Saturday Practice

                 I shot this image with my phone camera looking east towards my Bagua Zhang poles.
 The Details:

It was 74 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:25

The Practice:

I practiced in my main practice spot. 

I started with a round of Yin Fu Bagua Zhang 8 Linking Palms around my main Bagua Zhang tree.

Next I did a full round of The 10+ tuned into the health benefits.

Next I did a Round of Taiji tuned into developing a profound connection to nature qi. I achieved a profound connection to individual trees and the forest all around me. 

Next I did a round of Anyo Pito tuned into the sequence at the beginning flushing out the use of kick/punch or just punch. I continued to process the sequence of this Anyo.

Next I did a round of Sunsu Kata tuned into the sequence and use of finger strikes.

I finished with a Healing Qigong. 

Friday Practice - Guitar lesson with Shubal

 Shot this one with my phone camera of Guilia and Echo in the dinning/living room last season.

The Details:

It's 65 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:24.

The Practice:

I started by making spaghetti sauce before it got too hot.

Next I had a 8-9 am Zoom call with Jeff.

Next I grabbed a quick Round of Taiji (right side) before I headed off for a guitar lesson with Shubal at 10:30-noon. I practiced in the dinning/living room area in the house facing the view to the south down Beaver Meadow.

Next I drove to Shubals in Colrain for a lesson on finger picking style of guitar. Fabulous!!

Thursday Practice

 The Details:

It was 74 at the house. It's forecast to be super hot and humid again today. The sunrise was at 5:23.

The Practice:

I've scheduled a private lesson with Malcolm at 9. 

After I got everything prepared for the lesson with Malcolm I went out into my main practice area and did a Round (right side) focused on quality basics and solid postures and stance work.

After Malcolm arrived we up to the main practice area and started with Modern Arnis Cane Warm Ups.

I talked about:

Common Denominators 

A) Stance Work

    a) facing or angled

    b) weight distribution

    c) Set Point

    d) hip rotations & rear foot alignment (slide up)

Parameters of training; Like a road, easy in the middle, more difficult on the right or left. Train ALL of it. Do Not Neglect the tough parts. (discipline) 

2 Stick Twirling

add Fluid Attack

Stay with each technique longer

Do more single Cane twirling on both sides. Focus on switching sides and pay attention to the left arm techniques.

In Double Zero don't neglect the bottom zero.

Do Stick Anyo's on both sides

In Standing pay attention to hip position and releasing the lower back (ming men point)

Tune into abdominal breathing

American Karate Kata:

There's a tendency to splice techniques; End one then do the next one, all the way to the end. Watch out for splicing techniques together. Like writing a book; Pose for a photo at the end of each and every technique.

Fists need to be hard to be effective

Conclude all techniques

                                          Perfection is not a thing. 

Wednesday Practice

 

The Details:

It was 71 at the house, it's forecast to be another hot one. Johan and Dave are still working on installing the Trex decking. The sunrise was at 5:22.

The Practice:

I started in the driveway with a full Cane Warm Up with my Dragon Canes.

Next I did a round of the 4 Modern Arnis Cane Anyo on both the right and left sides. I tuned into correct sequence and skill development.

Next I did a round of Taiji Dao using Master Liang's broadsword. I tuned into the sequence and timing of stance work and sword strikes.

Next I did Level Push repeatedly on the left side. (Single Movement Practice) 

Next I moved to my main practice spot and did a round of Cheng T'ing Hwa Bagua Zhang 8 Animal Set on both sides.

Next I did a Round of Taiji (left side) tuned into embodying the Taiji Principles described in The Taiji Classics.

Next I did a Standing Session with a Healing Qigong at the end.

Next I did a round of Anyo Apat focused on applications

Next I did a round of Kusanku Kata focused on agility and health.

Tuesday Practice @ The Studio

 

Hall of Happiness - I have this posted up on a cork board just inside The Studio main door. 

The Details:

Slightly cooler today at 62. The sunrise was at 5:21.

The Practice: 

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

I had a couple of folks tell me they couldn't attend. Read, Janee and Lucy did show up for class at 8.

I started with writing on the board "Refining" then a list of how to refine 1) Holding Postures (same sequence as any Standing practice 2) Repeating single postures on both sides (working on specifics) 3) Partner Training (to acquire skill and know how to apply the technique.)  4) Use the technique in Form practice.

We used Brush Knee and Twist Step to do the 'Refining' exercise.

I also talked about balancing Yin/Yang and discerning the Yin/Yang's of it all. 

