Friday Practice - Day #1 in the rotation

 

The Details:

It's 41 at the house. I need to go to town to shop for Clam Juice and to get my BMW 325 CSI inspected.

The Practice:

I started on The Deck with a full round of The 10+ focused on not thinking just doing and doing a full round of Dumbbell training during # 8

Next I went up to The Loft and put on the 10lb weighted vest to do a Round (right side) I recited the Taiji Classics during Part I. I lost focus during Part III and had to backtrack just to be sure I got everything in. I suspect I did a few section a couple of times. I was so focused on alignments (because of the weight vest) that I was having a challenging time to keep the correct sequence going on the correct side. I slipped into the left side a couple of times (that I know of).

Next I did a brief Standing PR and Healing Qigong

Next I did a round of Cheng style Baguazhang Yin/Yang Figure Eight Circle Walking (both sides) focused on Mud-Wading Step and keeping my shoulders relaxed.

Next I did a round of Anyo Isa tuned into the overall quality of my basic punches, kicks and stances.

Next I did a round of Seisan Kata focused on the 'line' using quality basics.

Next I went to the driveway and did a round (both sides) of Taijiquan Short Cane. I had a glitch on the left side and end of Section #4

Feedback or questions.....

Thursday Practice - Day #8 in the rotation

 

The Details:

It's 40 at the house. I had a nice conversation with Travis this morning. I've penciled in dinner with him next Wednesday. 

The Practice:

I began the day with acoustic guitar practice and a reading from Evidence

I started my practice out on The Deck with the first few of The 10+ but then decided to finish my warm up inside up in the loft where I did a full round of The 10+ focused on using The 10+ for health and well being.

Next I used a 10lb vest for the rest of my practice, starting with a Round (right side) paying close attention to vertical alignment, especially monitoring my knee alignments..

Next I did a brief Standing PT and Healing Qigong.

Next I did a round of Cheng style Baguazhang Old 8 Palms Changes 1-8 (both sides) using Mud-Wading Step throughout.

Next I did a round of Anyo Walo focused on the overall quality of my basic punches and kicks.

Next I did a round of Sanchin Kata tuned into breathing and dynamic tension.

Next I went out to The Deck and did a round of Modern Arnis Cane Anyo's 1-4 (both sides) I had a bit of confusion on both sides on #4; I kept ending facing the wrong direction. Ugh!

I returned to the house to journal today's practice

Questions or feedback?

Wednesday Practice - Day #7 in the rotation

 

The Details:

It's 47 at the house. I'll be getting at least one car inspected this morning. (Probably the Volvo.) I also need to pick up prescriptions at CVS. I also need to get the Flu and Covid shots. Just back from town and I managed to get all these chores done and both vaccines. Yay!! 

The Practice:

I started on The Deck with Echo doing a brief warm up. I didn't have enough juice to do the whole 10 Exercises to I did the first 5.

Next I did a Round (left side) reciting my version of The Taiji Classics during Parts I & II. I remained focused on the idea of counter Balancing throughout the Form.

Next I did a brief Standing PT and a full Healing Qigong.

Next I did Yin style Baguazhang 8 Palms Set Changes 5-8 reciting the names where I could. I was primarily tuned into using the correct sequence and noticing the difference from the other Baguazhang Sets that I practice and embracing the differences.

Next I did a round of Anyo Pito tuned into the correct sequence in the correct direction.

Next I did a round of Sunsu Kata focused on the overall quality of my postures and techniques.

Next I went out to the driveway and did a round of Lo Family Staff using a heavy hardwood 6' Staff. I remained focused on the correct sequence. I did get a bit confused towards the end.

Next I worked on getting Lo Family Staff on the left side. 

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

Feedback or questions?

Tuesday Morning - Day #6 in the rotation

The Details:

It's 47 at the house. The Ponton's are coming at 10 and Read and Janee are coming at 11. I've need to pay for the Safe-T-Deposit box...Soon!

The Practice:

I started on The Deck with a full round of The Original 10 Exercises. I was focused on using them for the 'brief warm up'. 

Next I drove into town to pay for the Safety Deposit Box.

When I got back home the Ponton's were leaving and Read and Janee were not here yet so I went on The Deck to do a Round (right side) I got through Part I. Before Janee called because she was lost. I stayed on the phone with her trying to figure out where she was. We eventually worked it out and she made it here. After getting settled in Read came and I made tea and we visited on The Deck.

