T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2011 Day 133

Three thronged in the field just south of the Allen center for a 9 minute uncalled set. The weather was warm if overcast and the room we usually practice in stunk of the chemicals used to resurface the floor. I took opportunity before the set to check the room and (quite literally) one sniff later, I had the beginnings of a migraine. Thankfully, the effects passed with the warm-up and the set. The only issue practicing on the grass came during the turns. The respective grip of our shoes combined with the grass and the earth made such things unlikely to succeed. It was nice to be outside on a warm day for a change, though.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2011 Day 132

Four surprisingly showed up to a locked building. Yes, it was surprising there were four and it was a bit surprising that the building was locked as I had called earlier in the week to make sure the building would be open. *shrug* Oh well. We started late but managed a nice 25 minute set and still had time for some staff instruction with one of my evening class students. All in all, it was actually pretty nice.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2011 Day 131

Five froze their fingers during our outdoor "warm-up" after which we all went inside and executed a 19 minute mostly uncalled set. A couple of folks were having trouble with the single-line effect so I called positions when it was apparent confusion was present.

Nothing regarding questions an no practice on Friday, Sunday, or Monday.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2011 Day 130

Three threw down for a rather chilly warm-up. We started outside today and "warmed up" in 44 degree weather with a seven mph breeze. It was notably cool. After the warm up, we went in for some water and appropriated the lower hallway for an 18 minute uncalled set. There was some confusion nearing the end of part 2 which led to the omission of Strike Tigers and the easy Turn and Kick with Heel. All other positions were at least approximated.

:-p

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2011 Day 129

Four fell in to an oddly decorated Studio B this morning. Most of the stuff that sits around the edges of the room had been removed in preparation for the floor resurfacing. After a very helpful warm-up, we executed a 6 minute set followed by about another 6 minutes of standing meditation. It was quite enjoyable.

Tomorrow is outside or not at all.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2011 Day 128

Six slowed down for a 27 minute called set this morning. I informed them about the need for outdoor shoes on Wednesday and Thursday and that practice was weather dependent. The floor in our area is being resurfaced so we need to be out for a while. Friday is a furlough day (mandatory) and Monday is a holiday. We'll probably have practice over the weekend, but I'm not sure yet.

There were no questions before or after the set.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2011 Day 127

Two threaded their way through the darkened back halls of the HEC to practice a 24 minute uncalled set. It was just Charlie and me but there were benefits for both of us, none-the-less.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2011 Day 126

Four flowed in for a 29 minute set today. There were a few distractions during the set, first of a couple musicians using our room as a hallway to another room and then from numerous musicians "warming up" to play for commencement. Unfortunately, they took 20 minutes to do it. Quite rude.

After the set, there goodbyes said to Chelsea. She is now officially done. All our well-wishes went with her.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2011 Day 125

Five fell in for another 29 minute called set this morning. My throat was a touch phlegmy when I started, but cleared quickly. My waist seemed very functional as I could feel the lead there in almost every single frame.

After the set, there was a question on Diagonal Flying, primarily regarding the awkwardness of the interim movement. I went on to extol the virtues of practice outside of class (this being a seldom-attending UW student) and invite him to be sure to come to summer sessions if and when time permitted.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2011 Day 124

Eight entered for a 29 minute called set this morning. There were enough "new" and rusty people in the group that a called set seemed warranted. It went fairly well, I think, though some folks don't quite get the idea that they should wait (i.e. slow down) until I finish calling a position name before they go barreling into it. *shrug* Oh well.

There were a few questions of which I only remember one at the moment. It was a confirmation that the left foot is not moved back behind the right in White Crane Spreads Wings.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2011 Day 123

Four fumbled in for a 31 minute set this morning. There were questions on Lift Hands, Step Forward, one on timing and one on application. After that question, I reminded two of the folks there that the only time you brought your lead foot back behind the lead leg was in the first Ward Off Left of part 3.

