Arnis student Gary P. practicing basics

 

Modern Arnis student Gary P. showing good form (relaxed shoulders for Gary). Here he is practicing a Traditional Twist Punch that is found throughout the Modern Arnis Anyo (forms). We haven't had a session since before my Scuba Diving trip to Grand Cayman in early Dec. 

It felt GOOD to be teaching martial arts again. I sure do miss that!! 

We hope to meet again next Tuesday morning. 

Maybe a little cane work this time?!? Oh boy!

The Lesson: 

1. Find a technique that is  repeated often in a form or drill. 

2. 

a) Isolate the technique and develop a way to repeat it in it's simplest form (stationary).

b) Then progress on to more complicated  iterations (moving sequences). 

c) Continue until you can maintain good form (see #4 below) without thinking too much. Less conscious effort is one of the goals. 

3. The main consideration in this type of training is practicing simple repetitive patterns in order to develop the subtleties  and essence of that particular technique or principle.

4. Be sure to use good form (alignment/released balance) and increase your awareness by holding the postures and going through the 'check list' of principles. 

*Eventually simply holding a posture for a breath or two is sufficient and can be done anytime throughout any form or sequence. 

Note: You should be able to 'stop movement' during any sequence and find that all the principles are present. 

**This level takes time and a disciplined, regular practice! 

***The only short cut is consistent practice! 

Sunrise Practice Wednesday 1.18.23

 

The Photo:

I had my long lens on this morning, because I wanted to shoot the Falcon 9 Rocket Launch which coincided with the sunrise. Here's what 300mm lens will do to the sunrise. Pretty good of the waves and birds but pretty distorted capture of the sun itself. Hmmmm!

It was warmer this morning (50's) with a slight breeze from the W S/W almost nothing on the beach.

The tide was going down with the next low tide at 11:59am. There was plenty of hard sand to practice on.

At the end of my Round I generally do Standing Meditation. During this mornings Standing training I saw my first Humpback Whale breaching right in front of me, about 1,000 yards of shore. Spectacular!!

 I saw it as a positive omen and sign I was in the right place at the right time doing the right thing. Or simply in The Flow of my Life! Magical it was, pure Magic!!

With gratitude and appreciation.... The Practice:

This was the first Whale breach that I've seen in the 7 years I've been practicing on the beach. It's usually to rough with too much wave action. But this morning it was calm and the little wind there was, was coming in from the west, so the beach was in the lee. 

While I was practicing my Round I noticed that there was someone on the 2nd floor balcony at Las Brisas condominiums that was trying to follow me. She lasted pretty long but then eventually disappeared. 

It must be very frustrating trying to follow through a series of seemingly easy movements. That don't feel that easy when you're trying to do them. It took me 2 years to learn the sequence of the form and decades of practice to start to 'get it'. T'ai Chi Ch'uan is nothing you can acquire instantly. 

To learn T'ai Chi Ch'uan it takes:

1. Time

2. Effort

3. Patience

The ONLY shortcut is consistency and a competent teacher.

I hope that you are enjoying your practice!

Notes:

Lot's of folks on the beach this morning to watch the Rocket Launch. Sunrise was at 7:19am and the Rocket Launch at 7:26. The Rocket Launch was fabulous! I'll post some photos to my personal blog:

 Richard's personal blog

 

Wuji Standing Post Training on the beach at sunrise practice Tuesday 1.17.23

 

The Photo:

Tuesday 1.17.23 @ Sunrise

Cold with hardly a breeze from the west. 

Tide was pretty far out but coming in slowly. Plenty of hard packed sand to practice on. Very few people on the beach. I guess the cold keeps most away. Only a few hardy souls, like my beach friend Bob and his walking friends.

The Practice:

I started with Standing Post training, first Wuji Stance (double leg) and then Raise Hands (single leg); Actively cultivating the energy of the Sunrise, The Ocean, The earth and The Universe. I used Pore Breathing with the Earth.

 

I continued with that feeling throughout my warm ups and into a left side Round of T'ai Chi Ch'uan. 

I had some really good feeling of propagating the energy from my bubbling well points, developing the energy in my legs and then directing it with my waist, finally feeling it form in the fingers. My feet, legs and waist acting as ONE

Notes:

I saw Bob and his new walking friend Harland, I think! His other walking friend Mike had to turn back because of his knee (s). That's the problem with old injuries they come back to haunt you in old age. 

I have an Arnis session with my student/friend Gary P. at 9:30 this morning. It's been a while, looking forward to it.

Enjoy your day!!

Monday morning practice

 

The Photo:

It was still cold (40's) this morning, but I made it out to the beach just in time for sunrise (7:19am).

