Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 234

Two tipped in this morning, but one had to leave early, so one eventually went through an 11 minute set facing 'real' south mainly so I could check stances and positions in the mirror. I left directly after the bare-hands set.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 233

Three threw in for a 24 minute uncalled set. Directly following the set, Charlie and I went through a 5 minute called sword set. It was quite a nice practice.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 232

Three threaded their way in for a 23 minute uncalled set. After the set, I discussed the change in the arms for Turn and Sweep Lotus as one member present had not been informed.

Following the bare-hands set, one remained for a 3 minute sword set. - The flow is starting to feel really good with the sword for me. This was an uncalled set and that seemed to help my flow considerably. I'll have to try this from time to time with the others that have learned the whole of the sword form. Now, if I can just keep the new tassel out of my face, it'll be great. ;-)

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 231

Two toppled in for a 14 minute uncalled set today. There was a question on Turn and Kick with Heel (the first one) and Turn and Kick with Heel (the last one).

After the bare-hands section, Charlie and I stood for about 11 minutes.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 230

Three threw in to the Allen Center for a 21 minute uncalled set. After the bare-hands set, two remained for a 5 minute sword set with a bit of attention to Scoop the Moon From the Sea-Bottom before the set.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 229

One whelped into HEC 110 for an 8 minute set followed by a 4 minute sword set. Questions were not answered and a 'good practice' was wished to the gaggle thronging into the room.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 228

Two traipsed in for a 22 minute called set this morning. Following the set, there was a question on the transition between Step Forward to Seven Stars and Step Back, Ride Tiger.

After the bare-hands portion, we moved into sword. Following the set, I answered questions on Little Dipper, Rhino Gazes at the Moon vs. Reigning in the Horse, and several on Push the Boat With the Current.
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In the later set, after a brief warm-up (with explanation and corrections), we did part part one and part two up through High Pat on Horse. We then added and repeated Separate Feet.

Post bare-hands, we worked on the sword form up through Fishing with special attention to Phoenix Spreads Left Wing and Fishing.

All told, about 2.5 hours of T'ai Chi today. :-)

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 227

Three (eventually) threaded their way in through the rain-drops for a 23 minute uncalled set. I think I may have to run a corrections set from time to time as I'm beginning to see a bit of slop in the set, myself included.

After the bare-hand set, Charlie and I remained for a very nice 5 minute sword set.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 226

Two tuned in for a 21 minute uncalled set this morning. Following the bare-hands set, we went through a 5 minute sword set. All-in-all, a good way to start the day.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 225

One came in for a 21 minute set. Shortly before the time allotted expired, another ducked in for some assistance with part one.
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For the afternoon set, two attended an impromptu and somewhat unexpected gathering in the HEC for a 14 minute called set followed by questions on Transitional Single Whip into Fist Under Elbow and Diagonal Single Whip. Further explanations and comments were made on Step Forward, Deflect Downward, Parry and Punch as well as Wave Hands Like Clouds.

Following the bare-hands section, while the one student worked on some very important course work, I practiced alone with a staff set followed by a sword set done with a foil. (Talk about 'whip-like-action'. ;-)

This has certainly improved my outlook for the rest of the day. :-)

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 224

Three thronged the Allen Center this morning for a 7 minute called set. After the set, there was a question on the difference between Punch Down and Punch Groin followed by discussion of posture and body mechanics.

Two remained for a 4 and something minute sword set. We chose to forgo standing this morning due to time constraints.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 223

Two (eventually) made their way in for a 17 minute uncalled set. I was quite late, but made it in time for the last few minutes of the warm-up and the entire set. I could certainly tell the difference in my performance. Physically, things were fine, but mentally, I was distracted.

On an interesting note, the sunburn on my neck, although 'heated' during the set did not cause me discomfort during practice. After... *shrug*

Following the bare-hands, one remained for a 4 minute sword practice.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 222

One wound into HEC 110 for a 21 minute set. Again, I was not present, much to my loss.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 221

One made his way in to HEC 110 for a 20 minute set. - Alas that I could not be there.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 220

Two topped in for a 24 minute uncalled set followed by about six minutes of sword. Soon, classes will return.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 219

Three threaded their way in between the residual rain-drops for a 22 minute uncalled set. Part two was a little less slow and part three was a little more slow. Eventually, perhaps consistency will be the rule. ;-)

After the bare-hands set, two remained for a six minute run at the sword set. There was brief discussion of Step Over, Block Up and (from yesterday) the motion of the sword between Swallow Picks Up Mud and Roc Spreads Its Wings. (Think circular.)

