Tuesday Practice - Day #8 in the rotation

 

The Details:

It's 46 at the house. I've got an 8:30 am video call with Jeff and then a 12:15 haircut in Brattleboro.

The Practice:

I started on The Deck with Echo. I did a full round of The 10+ tuned into consistent daily practice and all the health benefits of daily practice. I finally did the correct sequence of + exercises like the Dragons Back, Ba Shi, Three Swings and Song Gong. Yay!

Next I went out to my main training area and did a Round (left side) reciting my version of The Taiji Classics during Part I. I remained focused on Counter Balancing and Empty Stepping with my waist directing the hands and feet.

Next I did a round of Cheng style Baguazhang Old 8 Palms (both sides)  using Mud-Wading Step and keeping my shoulder's relaxed enough to not need a break.

Next I did a round of Anyo Walo tuned into fully extension (muscle lock) and pop on my punches and kicks.

Next I did a round of Sanchin Kata tuned into the quality of my dynamic tension and breathing with my DanTien (Hara).

Next I did a round of all 4 Modern Arnis Anyo (both sides). This is the first time I was able to get all the way through #4 on the left side. Yay! 

I returned to the house to journal today's practice.

Private Lessons with Sifu

Monday Practice - Day #7 in the rotation

 

The Details:

It's 47 at the house. It's forecast to be sunny but cool with a high of 69 later this afternoon.

The Practice:

I started on The Deck with Echo. I did a full round of The 10+ tuned into being consistent with doing these marvelous exercises daily in order to extract the maximum overall health benefits. FYI - There is not a single modality that doesn't demand consistent (daily) practice. Take brushing your teeth as an example of hygiene that demands daily 'doing it'. Once it becomes a habit you will need to 'do it' in order to feel right. If you don't do (and you're used to doing it) you will feel very uncomfortable until you Do It! That's the 'Habit Paradigm'. Think of those that are addicted to alchohol or heroin....It's very uncomfortable if they don't Do It.

Next I did a Round (left side) to Master Liang counting out the beats to his Taiji Music.

I had a few glitches in Part III. Upon reflection I think I inadvertently segued to the right side at the beginning of Part III. I didn't notice it until the second Wave Hands sequence. Once I noticed I remained equanimous and simply changed back to the left side.

Next I went out to my main training area and did Changes 5-8 (both sides) of Yin style Baguazhang 8 Palms Set focused on the overall quality of my Lion Stepping and postures. The sequences of these Changes are feeling better and better, since I put Baguazhang Sets into my 8 Day Cycle.

Next I did two rounds of Anyo Pito. I did the second round because I realized I didn't do the beginning of the Anyo with the correct postures. I got it right the second round and feel more and more comfortable with the rest of the sequence. I remember learning this Anyo from Guro Jay Spira in between building (alleyway) at the Michigan Modern Arnis Camp back in 1988. The Prof. limited the amount of time we spent learning it and forbid us to work on it afterwards. That was the only instruction I've every received on this Anyo. I have been practicing it since I learned in '88. Thanks Jay [bow]

Next I did a round of Sunsu Kata focused on the correct sequence in the correct direction It's coming along!

Next I did a round of Taiji Double Dao Form tuned into the health benefits to my shoulders with each iteration of the 'round the head' sequences.

I finished by returning to the house for lunch and to journal today's practice.

Private Lesson on line or in person with Sifu

Sunday Practice - Day #6 in the rotation -

 

                            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.

Private Lessons with Sifu

Push Hands with Sifu Fong Ha and Marek Wajsman

Yoke Chin with Grandmaster Huang Sheng Shyan (Master Huang Xingxian)

Saturday Practice @ The Studio

 

The Details:

It's 68 at the house. I'm going into The Studio to meet with Jeff for 7:15 and then teach Taiji Class at 8:00

The Practice:

Once I drove into town and opened up The Studio, Jeff and I started by working on Cheng style Baguazhang 8 Mother (Animal) Set Changes 1 & 2 (both sides) and #3 (Bear Palm) on the right side only so that Jeff could acquire the sequence.

Next we did a round of The Taiji Dance with me issuing and Jeff recieving. We did a whole round on that side. 

