Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 176

Three threw in to HEC 110 for a 28 minute uncalled set. Following the set, I made a few comments on Ward Off Left and Fair Lady Works At Shuttles.

Following the bare-hands set, we ran through the sword form a couple of times with a few questions and/or comments on Step Over Block Up Right to Left, White Ape Offers Fruit, and Lion Shakes Its Head.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 175

One went in for a 15 minute set. Alas, for I could not attend.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 174

Two tromped in for a 16 minute set. Although not quite as satisfying as yesterday, it was still very pleasant. Following the bare-hands set, we whirled through a sword set with a repeat of the last half-dozen positions for good measure.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 173

Two trotted in for a 21 minute uncalled set today. After being away for six days, it was amazing how good doing the set felt. My focus was actually pretty good, too.

After the bare-hands set, we ran through the sword set a couple of times, the first one as a refresher for everyone there and the second closer to 'speed'. All-in-all, an excellent way to start the day.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 172

One went through a 9 minute set today. I hope to rejoin tomorrow.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 171

Charlie and another tripped in for a 23 minute set. Soon, I hope to be there again.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 170

Four flowed in for a 23 minute set followed by sword practice. It would have been nice to have been there. - No practice on Sunday.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 169

One warped in for an 18 minute set followed by sword practice. I'm still not there. *sigh*

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 168

One warbled in for a 21 minute set. I couldn't make it.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 167

Two tromped in for a 17 minute set followed by a run through of the sword and a second run at the last quarter of the sword set.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 166

One came in for a 12 minute set followed by sword practice and some standing. Alas, that I could not attend.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 165

Three thumped in for a 22 minute uncalled set. Although there was nothing extraordinary about the said, it never ceases to amaze me how much better I feel after doing a set.

After the bare-hands set, Charlie and I ran through a sword set.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 164

Two tramped in to HEC 110 for a 7 minute set followed by some push-hands and a good run on the sword. All in all, a very nice way to start a Sunday.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 163

Five flowed into HEC 110 for a 20 minute uncalled set. There were several questions after the set including one on ????. (Good memory on order. ;-) --- After the questions on the bare-hands set, I demonstrated a minor modification to the transition between White Crane Spreads Wings and Brush Left Knee. The right arm comes in and down in front of the right shoulder.

After the bare-hands set, four stuck around for a run at the sword form followed by some details of pretty much all the positions after Fish Jumps Over the Dragon Gate. After the details, most of us went through the set again.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 162

Two for 23 or 24 according to Charlie. Alas, that I could not attend.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 161

Two tiptoed in for a 27 minute uncalled set. I made a couple suggestions on Fair Lady Works at Shuttles and then we moved on to the sword form.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 160

Two tromped in for an 8 minute uncalled set. After the bare-hands flow, Charlie and I worked on the sword form with a few minor corrections here and there, going through the whole set twice.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 159

Two tempted time with a 12 minute set followed by some sword practice. Alas, that I could not attend.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 158

Four flowed in for a 20 minute uncalled set. Prior to the set, there were questions on the pointing of feet in Part the Wild Horse's Mane and "stance" (for lack of a better word) in the third Wave Hands Like Clouds.

Following the bare-hands set, three remained for a run-through of the sword after which I detailed the transition from Fair Lady Works at Shuttles into White Tiger Whips Its Tail and into Tiger Holds Its Head.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 157

A small group today. One wound his way in to HEC 110 for an extensive warm-up and a 7 minute uncalled set.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 156

Four flopped in for a 22 minute uncalled set. There was one question about Turn and Sweep Lotus regarding the footwork.

After the bare-hands, we went through sword a couple times and revisited all the positions after Phoenix Spreads Both Wings.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 155

Five folded in for an explained warm-up and a 20 minute called set. We had a completely new practitioner show up today who required some individual instruction. Hopefully more time for sword tomorrow.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 154

Four flopped in for our old friend, a 27 minute uncalled set. After the set, there was a question on Single Whip.

After Q&A, we went through the sword set. I spoke briefly about the initial Step Over and Block Up (Right to Left) and answered questions on Fair Lady Works at Shuttles. Even in the sword form, that Fair Lady is a pain. ;-)

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 153

Two stopped by for a 23 minute set. Alas, that I could not attend.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 152

Two tramped in for a 4 minute and 22 second uncalled set. After the bare-hands set, we went through sword a couple times with special attention to the last dozen moves or so. Following T'ai Chi, we did about 10 minutes of standing meditation. It took me a solid half of that to relax. I have too much invested in the outcome of today. Now I must learn to let that go, too.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 151

Three stepped in for a 25 minute uncalled set this morning. One of three just returned from a bit of a sabbatical (about a week), so it was quite nice to have her back.

After the set, I commented briefly that one student needs to focus on getting the back foot correctly turned at the end of Single Whip while both need to be careful about launching out of Snake Creeps Down.

Once the bare-hands bit was done, Charlie and I ran through a quick sword set. Two minor corrections occurred after on Raising the Curtain and Spirit Points the Way.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 150

Three threaded their way through back hallways and staircases to HEC 110 for a 9.5 minute uncalled set followed by a couple of run-throughs with the sword. We talked about Fishing, White Ape Offers Fruit, White Tiger Whips Its Tail, and Wind Swirls the Plumb Blossom.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 149

Three gathered in HEC 110 for a 22 minute uncalled set. Following the set, there were questions on the timing of Single Whip and a demonstration of Golden Cock Stands On One Leg.

Following the bare-hands set, all three went through the sword form with special attention and a repeat of positions after Phoenix Spreads Both Wings. One remained longer (after 9:15) with special attention to Wind Swirls the Plumb Blossom.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 148

Three threaded their way in for a 23 minute called set. No questions arose before or after the set, so all three of us ventured into the sword form. In that, there was a question regarding Scoop the Moon from the Sea Bottom (and embrace the Moon). With that question answered, I assisted the beginner by taking her through the first section up through Phoenix Spreads Right Wing a couple of times. We then had a discussion about the martial basis of T'ai Chi and ideally that practice should be done in that fashion.