May 31, 2012

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 147

No data. The true data is the data that cannot be named, but for a measly $49.95, Charlie can likely sell you the data that can be named. ;-)

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The data that could be named indicated that there were two for a 24 minute called set. (Thank you, Charlie.)

May 30, 2012

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 146

Four filed in for a 23 minute called set today. Following the bare-hands, there was a question on Sweep Lotus after which I made some comments on Repulse Monkey.

Following the bare-hands Q&A, we went through the sword form once and I stayed on a bit to help one student who is still starting the form.

May 29, 2012

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 145

Three thumped in for an 18 minute called set. Following the set, we went through the whole of sword form. Although no questions, I then took the relative new-comer to sword through positions through Agile Cat Seizes the Rat and demonstrated the next two positions. Further instruction to follow.

May 27, 2012

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 144

Two blew in to the HEC parking lot for a warm-up and a 24 minute called set. After the set, we added Wave Hands Like Clouds to the student's repertoire. After a bit of practice of that, we called it a morning and one remained to practice a run through of the sword. Although quite pleasant, the wind was having its way with my tassel making the movements far more difficult than they needed to be.

No formal practice tomorrow, save possibly in my driveway at an undisclosed and yet to be determined time.

May 26, 2012

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 143

Three thumped in to the parking lot of the HEC (building closed for maintenance) for a warm up and a 20 minute called set. Following the bare-hands set, one of the students remained and learned Turn and Chop, (transitional arm-break into) Step Forward, Deflect Downward, Perry and Punch, (other transitional arm-break into) Ward Off Right. We concluded our practices shortly after 9 AM.

May 25, 2012

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 142

Four flopped in for a 24 minute uncalled set. After the set, there were questions on the transition out of Punch Groin and choke-holds (the latter having nothing to do with the former).

Following the bare-hands set, three remained to go through the sword set. After that set, we talked a bit about Block Up and Shoot the Wild Goose. More tomorrow.

Finally, I brought in my Netbook to review Parry, Block, and Punch. I believe all parties concerned are happy with how it 'should' look. How it looks now, may need so new practice on everyone's part. :-p

May 24, 2012

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 141

Four filed in for a 21 minute called set. Before the set, there was notable discussion of Parry Block and Punch in part one. Further review of Master Yang Jun is required. One student declared after the set that she had been studying the 10 Principles and was finding it very helpful in the separation of lifting the head and sinking the shoulders, etc.

After the bare-hands set, two remained for a run-through of the sword form. We worked more on Plumb Blossom much to the enjoyment and benefit of both there.

May 23, 2012

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 140

Three thumped in for a 26 minute uncalled set. Following the set, I requested a viewing of Needle at Sea Bottom (seemed fine) and Fan Through Back which needed a minor amount of adjustment with the left elbow.

After the bare-hands set, we went through the sword set once and called it a morning.

May 22, 2012

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 139

Five flounced in for a 14 minute called set. Focus is always appreciated and helpful.

After the bare-hands set, we did about 10 minutes of standing meditation which was very nice and finally, four of us remained for a stab at a once-through of the sword form while one watched.

Although we were certainly there for more than an hour, it was well worth it.

May 21, 2012

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 138

Three (eventually) thought their way through a 28 minute uncalled set this morning in the mostly deserted Allen Center. After the set, I requested a demonstration of Ward Off Right to Roll Back but was satisfied with what I saw. I did go on to comment that Needle At Sea Bottom is more a squat than a bend, though this was really a reminder as both participants did much better on the second iteration of this frame in the set.

Following the bare hands portion, we all did a quick run through of the sword form.

May 20, 2012

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 137

Three thinned in to HEC 110 for a six minute uncalled set. Before the set, there was discussion of the understanding of Step Forward, Deflect Downward, Parry, and Punch. Following the bare hands set, all three remained for a couple of runs at the sword form with more detailed explanation of Black Dragon Wraps Around the Pole (both sides) and Wind Swirls the Plumb Blossom. There were various other corrections and explanations as well. It was a good start to a good day.

May 19, 2012

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 136

Seven swept in to HEC 110 and then back out to the football field for a 22 minute called set. There was a bit of a disagreement about where we were in the middle of part 2, but that was resolved relatively quickly (and with no loss of blood) and we moved on.