As the class formed I did a full round of The 10+ with limited explanation so as not to take up too much time. I did explain about red vs white tissue and discerning between stretching the individual muscles and stretching the fascia (slightly) 

Next the class did a row of Brush Knee and Twist focused on Counter Balancing

Next we applied that principle to Wave Hands Like Clouds.

Next we split up into two groups:

1. Those that have memorized the form sequence

2. Those that are working on the sequence.

I took #1 and Jeff took #2

I recited my version of The Taiji Classics during Part I

After class I showed the group Master Pauls book and asked what they thought Master Yang Chen-Fu's #1 Principle was. 

Afterwards I dropped off paperwork to Tommy and Ozzies, went to the Gfld. Co-op for soup and lunch and then to the landfill.

Next I drove home to eat lunch and journal today's practice (twice!!)

Private Lessons with Sifu

Friday Practice - Day #5 in the rotation

 

The Details:

It's 66 at the house. I cancelled a 10:45 haircut this morning and let Jean know that I'm in quarantine, because Ginnie has a temperature and we think she has the flu. She took a Covid test yesterday and it was negative. I haven't decided if I'm going into The Studio tomorrow morning. I've been in quarantine since Tuesday evening. No music on Thursday, no haircut today and no visit with Paul and Jean this week.

The Practice:

I started on The Deck with my trusty practice partner Echo with a full round of The 10+

I tuned into feeling a stretch in my fascia and opening and closing my Kua as well as overall health and well being.

I've been using 20 lbs dumbbells when I do #8 and for bicep curls. I use the 25lbs for tricep extensions.

Next I went out to my main training area and did a Round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. I remained focused on Counter Balancing and feeling Jin moving down and up the 9 Zig Zag Path through the Jin Lu.

Next I did a round of The 21 (Taiji Qigong) tuned into correct sequence and feeling my 'channels' opening.

Next I did Changes 5-8 (both sides) of the Cheng style  Baguazhang 8 Mother (Animal) Set. Focused on the overall quality of my postures. I used Mud-Wading Step throughout the set.

Next I did a round of Anyo Lima tuned into proper sequence and applications.

Next I did a round of Chinto Kata focused on agility and mobility. 

Next I did a round of Monkey Staff tuned into the flow and techniques in this form.

Next I did a review of Staff Basics.

I finished with Healing Qigong and returning to the house to journal today's practice.

Private Lessons with Sifu

Thursday Practice - Day #4 in the rotation -

 

The Details:

It's 62 at the house. Ginnie's running a fever (102.7 last night). Out of an abundance of caution, I'm going to cancel the music in The Barn this afternoon.

The Practice:

I started on The Deck with Echo in tow with a full round of The 10+ I focused on getting them all in even though this might have been a brief warm up day....Still, for these special exercises to work as medication I realize that they must be done regularly...preferably daily!

Next I moved to my main training area to do a Round (right side) reciting my version of the Taiji Classics during Part I. I tuned into Counter Balancing throughout the Round.

Next I did a round of The 21 (Taiji Qigong). I primarily focused on the correct sequence especially after the 'push the hands to the side like moving a mountain' just before 'stimulate the triple warmer'

Next I did a brief Standing and Healing Qigong Session.

Next I did Changes 1-4 (both sides) of Cheng style Baguazhang 8 Mother (Animal) Set. I focused on using Mud-Wading Step with three circles in each direction at the beginning of the Set.

Next I did a round of Anyo Apat focused on the correct sequence and applications.

Next I did a round of Wansu Kata focused on the correct sequence and the timing of my stance and strikes.

Next I did a round of Taiji Staff (both sides) focused on stance work.

I returned to the house to journal today's practice.

Private Lessons with Sifu

Wednesday Practice - Day #3 in the rotation -

 

The Details:

It's 56 at the house. I have a 9 am Wellness Visit with Dr. Van Dyck in Brattleboro. I think we are going to play music in The Barn from 2-4 this afternoon but I haven't had confirmation from the guys yet. Oopsie! The guys had it down for Thursday 2-4 this week. So there it is...Thursday afternoon this week.

The Practice:

I started on The Deck with Echo. I did a full round of The 10+ focused on consistency and overall health.