At Janee's request we did two rounds of The 21 (Taiji Qigong) I talked through the breathing on the first round but not on the second round. I talked about 1. The newer 'holding the breath' movements from Master Choi. 2. Stretching the fascia.

Next we did a Round together (right side). At Janee's request we started at the beginning and I recited my version of the Taiji Classics during Parts I & II. Read stopped at the end of Part II and Janee and I went through the entire Form. I had a few suggestions at Grasp The Sparrows Tail and Sing Whip.

Next we did a brief Standing PT and Healing Qigong.

Next I demonstrated Yin Fu Baguazhang 8 Palms, Changes 1-4 both sides. reciting the names of the postures throughout.

Next I did Big Close, Big Open, Small Close, Small Open drill from Cheng style Baguazhang.

Next I did a round of Anyo Anim (#6) tuned into the quality of my basics and applications. I was demonstrating the Form for Janee.

Next I did a round of Kusanku Kata (again demo for Janee) I tuned into agility and mobility. I found myself more able to get lower in my Low Stances.

After Janee left (appointment in Noho) Read Stayed to chat for awhile.

After Read left I did a round of Taiji Double Dao using wooden broadswords. I remained focused on 'getting it in' and being consistent.

I finished by returning to the house to journal today's practices.

Contact Sifu Roy

Monday Practice - Day #5 in the rotation

 The Details:

It's 48 at the house. It rained last night and it's forecast to rain off and on all day today. It's raw out!!

I just received a call from Read that he and Janee want to come for a visit tomorrow morning We scheduled the visit for 10 but then I realized it's a Ponton day and they come from 10-11. So I texted Read back to re-schedule for 11. I haven't heard back yet. We're on for 11 am. I'm going to go visit Paul and Jean after I get through with my practices.

I'm going to text Jean to see if it's a good day to visit with Paul. I drove down around noon. 

The Practice:

I started with a brief acoustic guitar practice. I was working on reading then memorizing the Happy Birthday song.

Next I went out on the Deck (it was too cold and wet for Echo) and did the first few of The 10+ before I realized it was too cold, windy and raw.

Next I went up to The Loft and finished The 10+ focused on overall health and well being. I brought all the dumbbells up from The Deck and used them when I got to #8.

Next I did a Round (left side) I recited the Taiji Classics during Parts I & II. I remained focused on my waist controlling my arms and legs. I focused on monitoring my tailbone as I turn my waist/hips from side to side.

Next I did a round of Anyo Lima tuned into using the correct sequence and the detail of my basic techniques.

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

I realized that I did the wrong weapons form for Day #3 in the rotation and I did Monkey Staff yesterday which is actually the correct form in the rotation for Day #5. Tomorrow I should be back on track. Remembering the correct sequence in the rotation of Forms is proving to be more challenging that I originally thought. 

Next I did a round of Taiji Jian using a wooden broadsword.

Next I did a round of Pa-Kua Knife focused on using the correct sequence. It's coming along but I was still confused about 3/4 way through.

Next I did a brief Healing Qigong

I returned to the house to prepare to drive to Hatfield to visit with Paul

Connect with Sifu Roy

Sunday Pracrice - Day #4 in the rotation

 

The Details:

It's 48 at the house. Jeff is scheduled to come up for a private lesson at 10 this morning.

The Practice:

I started in The Driveway with a brief warm up and a Round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Parts I & II. I wanted to get my Round in before Jeff arrived.

As I continued to wait for Jeff I did a round of Cheng style Baguazhang 8 Animal (Mother) Palms Changes 1-4 (both sides) because it was #4 in today's rotation.

Next I did a round of Anyo Dalawa (also #4) tuned into using the correct sequence and visualizing the applications. 

Next I did a round of Wansu Kata (also #4)  focused on using the correct sequence and direction of postures.

Once Jeff came we started with conversation about The Studio and what's currently happening there as well as The Three students that Jeff is currently teaching. 

We started with a round of the Taiji Dance with me issuing and Jeff recieving. We spent a good deal of time on #4.

Next we did the 'other' side a couple of times. We started to get confused at Section 7 & 8

Next we did Da Lu tuned into Stance Work and principles.

Next we reviewed Taiji 13 Spears. We were mainly focused on the correct sequence. The second section was the most challenging. I suggested to practice the Jab separately, focused on the rear hand. This set needs more practice. 