After the bare-hands set, five remained for a run-through of the sword set and even though one had not been through the set before at all, he actually took to it fairly well. I gave him some exercises to practice and the more seasoned sword practitioners went through the last few positions again with the promise of more and better instruction once we returned to a 'real' floor.

May 11, 2012

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 128

Six swept in for a 23 minute called set. A student who's not been around for a while was also there. This is good news for both the group and the student.

After the bare-hands set, a different student asked to record me calling the sword set. Four of us ran through the whole set, or at least the portion of the set they individually knew. It was a great way to start a day of travel and I can honestly say I believe it has made a world of difference in my attitude at various issues throughout this day.

May 10, 2012

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 127

Five filigreed in for a 22 minute called set. It felt faster than that as I was calling it, but it worked out nicely.

After the set, three remained for a quick run-through with a sword, er, of the sword form. After that, it was off to the races, or at least off to work.

May 9, 2012

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 126

Seven swiveled into the Allen Center this morning for a 24 minute called set. There were two "new" people from my university class.

Following the bare-hands set and a question on the sequence of part 2, three remained for a run-through of the sword form, beginning to end. Questions tonight. ;-)

May 8, 2012

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 125

Four funneled in for a 7 minute uncalled set. Following the set, all remained for about 11 minutes of standing meditation. When that was complete, we took the time to go through the sword form up through Roc Spreads Its Wings and then again all the way to the end. The meditation was really nice.

May 7, 2012

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 124

Four flounced in for a 23 minute called set today. After the set, there was a question on the transition between Turn and Chop and Step Forward Deflect Downward Parry and Punch and also one on going into Ward Off Right.

After the bare-hands set and Q&A, three remained for a quick run-through of the sword form up through Swallow Picks Up Mud. After a review of Cartwheel Left and Right, I then added  Roc Spreads Its Wings.

On a personal note, I'm noticing a few of my sword movements are getting closer to What Grand Master Yan Jun demonstrates. Although this bodes well, I still feel that I have much to learn.

May 6, 2012

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 123

Five filed in for a 20 minute called set, including two former students from several years ago. After the bare-hands set, three practiced sword a couple times through up two Roc Spreads Its Wings. We then added Scoop the Moon from the Sea Bottom and Embrace the Moon.

After the sword set, I worked with the two returned students showing them some of the changes from when they first learned the form.

May 5, 2012

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 122

Six slid in to HEC 110 for a 23 minute called set. During the set, we encountered numerous interruptions in out practice due to about eight people traipsing in and out of the room collecting equipment from one of the closets. They were very rude both in the fact that they did not respect our room reservation and in their general loud and unrestrained behavior.

After the set, I showed my former student from the Y evening class the next few moves of part 2. I believe I had shown him before and he seemed to grasp them quickly. I look forward to completing his basic understanding of the form if he can continue to make the practice sessions.

Five remained to go through the sword form. I reviewed last weeks additions of Heavenly Horse, Raising the Curtain, Cart Wheel Left and Right, and Swallow picks up Mud. I also went over Roc Spreads Its Wings. More tomorrow, I hope.

May 4, 2012

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 121

Two tiptoed in for a 23 minute called set. It was quite enjoyable. After the set, there were question on Needle at Sea Bottom and Fan Through Back. I also went on to comment about hip compression and angle of torso. It was a very good start to the day.

May 3, 2012

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 120

Six slipped in this morning for an 18 minute called set. It was an even divide of men and women today, including my former UW student and a student returning after foot surgery. It was really nice to see everyone there today. :-)

Before the set, there were questions on the changes/corrections since the last seminar so I spoke briefly on Strike Tigers, Double Wind to the Ears, Turn and Sweep Lotus and (later) on Bend Bow Shoot Tiger.

Following the bare-hands set, four remained for a once-through of the Sword Form up through Swallow Picks Up Mud and two finished the form.

May 2, 2012

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 119

Three eventually thumped in for a 24 minute uncalled set.

Following the bare-hands set, we launched into a sword practice. We worked up through Heavenly Horse Flies Over the Waterfall after which I demonstrated Raising the Curtain.

May 1, 2012

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 118

Three threw in for a 4 minute 50 second set this morning followed by a once-through on the sword set and about 11 minutes of standing meditation. - This was a very nice way to start the day.