Next I did a modified version The 10+ tuned into the correct amount of stretch to engage the connective tissues

Next we did a Round with Part I on the left side and Parts II & III on the right. Tuned into the embodiment of the Taiji Principles and overall refinement of each posture

Next a short Standing and a Healing Qigong.

After class I did a round of Taiji Jian. I vocalized the names of the postures as we did them.

Next we did Lazy D on the left side tuned into the stance work and the tip of the sword.

Note:

I had to go to West Springfield for an eye exam with Dr. Spatcher. Long way to go....but it's done and everything looks good.

Monday Practice

         Standing practice at New Smyrna Beach last season. I'm missing sunrise practices by the sea.

The Details:

It's 62 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:21. It's forecast to be super hot again but the house is a cool 68 first thing this morning. Johan and Dave started The Deck this morning. Yay! We put the awning out but the heat is going to be an issue! It's forecast to be in the 90's this afternoon. Yikes!!

The Practice:

I practiced in the dinning/living room space downstairs so that I could stay with Echo. The guys are making a racket on the deck with power saws and hammering. Echo is on high alert and needs comforting....so....

I started with a full round of The 10+ tuned into strengthening and lengthening and the health benefit from daily practice. I've been skimping on these while I was traveling in Europe, especially on the days of air and bus travel. So I've been disciplining myself to do a Full round of these Qigong exercises. I realize how important they are to my longevity and agility.

Next I did a Round (left side) tuned into embodying Taiji Classic principles throughout the Round.

Next I did a round of Wuji Hundun Qigong using the introduction (sun rising) and The Teacup series.

Next I did a round of Anyo Lima tuned into agility and quality stance work.

Next I did a round of Chinto Kata tuned into agility and full extension on kicks and punches.

I finished with a Healing Qigong.

 

Sunday Practice

 I practiced on The Stone Patio in front of The Barn this morning. 

The Details:

It was 68 here at the house at 6:30 this morning. The sunrise was at 5:20. It's forecast to be super hot again today. Yesterday was very uncomfortable in the living room. Today we put a little air conditioner in the living room window. We're still waiting on parts for the free standing air conditioner that vents out that same window.

The Practice:

It's uncomfortably warm and humid again this morning. This is a serious heat wave that is predicted to last a few more days. Ugh!

The rain last night helped a little and I figured practicing mid morning was going to be better than yesterday's practice in the early afternoon. That was unpleasant, especially when I'm not feeling well. 

I started with a full round of The 10+ I continue to reflect on what and how I'm going to teach the upcoming seminar on these marvelous exercise/qigong in two weeks on Sunday July 21st.

Next I did a Round of Taiji (right side) tuned into agility, stability and release.

Next I did a round of The 21 tuned into Hun/Haah breathing and opening the channels.

Next I did a round of Anyo Apat tuned into applications agility.

Next I did a round of Wansu Kata tuned into the timing of strikes and stance work.

I finished with a Healing Qigong

Next I did a round of Wansu Kata tuned into the timing of strikes and stance work.

Saturday Practice

 

I walked around the back field looking for a cool (ish) spot to practice. I shot this with my phone camera looking west across The Stone Wall. I practiced in the little level spot just to the west of this opening in The Wall. It's the first time I've practiced here. I have so many wonderful practice spots here in Leyden. With gratitude and appreciation!

The Details:

It was 72 this morning, rainy and humid. The sunrise was at 5:19. I'm still sick, although the antibiotics are starting to kick in. Oy!

The Practice:

It's super hot and humid out and I'm still feeling like crap. Feeling very fatigued and no juice, but I'm going to go out and find a cool place to practice. I'm going to take a walk around the property to warm up. Another day of 'getting it in' I guess....Ugh!

It's super hot and muggy and I'm not feeling well....Great combination! NOT!

I stumbled on this shady, cool (ish) spot just west of The Stone Wall. There was also a nice breeze coming in from the south. I was as comfortable as I could be, all things considered.

I started with a walk then after I found The Spot I did a short version of The 10+. I'm starting to consider the timing of these for the upcoming Seminar I'm offering on The 10+ later this month. (Sunday July 21st 9-12)

Next I did a Round of Taiji (left side) tuned into 1. Staying on the left side 2. Maintaining the correct sequence 3. Monitoring The Taiji Principles described in The Taiji Classics.

I was out of gas and a sweaty mess and I needed water, so after a short Standing session focused on Ting/Song I ended with a Healing Qigong as I was returning to the house.

