T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2010 Day 105

Eight gathered for our almost first day practicing outside. We made it through most of part 1 before it started to rain, so we packed up and went back inside for part 2 and 3. After the set, one student had a question about the martial application of Fan Through Back. I gladly showed him. ;-) I have no idea how long the actual form execution took.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2010 Day 104

Seven gathered for a pleasant 27 minute set. I asked that we move a little less slowly today as I have two other sets I need to do today. The flow was pretty good with only a couple of mild confusions probably due to the slightly less slow speed. There was a question on High Pat on Horse after the set.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2010 Day 103

Eight started a 36 minute set, but only six finished. Still, it was a good set and those that remained seem to have enjoyed it. The breathing seemed fairly smooth and the flow felt good. One student who had talked with me last night about a health issue reported feeling better this morning after following the advice I gave them. I hope they continue to improve.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2010 Day 102

Six came for a 15 minute set this Tuesday morning. The flow was pretty good though I seemed to be having balance issues with the kicks. Hopefully things will be better soon.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2010 Day 101

Seven slid in for 36 minute set this morning. There was a question on withdrawing the lead foot when going into Single Whip as in which cases it does and doesn't and a question on the breathing for Carry Tiger, Return to Mountain. There were no questions after the set.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2010 Day 100

Five gathered in HEC 110 today for a 37 minute form but only four finished. After the set, there was a question on Part the Wild Horse's Mane and the timing of the hands in Turn and Sweep Lotus. Once the Q&A session was done, Charlie and I staid to practice a little staff and a little push-hands with the staff. Quite enjoyable and educational.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2010 Day 99

Eight gathered for a 33 minute set this morning, though only 7 finished. After the set there were a few questions on the series of moves from Step Forward to Seven Stars through Step Forward.... With about 15 minutes left in the time alloted, four of us practiced some push-hands starting with Single Hand and then working into our standard 4 corner. Much practice is required by all, but headway was also made.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2010 Day 98

Seven gathered for a 31 minute set this morning. Outside, a tour bus had stopped for a reason unknown to me. I joked that the word of your practices finally got out. :-)

Before the set, there was a question on thumbs and their placement. I answered that they should be naturally straight and then realized during the set that it really depends on what it is you're trying to do. After the set, I amended my answer and also worked with another student who was having issues with the timing of the second Turn and Kick with Heel. He had been combining two of the portions of the position which had the effect of changing the timing and throwing off his balance.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2010 Day 97

Eight edged their way through a 31 minute set this morning. The flow was very nice and I liked how I felt when were were done. After the set, there was one question on Repulse Monkeys. Later, I thought about the form a little and came up with the following data:

·        Breathing

o   Part 1: 82

o   Part 2: 174

o   Part 3: 252

o   Total: 498 (rounding up to 500)

o   Note: 1 breath is a breath in or a breath out.

o   For a 20 minute set: Around 25 breaths per minute or 0.4167 breaths a second or 1 breath every 2.4 seconds.

o   For a 25 minute set: Around 20 breaths per minute or 0.333 breaths a second or 1 breath every 3 seconds

o   For a 30 minute set: Around 16 breaths per minute or 0.278 breaths a second or 1 breath every 3.6 seconds.

o   For a 40 minute set: Around 12.5 breaths per minute or 0.2083 breaths a second or 1 breath every 4.8 seconds

o   For a 60 minute set: Around 8.33 breaths per minute or 0.1389 breaths a second or 1 breath every 7.2 seconds.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2010 Day 97

Six started a pleasant 34 minute set this morning. (Five finished it.) The breathing, pace and flow really felt good today. I remained (for the most part) focussed on each individual position as I was doing it.It kept things slower for me.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2010 Day 96

Five finished a 16 minute flourish this morning. The flow was a little choppy at the start but by part 3 it really started to feel good. I'm also hoping it will help save my knees for later. ;-)

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2010 Day 95

Four found their way to a 31 minute set this morning, Sarah's 9th day in a row. After the set, there were questions on how far back you go with the arm-break/mini-rollback portion of of Carry Tiger, Return to Mountain and questions on Turn and Sweep Lotus.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2010 Day 94

Three turned out this morning in HEC 110 but we couldn't stay. Just after Grinding Corn during the warm-up, a small group came in to set up for a fencing clinic. It would have been nice to know about this before hand, but it really wasn't a problem. We moved over to HEC 154, finished our warm-up and had a nice 29 minute set. No staff today as the ceiling in 154 is a shade low.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2010 Day 93

Six turned out for a 30 minute set. One of my students is now an ordained minister while another got his turkey for the year. - There was a question on Double Wind to the Ears. Dave indicated that the answer helped him so much that it alone made it worth it to come out early on a Saturday morning. :-)

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2010 Day 92

Four flew in for a 31 minute set this morning. After the set there were questions about Fist Under Elbow and the left hand after Punch Groin. After that, while I was changing my shoes, a colleague of mine came in and asked if there were any beginning sessions. We discussed the upcoming 8 week session at the YMCA. Dianna is a firm believer in synchronicity (as am I) so I think this may work out.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2010 Day 91

Two trotted in for a 26 minute set followed by a few questions. Sarah was the other in attendance. All the "regulars" are elsewhere for at least part of the week. We'll see how tomorrow is.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2010 Day 90

Six showed up today for a very pleasant 40 minute set this morning. The six included two people who seldom come to the morning sessions (Daniel and Sarah, yet again) but was minus Colleen and Dave. It was a very nice group and a very nice set. I think Daniel brings a calming influence which is definitely helpful when attempting to move slowly.

