Friday Practice

 

I practiced on The Patio in front of The Barn this morning,

First I swept the leaves off. Yesterday I practiced in the leaves (for fun) but today I made a point of preparing my training space as I usually would. Preparing the space you intend to practice in is a significant step in the right direction; Reverence for your training space. The option would be???

I did a full Warm Up before I was interrupted the first time. I've had a run on interrupted practices lately. It's a challenge (put nicely) to re-connect internally once you've been interrupted. But it IS good and important practice; Returning to your inner sanctuary and a chance to practice non-reactivity and resilience. 

After the Warm Up and dealing with problems with CVS Pharmacy I returned to The Barn for a short session on my Tama Drum Set working with the RokSteady device that I purchased recently. Rock Steady at 53 bpm using a traditional grip with the left hand out towards the end of the stick and getting and accurate, fat and confident 2&4. After Drum Set practice I went out onto The Patio and did Round (right side). I got through Parts I & II before I got interrupted again. After dealing with the 'problem' I returned to The Patio and finished with Part III. 

Next I returned to the house and went out on The Deck to work on some Bagua Basics for the upcoming Seminar and a review of the first Yin Fu Set.

 

Thursday Practice

I practiced on The Patio in front of The Barn this morning. I was watching Echo while GG was working down stairs. We're working on getting him used to being alone in the house without flipping out! 

I started with a full Warm Up. I've been blending The 10+ Exercises and Sifu Ray's Warm Ups. I'm going to do a version of those at the Bagua For Health Seminar coming up on the 22nd. I believe that these simple exercises are essential for health and also for a more complete understanding.

I kept checking the Blink camera's in the living room for Echo's state of being. He remained calm lying on the back of the Blue Chair.

I proceeded to do a Round (left side) focusing on the Tai-Chi Classics.

After checking that Echo was still calm I came back to the house to do Part III on The Deck so that I could be there when GG came back upstairs. We are trying to keep Echo calm (er) when she returns. It went pretty good.

Afterwards I did some research on Bagua Basics for the upcoming seminar and a review of the first Yin Fu Set. 
 

Bagua For Health Seminar

                       

                                                  The Golden Rooster Stands On One Leg  

           Bagua Zhang For Health Seminar

with

Sifu J. R. Roy

Sunday October 22nd 2023

8-9:30am No Experience Required

9:30-Noon Advanced (Prior Bagua Experience Required)

at

J. R. Roy Martial Arts Studio

1 Osgood Street

Greenfield MA 01301

$35 for one - $60 for both 

(10% discount for current JRRMAS students)

Please pay when you register

*Cash only at the door - Add $10 per session*

Email Sifu Roy to Register:

Email Sifu Roy

Wednesday Practice

 

                              Dr. Leung Kay-Chi "Embrace The Moon" from Yin Fu Bagua Zhang

I did a short Warm Up and a Round (left side) in the driveway before I drove down to Hatfield to workout with Paul C. 

Paul and I trained upstairs in his Tai-Chi room. There were some workers adjusting the vinyl siding right outside the window. I was a bit noisy but Paul didn't seem to mind.

We started with Jab & Cross to pillows that I was holding. I suggested that I stay still and he adjusts the 'correct' distance.

He was very spirited with good extension in his arms. He did tend to move forward but ended up getting too close most of the time. 

Next we walked. I introduced several Bagua concepts and we ended walking a figure 8 pattern around two waste baskets.

Next we did a short Warm Up and Stretch, ending with big open arm circles

I did a full explanation of tech. and benefits of getting up and down from a chair as an exercise. 

and an explanation of breathing with the diaphram. Then breathing with arm motion (big circles). Paul leans towards the Whirlpool ala Brush Knee Twist Step.

Next I reviewed the basic details of Wuji Posture, then we repeated the intro to the Tai-Chi Form three times. Focusing on Big/Open movements.

We finished with Single Hand Push-Hands on both side, again focusing on nice long, big and open movements.

After working with Paul I drove to Wesfield to At The Waters Edge dive shop to drop off my Scuba Diving regulator and BCD so that Bert can either fix or give his recommendation as to what to replace them.