Next we did a 2 canes against 1 exercise that I learned from Chuck Gauss (back in the day at Arnis Camp)

Next we worked on Cheng style Baguazhang 8 Animal set Changes 1-3 both sides and #4 (Dragon Palm) on the left side only.

Jeff worked on Bagua Guard to a reflection (car window) I encouraged him to work on his guard position.

We were out of time and then some!!

Yang Family Tai Chi Cloud Hands

Yang Family Tai Chi Q&A Single Whip, Open Armpit

Saturday Practice - Day #3 in the rotation

 

The Details:

It's 40 at the house. I have nothing on the schedule today

The Practice:

I started with acoustic guitar practice using a pick.

Next I went out on The Deck and did the first few of The 10+ but then decided it was too cold and windy so I went up to The Loft and finished the round of The 10+ focused on consistency. Once again I experienced significant inertia and had a challenging time to get a full practice in. I suspect I've added too much too soon and I'm struggling to approach my practices day after day. My daily practice has needed a fair amount of self-discipline to get started and get all the way through.since the spring/summer of 2023. Oy Vey! I keep reminding myself;

Don't think, just Do!

                             My nightly oral care routine has been very helpful in this regard.

Next I did a Round (right side). I used a track the I have on my computer that I recorded years ago. It's me counting (Master Liang's count) to 60 BPM with two tones and Shakuhachi music in the background. I had only one glitch in Part II and the count really helped. I was able to get back on track without missing a beat.

Next I did a round of Yin Fu Baguazhang 8 Linking Palms Changes 5-8 (both sides) using Lion Stepping throughout. Both sides are feeling better and better with each and every interaction.

Next I did Anyo Tatlo focused on applications and sequence.

Next I did a round of Seiunchin Kata tuned in detail and stance work.

Next I did a round of Taiji Staff (both sides). I used a double leg squat in place of the single leg squats. The left side sequence is feeling better as I practice it more regularly.

I finished with Healing Qigong

Email Sifu with requests, feedback or inquiries

Friday Practice - Day #2 in the rotation

 

                 Jeff and I at the commemoration of The Studio closing at China Gourmet  last month.

The Details:

It's the coldest morning yet at 30 degrees. It's our 40th anniversary of dating. Columbus Day weekend 1985.

Time sure flies when you're having fun!

The Practice:

I started with acoustic guitar practice before going out on The Deck with my trusty practice partner Echo.

Next I did a very brief Warm Up

Next I did a Round (left side) with 10 lbs weighted vest. This was the first time I used a weighted vest during practice.

Next I did a round of Yin Fu Baguazhang 8 Linking Palms Changes 1-4 (both sides) reciting the names of the postures where I could.

Next I did a round of Anyo Dalawa focused on moving and stretching my fascia.

Next I did a round of Naihanchi Kata. I noticed that the changes that I've made to this Kata are becoming easier with more conscious iterations.

Next I used a wooden Jian to do a round of Taiji Jian reciting the names of the postures throughout the form. I focused my eyes on the tip of the sword.

Next I did a line of Lazy D with the Jian in my left hand.

I finished with Healing Qigong

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

Email Sifu with feedback or questions

Thursday Practice - Day #1 in the rotation

 

The Details:

It's 43 at the house. I've got the guy's coming this afternoon (1:30 ish) to play music in The Barn, then dinner in Keene with Peter and Susan.

The Practice:

I began the day with acoustic guitar practice. I've been working towards using a pick and middle and ring finger when practicing Travis Picking.

Next I went out on The Deck and did a full round of The 10+ focused on consistency and overall health.

Next I did a Round (right side) reciting the Taiji Classics during Parts I & II. I remained focused on monitoring my tailbone in relation to the weighted foot.

Next I went out to the middle field and did a round of Cheng style Baguazhang Yin/Yang Figure Eight Walking I used Lion Walking throughout this set.

Next I did a round of Anyo Isa using high quality basics throughout.

Next I did a round of Seisan Kata focused on the timing of the rear heel landing simultaneously with my blocks and punches. I also tuned into 'splitting the stance' where it is applicable.

Next I did a round of Taiji Cane (both sides). The left side remains challenging but I'm working on it. I got a little confused right at the end of Part IV.

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

Email Sifu with feedback or questions

Fascia

 Fascia

More photos from the end of The Studio gathering at China Gourmet

 

                                 Sensei Jeff his wife Veronica and sons Alex and Eli

More photos from the end of The Studio gathering at China Gourmet