There was a slight breeze from the West, so the beach was in the lee. Yay!

The tide was 1/2 way down, the next low tide at 10:02am. c

There was plenty of beach to practice on! 

Only a few tourists this morning. The cold keeps the locals away!

The Practice:

I did a full warm up starting with 'Moving the Lymph' and proceeding to The Ten exercises with variations of #4, #7, #9 and #10. I then did a Round on the left side.

This morning I was focused on "Standing like a poised scale and moving like a cartwheel" applying the concept of 'counter balancing' to keep my 'numbers' down. I kept re-setting my relaxation/release as I progressed through the form.

I ended with Wuji Standing Post Training and 'Raise Hands and Step Up' for the single leg standing practice. Focusing on releasing the Yi/Qi downward and feeling my whole body connected and in a state of relaxed balance. 

I had a fabulous session of profound connection to the energies of the Ocean/Earth and Sky (universe).

Hard to put into words as it's an experience that's impossible to describe. Profound connection comes to mind. 

Notes:

I saw Mary Kay to wave to. She was starting her morning beach walk while I was in the middle of my Round of T'ai Chi Ch'uan. 

Hopefully it will warm up as the week progresses! It's much more difficult to get myself out there in time for the sunrise when the weather is this cold. Brrrr!

I hope that you are enjoying your practice (s).

Give a try...The earlier in the day the better!

Morning Practice on a cold and windy day....

 

The Photo:

It was too cold to go out to the beach for sunrise this morning (36 with a stiff N wind..Brrr!)

I decided to give myself the morning off from the early morning beach photography of the sunrise and my early morning Internal Martial Arts practices. 

After it warmed up to a balmy 43 I dressed up and went out to the backyard for a photo and my morning practices. 

The Practice:

Main thing this morning was being warm enough and staying out of the cold N wind. The backyard was part of the answer and multi layers of clothing another part. I felt like the Pillsbury Dough Boy;^) But I did stay warm and cozy. 

I did a shortened warm up, then held a few postures to get my body and mind prepared. 

I decided to use a metronome for my Round this morning. This was the first time I've used the metronome for my Round in a while. I could tell it's been awhile because it took a bit to get it 'going' again;^)

I set the metronome to 60bpm with two tones; One for beat and the other for the 1/2 beat. 

I focused on the movements being "Light and Spirited" originating in the feet; Then a wave of Jin developing in the legs and directed by the waist, formed in the fingers. 

Feet, Legs and Waist all acting as one.

I had a fabulous Round.

I hope you're enjoying you practice today!

 

Notes:

We had a nice surprise visit with our Grand Niece Morgan and her boyfriend Kevin yesterday afternoon. They are staying with Kevin's Mom at a condo she is renting at Ocean Walk about 3 miles south of us on NSB's barrier island. Was great to catch up with them. Too bad the Falcon Heavy didn't launch as planned yesterday but it looks like a go for later this afternoon, but Morgan and Kevin will be flying back north. Oh well! Next time??

Sunrise Practice Saturday 1.14.23

 

The Photo:

Freezing cold with a stiff W N/W wind....Brrrr! I wore my long underwear top and bottom, gloves, a warm hat that went around my ears...The works! I was not overdressed!

Besides the cold temperature (40's) and the stiff W N/W wind the tide was pretty far out. Plenty of hard sand to exercise on and hardly a person on the beach. The cold and wind certainly thins out the herd;^)

The Practice:

Small habits add up to big changes

A strong morning routine is one of the keys to having a better day

This morning I stayed focused on the feeling: 

The 'energy' rooted in my feet, developed in my legs, directed by my waist and formed in my fingers 

- From foot to leg to waist all must act as one -

Notes:

My Grand Niece Morgan is in town with her boyfriend Kevin. We tentatively planned to meet up on the beach for sunrise...Alas it was too cold for them. Maybe later this afternoon? There's a Falcon Heavy rocket launch and 5:55 pm...Should be spectacular in the twilight!

Sunrise Practice Friday 1.13.23

 

The Photo:

It was raining pretty good! I got soaked! 

I've been shooting the sunrises with my Cannon camera (the one I use in a housing underwater). But this morning because of the rain I decided to use my Sony mirrorless with a plastic bag to protect it while on the tripod. I guess I got away with it? Cameras in general don't get along well with getting wet. Thus the U/W housings. *Make darn sure you get a good seal on the U/W housing...or else;^(

I had given myself the day off because I knew it was going to be raining. But then the 'habit' of going out to the beach for a sunrise photo and sunrise Inner Cultivation kicked in!! The habit of getting out to the beach made the routine surprisingly easy this morning. 