It was a bit of a sad day as I found out that one of my students who has never attended an actual "class" is leaving us this week. She's headed off to Washington state within the next week or so and is unlikely to return. I can say it has been a real pleasure having her at the morning practice sessions. Thank you, Chelsea.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2011 Day 122

Four for seven. Again, thanks to Charlie for leading the group in my absence.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2011 Day 121

Three for 30-ish. Again, I was not present. We had no sessions over the weekend.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2011 Day 120

Five for 30? (A make-up student was present.) I was not present.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2011 Day 119

Four flounced in for a 30 minute uncalled set today. I asked my students to breath directly into their lower Dan Tien today. I also followed this exercise, though in part three I also started drawing in through the back and the front. It was a very interesting experience, very powerful.

After the set there was a question on the height of the elbow for Brush Knee and a question on Repulse Monkey regarding how much waist turn to start. (Not much.)

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2011 Day 118

Seven slouched in for a 29 minute called set. Two were UW students making up missed classes while the others were "regulars".

After the set, there were questions on Sweep Lotus, Fair Ladies, and something else which eludes me at the moment. There were a number of questions about the exam tomorrow.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2011 Day 117

Five flew in for a 7 minute form lead by the esteemed Charlie. I was unable to make it again this morning for various reasons.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2011 Day 116

Four found their way in for a 28 (ish) minute set. I was unable to attend. Fortunately, Charlie was able to handle the group.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2011 Day 115

Three threaded their way through the back halls of HEC 110 for a 23 minute uncalled set this morning.

After the set, Charlie and I executed a couple of staff sets.

There were no questions.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2011 Day 114

Four found their way to HEC 110 this morning for a 42 minute called set. It was a bit grueling in places, but good, none-the-less. There were a couple questions after the set, but I don't recall them at the moment. - We didn't do anything after the set as there was someone (very politely) waiting for the room.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2011 Day 113

Six stopped in for a 35 minute called set but only five finished. I'm not sure if the one who left was ill or just busy. There were no questions after the set.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2011 Day 112

Six slipped in this morning for a 30 minute uncalled set. We faced actual south today as opposed to the usual east. I found it quite enjoyable though I noticed a number of people got a bit lost.

After the set, there was a question on Fair Lady Works at Shuttles.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2011 Day 111

Four fell in for a 31 minute uncalled set this morning. The flow seemed very nice today.

After the set, there were questions on Fair Lady Works at Shuttles, Single Whip, and one other which I cannot currently recall. - I do know that I need to re-teach/remind folks about Wave Hands Like Clouds with special focus on the waist movements.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2011 Day 110

Four fluttered in with the snow this morning for a rocketing 6 minute form. Everyone there knows the form fairly well so I felt we could push it a bit. No one died, fell down, or even got notably lost. Following the set, three stayed for a nice 6 minute standing meditation. Hmm. Perhaps we'll have to institute a new policy of doing as much standing meditation as we do form. It could make those days of 42+ minute sets very interesting.

I don't recall any notable questions before or after the set though there was a question about "chaining" the arms during standing meditation. I did my best to explain what it is I feel while holding that shape.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2011 Day 109

Six gathered for a 28 minute called set this morning. The flow seemed good though I felt a shade stiff from the previous evening's activities.

Before the set, there were questions on the breathing for the warm-up exercises and after the set, there were questions on Turn and Sweep Lotus, Roll Back, (Transitional Arm Break), Step Forward, Deflect Downward, Perry and Punch (without the Deflect Downward) regarding the waist turns, and Push also regarding the breathing.

T'ai Chi at the Allen Center - 2011 Day 108

Three gathered in HEC 110 for a 24 minute uncalled set. I intentionally sped it up as one of the students there has knee issues and I wished to give that person as much opportunity to complete the form as possible.

There was a follow-up question on Needle At Sea Bottom and Play Lute before the set. If there were questions after the set, I do not currently recall them.