Next I went out to my main training area and did a Round (left side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. I remained focused on Counter Balancing throughout the Round.

Next I did a brief Standing (PT) and Healing Qigong

Next I did a round of Wild Goose Qigong focused on the correct sequence and feeling 1. Opening the energy channel 2. Releasing turbide Qi 3. Cultivating Qi 4. Balancing Qi in the body

Next I did Changes 5-8 (both sides) of Yin style 8 Linking Palms Set. I focused on the overall quality of my stances, stepping and postures.

Next I did a round of Anyo Tatlo focused on correct sequence and applications.

Next I did a round of Seiuchin Kata tuned into deeper Stances, flow using quality basics.

Next I did a round of Taiji Dao using a wooden broadsword. I focused on the timing of my steps and strikes.

Next I did a round of Pa-Kua Knife. I'm tuned into correct sequence. I haven't been able to remember the sequence, yet! Today was as close as I've come. It's interesting (to me) to explore my short and long term memory as I try to remember this form. 

I returned to the house for lunch and to journal today's practice.

Private Lessons with Sifu

Advance Single Sinawali with Empty Hand Application with Remy Presas

Semi Advance Disarming Grandmaster Remy A. Presas

Modern Arnis Disarms Remy Presas

Tuesday Practice - Day #2 in the rotation

 

The Details:

It's   at the house. I have a 9 am Doctors visit in Brattleboro for my yearly Wellness Visit. It's a Pontoon day, so we need to prepare the house for them. Oppsie! I went up to only find out my appointment is tomorrow at 9! OY!!

Peter and Susan are coming for a visit around noon.

The Practice:

It's 58 at the house. After driving up to Brattleboro VT I came back and went out to my main practice area while the Ponton's were inside cleaning.

I started with a full round of The 10+. I mostly focused on practicing this set consistently whether I feel like it or not! I once again confused the order of the Dragons Back but ended up doing it after #8 instead of #7. Hmmm! Get's thinking about the sequence of this new stuff. I'll continue to try and use the original order if for no other reason than cognition.

Next I did a Round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Part I. I remained focused on Counter Balancing.

Next I did a brief Standing (PT) and Healing Qigong.

Next I did Changes 1-4 (both sides) of Yin style Baguazhang 8 Linking Palms Set using Lion Stepping and tuned into 'looking behind' like a dog chasing it's own tail.

Next I did a round of Anyo Dalawa tuned into the quality of my postures and correct sequence.

Next I did a round of Nihanchi Kata focused on the changes that I've made to that Kata.

Next I did a round of Taiji Jian Form using the wooden sword that David Rahael made for me a few years ago (15-20?) I recited the names of the postures throughout the Form and focused my eyes on the tip of the sword.

I then returned to the house to journal today's practice.

Private Lessons with Sifu

Monday Practice - Day 8, 829 - Day #1 in the rotation

 

The Details:

It's 58 at the house. We went to SYC for the Labor Day Dinner last evening. It's Monday and I have a 8:30 video meeting with Jeff. We're going over to Doug and Kay's this afternoon, to see them and their newly renovated home.

The Practice:

I went out to The Deck with my trusty practice partner Echo around mid-morning.

I started with a full round of The 10+ focused on the exact sequence; The Dragons Back after #7 and Ba Shi after #8. Last week I worked on the original sequence of The 10 Exercises, this week I'm working on the + part of them.

Next I did a Round (right side) focused on Counter Balancing with arm or elbow at every intersection.

Next I did Healing Qigong

I also focused on not overthinking but 'feeling' instead.

Next I did a round of Cheng style Baguazhang Yin/Yang Walking. I focused on the 8 day training cycle and using the correct sequence. Today is Day #1 in my training sequence. I used Lion Stepping throughout the set.

Next I did a round of Anyo Isa focused on the quality of my basics (proper extension and more focus and pop) and flow.

Next I did a round of Seisan Kata tuned into the health aspect of this Kata.

Next I did a round of Taiji Cane Form (both sides) I tuned into the 'round the heads' for my shoulders and using ground propagated force throughout.

I returned to the house to journal today's practice.

Private Lessons with Sifu