Tuesday Practice

 

I went in to The Studio to teach the Tuesday morning T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Qigong class from 8-9:30.

Sally, Nancy and Janee were able to make it. We started with a Warm Up. I did a similar routine to what I did on my own on Monday. The initial moving the lymph toe up heel down exercise then the first 5 of The 10 Exercises, then I did the first half of Sifu Ray's Warm Ups. The first half has a heavy concentration on the upper body. Then I went back to The 10+ and I explained in some detail what I was attempting to do and the awareness' that I used to work on those principles.

One of the main things I pointed out and carried into the Solo Tai-Chi Form was the notion of the 4-Corners staying 1. Unified (most if Tai-Chi is practiced with the 4-Corners (2 shoulders - 2 hips) unified. 2. Shoulders rotate further that the hips (as in the yogic movements of Repulse Monkey and Wave Hands Like Clouds). 

With the shoulders held like a suspension bridge (down and relaxed).  First I clasped hands and brought them overhead, the I stretched the lower spine and hips down and away from the shoulders without the shoulders moving downward (or up). First rotate from the hips, turning the lower spine right to left with the shoulders staying alignment with the hips. Then once the hips come to an end point continue rotating the shoulders in the same direction. When you rotate back, first un-rotate the shoulders and then un-rotate the hips and shoulders.

 

After the Warm Up and a short water break we did a Round (right side) focusing on the 4-Corners and awareness of the waist and lower spine turning side to side, front to back etc.

Monday Practice

 

I practiced on the deck, drinking tea out of Master Paul's cup....R.I.P. gone but not forgotten!

I started with a full Warm Up, the first 4 of The Ten then the first half of Sifu Ray's Warm Ups and then back for 5-10 of The 10 Exercises.

Next I worked on Bagua For Health curriculum and did focused practice, by continuously repeating and refining the first change in the first Yin Fu Set.

Afterwards I drove into town for Awesome Possum rehearsal. There's a gig on Saturday at noon. I used my new RokSteady device to monitor the tempo for consistency. They did pretty darn good! Nice and steady as she goes. I'm feeling better and better about my brush work. Brush work on drums is kinda a thing all it's own. It's really good for your 'chops'!

Sunday Practice

The grasses are really beautiful this season. 

I practiced and taught in the driveway this morning.

It's cool out this morning. I started with a short Warm Up and a Round (left side) before my private  showed up. I have a  9-11 am Private Lesson scheduled this morning with Malcolm. 

It's wonderful to have influence on the next generations of Martial Artists from my lineages. I take the  'job' of handing the Arts off to the next generation, very seriously. 

During the Private Lesson:

Reviewed the first 4 (1/2 the system) American Karate Kata, adding awareness of some detail:

One suggestion is to 'Know Your Destination'. Simply hold each posture and check it for accuracy of Alignment and Release. The 'Standard' is found in the first Wuji Standing Meditation posture.

Realize that you are 'Setting Your Standard' when you first approach 'it' (no matter what 'it' is!).

Take your time to do your best to evolve 'it'. Realize it takes time, effort and patience (+ consistency and perseverance) to achieve anything that is worthwhile!

Do the best you can, until you know better, than do better. 

Realize that nothing is perfect in this world!

I suggest to set your personal Standard as high as you can. Don't sell yourself short, as long as your 'High Standard'  doesn't stop you from approaching 'it' (whatever 'it' is) or encourages you to put others down.

How to refine? Some ideas that I've used:

Hold Postures - Become more aware of Alignment, Release, Breathing, Relaxed Balance - Adjust as needed.

Develop loops of short segments of movements. Go Slow! 

When I first learned Tai-Chi I would do repetitions of Brush Knee Twist Step from one end of Beacon Field to the other and Repulse Monkey back. I've subsequently practiced most things this way. It's also reminiscent of practicing Drum Rudiments and Scales on other instruments.

I suggested several adjustments and a few 'internal' ideas to The 10 Exercises. Too numerous to mention here.