The weather was positively pleasant this morning. I'm hoping we can start outside soon.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2010 Day 89

Six swung in for an 18 minute set this morning. Flow was the focus and the key. There were questions about Strike Tiger before and Crossed Hands after. More later.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2010 Day 88

Seven safely centered in on a 37 minute set this solar morning. Sarah joined us again which was quite a nice surprise. Before the set, there was a robin acting quite oddly just outside the southern doors. Instead of flying or running away, it just stood there looking at us. I very carefully approached it and brought my shoe extremely close to it, but it just stood there like nothing potentially threatening was happening. We left it be and by the end of practice, it had departed for another place. Theories included that it was overly young to it stunning itself while flying into the glass doors. In any case, hopefully it has returned to health. If it returns tomorrow morning, I may have to let it in and see if it wants to practice with us. :-p

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2010 Day 87

Four came to HEC 110 for a delightful 39 minute set. One of them was Sarah who I have not seen at practice for quite a number of months now. It was good to see her at some place other than class. After the set, Dave took off and Charlie and I worked on four-corner push-hands. It seems to be coming along nicely. Sarah watched for a while but then also departed before Charlie and I did a little staff work. All in all, a nice way to start a day.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2010 Day 86

Four turned out for a 30 minute set this morning. After the set, Dave staid and we worked on a slightly different style of push-hands during which I threw punches and he learned to deflect and counter. We both worked up a bit of a sweat though no damage was inflicted on either party, as far as I could tell. He seems to feel better about the concept of redirecting a technique and I think with some practice, he'll be quite adept.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2010 Day 85

Seven gathered for a pleasant 30 minute set. I was vaguely distracted this morning, but didn't actually make any huge mistakes today even though for a moment in part 3 I thought I had. Then I realized I was in the correct spot with no one else the wiser. Of course, that was a mistake in itself. *shrug* Humility is endless.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2010 Day 84

Five gathered for a 36 minute set this morning. The dash of snow in fresh buds and fresh grass was vaguely pretty, though I can honestly say that I believe it is time for something more lush and less harsh. The form felt good this morning with one minor exception. On the first Carry Tiger and Return to Mountain, my back twinged ever so briefly. I was emphasizing the postures and I may have overdone it. Thankfully, nothing else showed up in the form and all seems well now.

There were two questions after the set. The first was on the Brush Left Knee after the first Turn and Kick with Heel and the other was about the first Ward Off Left in part 3. I also suggested to one of the newer students that they attempt to stay more compressed in their hips. They seem to have a tendency to rise up at points other that kicks. And as the saying goes, all things with time and practice. ;-)

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2010 Day 83

Six gathered for a 41 minute set this morning. There were a couple questions at the end regarding Ward Off Left, but they seemed to be of a timing/synchronization issue. I think they will resolve themselves with a touch more practice.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2010 Day 82

Six again gathered this morning to execute a very nice 26 minute set. Some were different than yesterday's six, but there were still six. The set seemed to flow very nicely at that pace. I started feeling some of the tingling in my hands again during certain postures. It was very enjoyable. Twice more today if all goes well. :-)

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2010 Day 81

The vessel of practice held six this morning for a very pleasing and helpful (to me) 35 minute set. After the set, one question was asked about the difference between Punch Down and Punch Groin. The main differences are the height of the fist (based on the target) and the angle of the wrist.

After the set, I imparted a following snippet of wisdom: If ever you are saddened or disappointed by the actions of another, you have only yourself to blame. If you have no expectations you cannot be disappointed. I was then accused of being both Buddha and Buddhist, but I refused both titles. Buddhist or not, there is both truth and wisdom in that statement.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2010 Day 80

Four gathered for a 30 minute set today followed by several rounds of rousing staff. We had a guest today who wished to video tape one of the students. Although distracting to a degree, it wasn't excruciating and it was necessary for both students.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2010 Day 79

One (Charlie) executed a somewhat allegro 22 minute solo set this morning. I'm somewhat disappointed that more didn't come. I guess I'll have to avoid announcing my absences in future except to Charlie. My instructor always used to do that, too. I now see why, except that was for class. This is only practice. What's the difference who leads practice? Charlie knows the form, at least the gross positions, almost as well as I do. *shrug* I guess I'll know better for next time.

While Charlie was practicing in Point, I was practicing in Two Rivers. I had wanted to get to the shore of Lake Michigan to practice, but the weather among other things encouraged me to stay in the house. I ended up only doing the Temple Exercises, though they did wonders for my sore back.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2010 Day 78

Six gathered for a 29 minute set this morning. There was slight fluctuation in the speed of the form especially at the beginning of part 3. The part always tends to make me feel so energized that if I'm working on flow I tend to speed up and if I'm working on precise movement, I tend to slow down. It's fascinating, at least to me.

After the set, there were two questions. One was on how far down to sink between the Golden Cock Stands on One Leg positions. As far as I know, it should be back down to the level that was established at the beginning of the form with Ward Off Left. The other question was on rising up for Step Forward to Seven Stars. The practitioner felt like she always wanted to rise up for that position. I know the feeling, but as far as I know, one should remain sunk into the hips and knees throughout that frame of the form.

Charlie is handling the group this evening and tomorrow. I hope it's fun. :-)

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2010 Day 77

Five gathered for a 37 minute set this morning. I felt off and clunky today as if my muscles weren't quite responding the way they usually do.I did feel considerably better by the end of the set, though, so that's something anyway.

I had one question before the set about Apparent Close-up. I demonstrated and hopefully answered the question.