A little writing and a rest is in order.

Thanks for bearing with me through this illness.....These foreign bugs are persistent and difficult to shake. Oy!

email Sifu Roy

Friday Practice

 

I shot this image with my phone camera of my practice spot out by The Garden.

The Details:

It was 71 and humid this morning. Sunrise was at 5:19. I'm still sick with Le Crud Francais'

The Practice:

I started with a walk around the property as a warm up. 

Next I went out to the garden practice spot (above) and did a modified round of The 10+ (still not feeling well).

Next I did a Round of Taiji (right side) tuned into consistency and the health benefit of daily practice

Thursday Practice - 4th of July -

 

I began with a walk around the property. It's been days since I've felt well enough to actually exercise and I'm feeling it, so I thought I'd give a 10 minute walk a try. I'm still not feeling well, my energy level is in the basement. Ugh! Dang sinus infections. Luckily I started an antibiotic yesterday so I'm hoping to feel better as the days go by. Yesterday was not a great day.....

I started my practice in the driveway with a round of Taiji Jian focused on the tip of the sword and the angle of the blade.

Next I moved to The Patio and did a short version of The 10+ tuned into the health benefit of daily practice.

Next I moved out into the open to do a Round (left side) in the sun. I tuned into breathing, postures and Central Equilibrium. 

I finished with a Healing Qigong.

Wednesday Practice

 

I started out in my main practice area with the Yin Fu 8 Palms Form. But it was too windy and I'm still not feeling well. So I moved to the porch in The Barn

When I moved to The Porch I finished a round of The Yin Fu 8 Palms Form, using it as a warm up. I'm still feeling like crap and I didn't want to push it.

The Details:

It's in the 50's at the house. The sunrise was at 5:18. I went to the doctors yesterday afternoon and got an antibiotic, I still feel like crap. Le Crud Francais' has really got me. 

The Practice:

After a short warm up I did a Round (right side) tuned into the health aspect of Taiji.

I finished with a Healing Qigong.

Tuesday Practice

 

The Details:

It was 60 at the house. The sunrise was at 5:17.

The Practice:

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

I started with a full round of The 10+ tuned in to agility and health.

Next I did a Round (left side) tuned in to Swimming in Air.

Next I did a round of Anyo Tatlo focused on quality basics, stance work and flow

Next I did a round of Seuinching Kata tuned into the applications and postures. 

I ended with a Healing Qigong.....

I'm still feeling under the weather. We both went to Dr. Van Dyck this afternoon. It seemes that I have a sinus infection. She prescribed an antibiotic.

Monday Practice - Day - 8,402

 

I shot this with my phone camera of my training partners. On the left is Big Greenie and friends!

The Details:

The sunrise was at 5:16. It was 60 but still humid, not as bad as yesterday but still not great.

The Practice:

I practiced in my main practice spot this morning. It was cool and shady with a bit of a breeze coming from the south. I went in to get a light long sleeved top and I was fine.

I started with a full round of The 10+ focused on connecting with nature, inside and outside of me; It's one and the same. 

Next I did a Round (right side) tuned into classic principles. I had a profound connection to the trees all around me.

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

Next I did a round of Seisan Kata focused on quality basics and full extension of punches and kicks, also the timing of the punches, blocks and stance work.

I finished with a brief Standing session followed by a Healing Qigong.

 

Sunday Practice

 

I had a gig in the afternoon so I did a full session of rudiments to a metronome, on a practice pad.

After pad practice I went out into The Barn and did a short Standing session using The Wild Goose Leaves The Flock guard position from Yin Stayle Bagua Zhang

Next I went to my main practice spot and did a full round of The 10 + focused on opening my body and preparing my mind for Internal Practice by connecting to nature.

Next I did a Round (left side) tuned into sinking my qi and feeling the earth pushing up against the bottoms of my feet. About 1/2 way through my round I spotted this Mom and Fawn off in the distance looking at me. I always feel that when wild animals stop to watch me practice that it's an omen.

Next I did a round of Anyo Isa

Next I did a round of Naihanchi Kata focused on the changes I'm making to that Kata.

I finished with a short Standing session and a Healing Qigong.

I didn't really feel up to moving my drum kit, but.........Here it is all set up! The line up was Bobby V. and I on the bottom end with Jason on keyboards, Shubal and Phil on electric guitars, and Dave on harmonica and vocals. There were a few moments when it came together and a few train wrecks too! Oy Vey!!