I also watched the first 3 Modern Arnis Anyo and had similar suggestions as did with his Karate Kata.

I also watched the first 3 Cane Anyo. One idea is that all the Low Cane Postures in the Cane Anyo's need to be effective blocks first, then they can also be thought of as effective leg/knee strikes.

I find it interesting that I gave two Private Lessons this weekend and had such a wide spread of ages and abilities. Very interesting indeed. 

With gratitude and appreciation.....Bow from the waist! 

Saturday Practice

 

It's raining this morning so I did a Warm Up just inside of my middle garage looking south towards Beaver Meadow.

Next I drove to Hatfield to workout with Paul C. 

I was scheduled for 10-11 and ended up staying until 12:30ish. Eric C. his wife and Jean were there along with Jake, Paul's Grandson. We were brainstorming about getting someone to come in to do some Qigong/Tai-Chi/Internal Arts exercise with him once per week to help keep him engaged and healthy possible. 

Paul is working hard at the PT prescription. He has always had a good practice ethic and it is serving him well these days.

I reviewed the material that I have been working on with him. Starting with the overall principle of Wuji Stance. Meaning to 'square yourself away' i. e. Be in relaxed balance, vertically aligned, head up, eyes straight ahead parallel to the ground focused on on spot. Always to that when standing up from sitting and when beginning an exercise.

Next we went upstairs to Paul's practice room and I held throw pillows, one in each hand and had Paul punch them with jab's and cross's. Which he did with abandon. He was very animated and moving quite quickly and smoothly! Most importantly he was having fun, doing something that at one point he was quite good at. Being a life long auto mechanic extraordinaire, he was very strong in the grip and arms.

Next we walked the circle

Then did a short Warm Up with the first few stretches from The 10 Exercises and Big Arm Circles.

Then we moved on to review and practice the Intro to the Tai-Chi Form with Big Open moves. After several repetitions we reviewed the first half of Part I.

Next we went on to Single Hand Push-Hands. First on the left side and then the right.

Circle walking both directions

We finished with double arm circling both directions and then alternating arm circles ala Wave Hands and Brush Knee. Paul consistently chooses to use the Brush Knee circles when alternating. I suspect it's from the Roll Back to Press combination in the solo form. 

 

 

Professor Cheng Man-Ching's 8 methods to understand the principles of T'ai Chi Ch'uan

                                           Dr. Leung Kay-Chi holding a Bagua Zhang Posture

Discover Professor Cheng Man Ching's 8 methods to understand the principles of Tai Chi!. These valuable exercises were passed on by Tam Gibbs and are great for beginners.

1. #PutTheMoonByHat: Keep your head up high and visualize that the soft part of your head is connected to the moon, while your feet cling to the ground. Add this exercise after "Walking On Ice" for an increased enrichment!

2. #WalkingOnBrokeIce: Imagine walking on thin, slippery ice, with only an inch of water underneath. Make sure you don't break the ice or fall off!

3. #BadearElCreek: Feel like you're in a stream with a gentle current while walking. Connect to the bottom of the stream with every step.

4. #PararseEnElBordeDelPrecipicio: Adopt a White Crane-like posture and spread your imaginary wings. Visualise a shelf on the tip of your back foot.

5. #Rowing: Emulate the rowing motion, like when you push in the "GrabTheSparrowTail" pose. Visualize you're on a boat crossing a river and move your arms as if you're paddling, coordinating with your legs, waist and trunk.

6. #FollowingTheClouds: In the "HandsLikeClouds" pose, imagine that you are a mountain and your hands are the gently flowing clouds.

7. #CabalgarElViento: Just like in the "Diagonal Flight" pose, visualize that you're flying and gliding through the air with grace and control.

8. #UnfoldingTheSail: Like you were a beautiful lady knitting on a shuttle. Feel yourself lifting the sail (pushing up) on an imaginary sailboat.

These methods, taught by Professor Cheng Man-ching in New York between 1965 and 1975, passed down by Tam Gibbs and compiled by Carol McGonegal of Annapolis, Maryland, are a valuable addition to your Tai Chi practice. Explore these principles and improve your mastery of this beautiful discipline!