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 218

Three thronged in for a 23 minute uncalled set this morning. Following the set, two remained for a five minute sword set. All-in-all, a good start to the day.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 217

Two transported in for a 4 and something minute set followed by a 4 and 5 minute run-through of the sword. After that, we still had time to 'stand' for about 11 minutes. The standing is definitely getting better for me. :-)

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 216

Three thinned the morning mists with an 18 minute uncalled set this morning. Prior to the set, I commented on a slight difference in Turn and Sweep Lotus and the obligatory waist-turn in Bend Bow, Shoot Tiger.

Following the bare-hands set, Charlie and I remained for a run-through of the sword set. This is the second day with my new tassel and I have to admit, it's considerably different. It feels like it weighs almost twice what my old tassel does and the same moves now cause a significantly larger amount of movement in said tassel. I keep getting thumped in the chest or neck. At least it tends to stay off my wrist or blade. :-)

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 215

Two tramped in to HEC 110 for a 12 minute uncalled set followed by a couple of goes at the sword form and some Yang-style push-hands. All-in-all, it was quite a nice way to start the day.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 214

Six sidled in for a 25 minute called set. There were questions on the transition between Brush Right Knee and Brush Left Knee as well as a question on hand structure.

After the bare-hands set, four remained to drive through a sword set. Following the set, I went back and re-taught the moves up through Fishing.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 213

And in the tradition of missing two in a row... A different one went in for a 19 minute 'softly-called' set this morning. Again, I could not be there. Aiming for Saturday.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 212

One went in for a 19 minute set. Alas, I could not attend.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 211

Three throttled down to go through an 18 minute uncalled set. A brief conversation ensued regarding the upcoming classes. Beginner's classes start at the YMCA on Tuesday, September 4, 2012 at 7:30 PM in the APR while Advanced T'ai Chi (i.e. sword) is likely to start on Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at 7:45 PM, also in the APR. I'm seeking further information via email from my supervisor there. The program guide at the YMCA can be viewed here: http://www.spymca.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/spymca-fall-guide-2012-web.pdf

After the bare-hands set, two remained for a quick, 4 minute run-through of the sword form with special attention to the left hand in Scoop the Moon From the Sea Bottom.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 210

Two tripped in for a 5 minute uncalled set this morning. Following the bare-hands set, we both went through an enjoyable 5 minute sword set followed by about 11 minutes of standing. All-in-all, a very nice way to start the day.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 209

One went in for a 24 minute solo set. Alas, that I was not there. Technology is great, but only when it works.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 208

Three thumped in to HEC 110 for a 24 minute called set. Following the bare-hands set, two went through the sword form twice with special attention to the last half-dozen frames while one watched from the side-lines.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 207

Three threaded their way through narrow, twisted, hallways to HEC 110 for a 19 minute uncalled set. There was a question on the transition between Parry, Block, and Punch and Ward Off Right affectionately called 'Other Transitional Arm-Break' and a brief review of Gold Cock.

Following the bare-hands set, we ran through the sword set a couple of times with special attention to Black Dragon Wraps Around the Pole.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 206

Four filed in for a 22 minute called set. An observation was made of a first semester student indicating similarities in positions such as Part the Wild Horses Mane and Ward Off Right. I enjoy it when my students demonstrate cogent thought. :-)

All four remained (but one watch) for a 6 minute sword set.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 205

Three thudded in for a 22 minute called set followed by about 6 minutes worth of sword. I made one correction in Tiger Holds Its Head but didn't notice anything else with the one experienced sword player. The other present was a first-semester student who happened to be in town.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 204

Three thronged the Allen Center this morning for a 21 minute uncalled set. There were no questions on the bare-hands sot.

The sword set ensued thereafter lasting just over 5 minutes. There was some healthy discussion of Dusting in the Wind and a recap of the last half-dozen positions or so.