6
The Practice:
I started on The Deck solo. Apparently it was too wet for Echo.
I began with a full round of The 10+ focused staying consistent (daily as much as possible) and the overall health benefits from practicing this set daily. Like all internal exercises......It's subtle.
Doing by Not Doing!
Next I did a Round (right side) to Master T. T. Liang's counting out the beats to his Taiji Music. I had several times that I was out of step with the count. The music keeps you honest with the amount's of Wave Hands and Repulse Monkeys. I was able to get back on 'the beat' in real time and staying equanimous ta boot! Yay!!
Next I did Changes 5-8 (both sides) of Cheng style Baguazhang 8 Mother (Animal) Palms. I used Mud-Wading Step throughout and focused on stance work and looking behind (Like a dog chasing it's tail) throughout the set. Afterwards I realized this was NOT the correct order of practice (although I realize the order is not really important, as long as I do them.) I'm attempting to 1. Get everything into a repeated 8 day cycle in order to stimulate and check my short and long term memory, realizing that if I'm getting a bit frustrated (impatient) then I'm probably on the right track.
After realizing that I was confused about which of the Baguazhang Sets I should be doing on Day #6 I consulted my Training Sequence Sheet and realized that I really should be doing Yin style 8 Palms Set Changed 1-4.
Next I did a round of Anyo Pito (#7) before I realized I was out of sequence I did a round of Anyo Pito focused on using the correct direction and posture. This Anyo is feeling better (the sequence) since I've put it in rotation (sequence), mainly because I'm practicing and reviewing it more often. When teaching Modern Arnis to beginners I rarely had the opportunity to teach the last few Anyo's. Without teaching a form it takes forever to refine it. Yup!
Next I went out to my main training area and did Changes 1-4 (both sides) of Yin style Baguazhang 8 Palms Set. I'm back on track.
Next I did a round of Anyo Apat (#6) focused on stance work, sequence and applications.
Next I did a round of Kusanku Kata focused on mobility, agility and leg strength. This is a challenging form to practice in you mid 70's. I can imagine it's only going to get more challenging as the years go on.
Next I did a round of Low Family Staff tuned into the 'around the head, coil and thrust' sequences.
I returned to the house to journal today's practice.