Needless to say there were very few folks on the beach this morning;^) Plenty of space and beach to exercise on.

For my effort, I was gifted to a dazzling display of color by mother nature, then it quickly turned completely grey as the sun rose above the horizon. 

The Practice:

I had a fabulous Round in the rain. There was little to no wind and I was dressed for the weather. Very pleasant indeed. 

This morning I had a profound connection to the energies of nature all around me and in me. 

All in all a very productive session this morning.

With gratitude and appreciation!

(BOW)

The Lesson:

Anytime of day is the correct time to practice: 

Whenever you will DO IT!

BUT, I find the earlier in the day the better;^)

Notes:

I got wet!

I didn't see anyone to talk to this morning...Too wet?

 

I got my sunrise photo and a Round of T'ai Chi Ch'uan in. 

Life is Good!!

Support your local sunrise!

Sunrise Practice Thursday 1.12.23

 

The Photo:

It was cool with a slight N N/W breeze. The tide was mostly out. 

This was one of my first shots, just before the sun rose above the horizon.

I've been mesmerized by the horizon lately, every time I come to the sea shore, especially when the wind and wave action is mild and the sea is flat (er). 

Interesting patterns on the sand this morning. 

Notes:

I saw Nicole (interested in T'ai Chi Ch'uan) and her college age daughter on the way to the beach. I saw them again on the beach, and after shooting the sunrise and in-between my warm ups and my daily Round, I had a conversation with them. They are from Montreal and are leaving Saturday. All the best in finding a T'ai Chi teacher in Montreal Nicole. I gave Nicole one of my biz cards so she could reach me with any questions regarding finding a good teacher. 

The Practice:

 With the tide mostly out there was plenty of hard packed beach to practice on. Not many tourists this morning. I guess because it was sort of cool? Looks like a cold front coming in overnight tonight. 

I started with an Inner Cultivating Qigong and proceeded to The Ten with variations along the way. After a conversation with Nicole and her daughter I did a left side Round.

Today I found myself concentrating on 

1. Alignment

2. Release and Expand

3. Nose breathing

4. Relaxed Balance - Especially on either foot - 

5. Feeling my Feet

6. Cultivating Earth/Ocean/Sky energy

I finished with Healing Qigong:

 

"Breathing In the new and the fresh, 

                            Exhaling the old and used"

-Breath out longer than you breath in-

The Lesson:

I hope you're enjoying your practice!

It's easier to be consistent once a practice becomes habitual

(Humans are creatures of habit)

It takes from 60-90 consecutive days 

to form or break a habit 

Give it a try!

Sunrise Practice Wednesday 1.11.23

 The Photo:

This is the very first image I captured this morning. I've been getting out a bit later. I happened to get set up and capture the moment the sun made it's first appearance.

I keep looking for the fabled 'Green Flash' any time I'm near the ocean at sunrise and sunset. 

Do I see a little bit of green glow in this photo?? What do you think? Wishful thinking I suspect!

It was colder this morning (low 50's) with light N N/W breeze the tide was mostly out. Plenty of beach to practice on.

The Practice:

I wore gloves and a warm wool hat, several layers on top and sweatpants this morning to practice!

*I started with a full warm up

**A Round on the Right Side - Focusing on this line in the T'ai Chi Ch'uan Classic -

(This is verbatim from Master T. T. Liang's book T'ai Chi Ch'uan for Health and Self-Defense)

 

"The energy is rooted in the feet, develops in the legs, is directed by the waist, and moves up to the fingers. The feet, legs and waist must act as one so that when advancing and retreating you will obtain a good opportunity and a superior position."

Notes:

While I was practicing;

I saw Bob and Mike doing their beach walk. They stopped to talk on their walk north and then again while they walked south. They were trying to solve the problems of the planet!? 

I also say Mary Kay, but not to talk to. She was also walking the beach. 

The Lesson:

It's nice to see folks with the habit of early morning exercise on the beach. 

Walking is something that (almost) everyone can do. 

If you're healthy enough to walk (or any other kind of exercise): 

Just DO IT! 

Support your local sunrise!!

 

Sunrise Practice Tuesday 1.10.23

 

The Photo:

I got out to the beach on the later side. The sun is rising at 7:19am these days, so getting there a little before sunrise should be easy er??

 I have house guests at the moment and got up last night for a midnight rocket launch. So I slept in a bit and missed some of the amazing color around 6:30 ish that I saw from the back yard when I first got up. 

It was cold but hardly any wind. Enough beach to practice on but the tide was coming in. The next high tide is at 10:58 am. 