Friday Practice

 

Echo in his new favorite spot - On top of the Blue Chair; General Echo is able to survey his domain and keep a watchful eye on his caretakers! Ever watchful and attentive he is!!

I did a full Warm Up inside looking out towards East Hill and Beaver Meadow.

Then I went out on the deck for a Round (right side). This morning I practiced to a metronome set at 60 bpm using two tones. During the Round I had a realization about a few things:

Wuji first 

I felt like I was in the Ocean at night with bioluminescence in the water lighting up as I move: 

                              I experience light trailing and expanding with the movements of my body and my mind/spirit. The experience that I was affecting the space and matter around me close by and far away too. It was quite the experience; Perhaps a culmination of decades of Internal Martial Arts practice and a whole bunch of Scuba Diving. The sensory information inside of me from 500 Dives is impossible to write about. It would like explaining the color red, to a person born blind. There are somethings that a human being just has to experience for themselves. There is NO other way!

IMO: 

There is NO substitute for personal experience. 

                                                                            None! 

I ended the session with a review of the 'shaking' techniques that I know.

Thursday Practice

 

                                             My first Bagua Zhang Tree in Leyden. 

. 

I didn't get to bed until about 2:30 ish so I slept later than I normally would. I ended up practicing in the late morning, in my main practice area by Big Greenie.

First, I used a rake to clear the leaves out to form a circle around the tree

I started with a Round of Bagua Zhang (1st Yin Fu Set) around my first Bagua tree in Leyden.

Next I did a full Warm Up with The 10+ Exercises and then a Round (left side). I recited the Tai-Chi Classics out loud during Part I.

After practicing, I was still tired but felt refreshed....at least momentarily! 

Monday-Wednesday Practices

 

                                                            Mom at her 95th Birthday Party! 

                                                      Yep, she's still playing with a full deck;^)

Monday Practice

I had a very early start (3am), I had to be at my sisters at 5. I practiced on the deck at about 4, I started with a short Warm Up and a Round (right side) focusing on The Tai-Chi Classics.

Tuesday Practice

I practiced outside in the back yard at the Air B&B that we rented in Orange Park, FL. I started with a full Warm Up and then a Round (left side). I recited the Classics out loud during Part I. Afterwards I did a Sitting Meditation.

Wednesday Practice

I practiced outside in the back yard of the Air B&B again, while watching 3 year old Walker... It wasn't the most focused Practice I've ever had; It forced me to super focus on the sequence and principles. I did a Round of the Yin Fu 8 Palms and session of Sitting Meditation.

Arrived back in Leyden at 1 am Thursday morning......Exhausted!

Monday-Wednesday Practice

Mom at 95 playing baseball with her 3 year old Great Grandson Walker outside near the shores of the Saint Johns River at MooseHaven, Florida.
 

I'm traveling without a computer this week, so I'll have to wait until I get back to write about my daily practice.

I'll be getting up at 3 am tomorrow morning to do the last minute packing and do a Round before I leave for the airport. 

I'll write more on Thursday morning.

Sunday Practice

 

                   I practiced in the driveway this morning. I did a private with Jeff from 10-12:30. 

Before Jeff came I did a full Warm Up and a Round of Tai-Chi Saber (Dao) with some basics with the left hand. I also did a Round of the Tai-Chi Double Saber. 

When Jeff arrived, we started with a discussion about standardizing hand outs.

We then went on to work on the first Yin Fu Bagua Zhang Form. I filmed Jeff doing the Forms. We discussed details about the Willow Leaf Palm.

Next we went on to the second Yin Fu Bagua Zhang Form; "Yin Fu 8 Palms" 1-4. We worked a bit on 5 & 6. 

Afterwards I demonstrated the introduction and the first Change of the Bagua Spear Form that I've been creating. 

We then reviewed the Tai-Chi 13 Spear Set. First solo, then with each other. I think that the third section is the most productive. I have to say I'm still working on the sequence as much as anything else.

We finished with two person Spear 'Big Open, Big Close'.