Notes:

I just love the blue sky against the color! Nature is THE original artist;^)

I saw Mary Kay as I was doing my Round. She was walking north. We just waved and said hi!

Lot's of tourists on the beach. A few regulars too! 

With gratitude and appreciation;^)

The Practice:

I did my full warm up, then a Round on the left side, Wuji standing, Single Leg Standing with Pore Breathing, then Breathing with the Earth and short Healing Qigong.

It was a bit busy on the beach for my taste. Lots of folks walking by me while I was practicing. That does test my mental focus. 

*My goal/focus this morning was to stay in my T'ai Chi mind set and not get distracted by the passers by. 90% good....Then there were a few distractions;^) 

Do the best you can....That's all you/we have!

Enjoy your practice!

Sunrise Practice Monday 1.9.23

 

The Photo:

Cool (mid 50's) hardly any wind. It was 'crisp'. The tide was pretty high, so the sand was softer than I prefer to practice on. But still......

The Practice:

After I shot the sunrise I started with my usual warm ups. 

IMHO: 

A 'warm up' is extremely important to do on all levels: Physically, Mentally, Emotionally and Spiritually. 

Your intention must address all of these aspects of SELF in order to obtain the correct mind set and physical preparedness to approach the Internal Cultivation Arts.

I proceeded to do a Round on the left side. This morning I was mostly focused on "The whole body must be light and spirited with all of it's parts connected like a string of pearls."

After the Round I did Wuji Standing and Breathing with the Earth, followed by single leg Standing using Play Guitar with 80/20 stance work. 

Finishing with Healing Qigong.

With gratitude and appreciation!!

Note:

I saw Jane as I was walking to the beach. Just to say hi. Then while I was shooting the sunrise I saw Bob the Mailman and his pal Mike to talk to. I also saw the women with the rather large and exuberant German Sheppard whom I politely asked "I'd appreciate it if you put your dog on a leash" She complied at least until she was out of my 'area'. The dog seems to love the ocean. 

Sunday 1.8.23 sunrise practice

 

The Photo:

Cool with a stiff north wind. Tide was almost up and little beach to exercise on.  Huge flock of sea birds makes the shot special. There must have been hundreds. Amazing to witness in person....

Try practicing during your local sunrise!

You'll be happy you did!

The Practice:

Because the tide was rather high there was very little firm sand so I ended up practicing in softer sand than I prefer to, because the softer sand is much more difficult to balance on and consequently harder on your feet/ankles/knees and hips.  But I still got a full warm up in starting with qigong and progressing into The Ten and a Round of T'ai Chi Ch'uan followed by a bit of Standing Post first Wuji then progressing into Raise Hands and Step up on both sides followed by what I'll call 'Healing Qigong' where I send healing energy out to ALL my family, friends, students, teachers and all sentient beings throughout the universes. 

The Lesson:

Regular practice is essential for the Inner Cultivation arts. Regular practice is the price of admission to these arts. Without it.....I'd say it's highly unlikely the practitioner would get very far. IMHO

Sunrise Practice Saturday 1.7.23

 The Photo:

Cold with a stiff west wind. The tide was mostly up but still enough beach to practice on. Not a cloud in the sky. The cold kept the crowds down. Yay!

I got down to the beach just in the nick of time to catch the sun as it peaked above the horizon. I find myself totally mesmerized by the horizon; Where the sea meets the sky and then there's the beach. Fascinating! 

The Practice:

I started with a full warm up (The Ten + variations and qigong) Then a Round of T'ai Chi Ch'uan on the left side. Followed by Standing Post training and qigong. 

Of Note:

I saw John on the beach and had a little talk with him. The I say Eddie and his new puppy 'Almond Joy' on the back home. Stopped to talk to him a bit.

I have guests this weekend; My grandson Dylan and girlfriend Giulia. So I'll be keeping this post short.

Enjoy your practice!

PS - Drop me a line if you're looking at this (jrroysifu@gmail.com). Thanks! I'll look forward to hearing from you.

One drop at a time!

 Internal cultivation (using internal practices for health) is like filling a bucket one drop at a time!

It's important to realize that you only get 'one drop' of benefit each day you practice. 

That 'one drop of benefit' also needs a good sleep cycle to stick. 

Once you accept the fact that you only get one drop a day. You start to understand how important that drop is if you're committed to fill your bucket of abundant health. 

Start today. Don't wait....

Count the consecutive days.

Enjoy the benefits of regular practice.

They are hard earned!

Rejoice, you are one of the very few!!

Sifu Roy practicing Snake Creeps Down at The Dragons Head