Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 264

Four fiddled into HEC 110 again today for a 24 minute called set. After the set there were questions on several positions which currently elude me. Following the Q&A, we went through the sword set once and then went back to work on the finer points of everything up through Agile Cat Seizes the Rat. Finally, we drew our staves and worked up through Half Horse Stance Wheel Chop (again), Lift Left Knee Wheel Chop, and Right Bow Stance (left) Wheel Chop.

01, 02, 03, 07

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 263

Four flopped into HEC 110 for a 26 minute called set. Following the bare-hands set, there were numerous questions on numerous frames in the set including but not limited to Play Lute, Lift Hands (&) Step Forward, Fair Lady Works at Shuttles, Turn and Sweep Lotus, et. al.

Following the bare-hands set, we ran through the sword set once and then moved on to the staff. The latter was somewhat challenging to teach as we were starting part two, the first position being Half Horse Stance, Wheel Chop. The stance is relatively speaking, easy, but the movement of the staff can be challenging. We spent a fair amount of time on the position but it was largely successfully learned.

01, 02, 03, 07

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 262

Five flowed in for a 22 minute set. It was unfortunate that I could not join them as there was at least one University student in attendance. Oh well. Water heaters take precedence. ;-)

02, 03, 04, 05, 12

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 261

Two tumbled in for a 13 minute set. Following the bare-hands set, we popped out a pretty good 4 minute called sword set and still had time for about another 13 minutes of standing meditation. All in all, it was a nice way to start the day.

01, 02
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The afternoon class today progressed differently than I expected, but still went well. We reviewed Lift Hands, Step Forward and I then introduced White Crane Spreads Wings. In that, we also covered Empty Solid Stance and a couple of the different ways Lift Hands, Step Forward can be done.

In the advanced class, we also covered Lift Hands, Step Forward but from Diagonal Flying instead of Single Whip. We then added White Crane Spreads Wings, and Brush Left Knee, Twist Step. I also started them on Needle at Sea Bottom, but we'll need to work on that more.

After class, there were several questions, mostly on Repulse Monkey.

01, 03, 06

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 260

Four found their way in for a 23 minute called set this morning. There was one question on Fair Lady Works at Shuttles and I made one comment on High Pat on Horse, Go With Palm.

All four remained for a five minute-ish sword set. There were no questions, but I was quite off on that one.

01, 02, 03, 08
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The stress reduction class this afternoon went well. I had about 23 students in attendance. I worked with them on the Temple Exercises, explained some of the benefits of T'ai Chi, refereed to the medical research being done and finally talked about being in the now. - I also included a very brief demonstration of the martial mind-set in T'ai Chi.
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Only 11 of the sword students showed up this evening, but we reviewed what we had done last time and then proceeded to add Little Dipper, Bird Returns to the Nest, and Agile Cat Seizes the Rat. We spent quite a bit of time on the first of this series as well as some correction on the Block and Sweep (Right to Left). I don't think I talked over much about where the sword started from for the second Block and Sweep.

Next week I need to talk about the rounded arm positions in line with the side of the torso for both of the recently learned thrusts.

01, 02, 03, 07, 08, 10, 11

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 259

Three threw in for 4 minute and 55 second uncalled set. This was followed by a 4 minute and 5 second sword set. Last but certainly not least, we did about 10 and a half minutes of standing meditation. That last one really hit the spot today.
01, 02, 03
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Later, the University class met outside for warm-ups followed by class. The beginners received additional instruction on Single Whip from me and then some on Lift Hands Step Forward from one of my more advanced students. The folks in part two received instruction on Repulse Monkey from the same more advanced student. After we switched groups, I commented further upon those frames and ended class with instruction and demonstration of Diagonal Flying.
01, 03, 06
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Apparently I have no comments regarding the evening class. ;-)

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 258

Four frosted in over frosted grass for a 22 minute uncalled set. The consistency of the speed needs a little work, at least today, but it went well none-the-less. One student and I chatted briefly about pivot points on the foot, but I recall no other questions from the bare-hands set.

01, 02, 03, XX

Two remained for a 3.5 minute uncalled sword set. It actually went fairly well in my opinion, though more practice is always desirable.

01, 03

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 257

Three threaded their way in to HEC 110 this morning for a 22 minute called set. Following the bare-hands set, all three remained for a 5-ish minute run through of the sword. I then reviewed all of the positions in the sword form up through Block and Sweep Right to Left. Following sword, we finished out part one of the staff form adding on the large horizontal sweep and the final jump-turn chop.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 256

Six slunk into HEC 110 for a 19-ish minute called set. It didn't feel that fast but I was feeling some irritation which must have accelerated my breathing. *shrug* Oh well.

After the set, there were numerous questions including some on Step Forward, Deflect Downward, Parry and Punch (the right hand just before the punch), the transition of Strike Tiger into Turn and Kick With Heel, and Part the Wild Horses Mane, after which I added some comments on Turn and Chop (right hand flat vs. fist), Step Forward to Seven Stars (right hand fist), and Turn and Sweep Lotus (hand positions during the turn).

As time was short, five followed that with a run through of the sword. That produced questions on Agile Cat Seizes the Rat and Bee Enters the Hive.

Alas, we did not have time for staff today.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 255

Two tromped in through the rather damp morning air for a 22 minute uncalled set. We faced as close to true north as the building walls allow and had a look at ourselves in the mirrors from the other side. I recall no relevant positional questions after the bare-hands set.

Both remained for a 5.5 minute run at the sword which went fairly well. There was a question on Opening and some discussion of Dusting in the Wind.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 254

Three threaded in for a 21 minute uncalled set. We switched to true south (or as close as the building's southern wall allows) and got a different angle in the mirrors. It was educational.

Following the bare-hands set, we continued facing the southern accent wall and worked through a 4.5 minute called sword set. Following that set, there were questions on Black Dragon Wraps Around the Pole and the second Dusting in the Wind.

Following the sword set, one zealot remained for another go at the bare-hands set. Enjoy. ;-)
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In the University class today, the beginners worked with an advanced student up through Single Whip while I worked with the students in part two on Transitional Single Whip and Fist Under Elbow. All-in-all, it was a very satisfying experience.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 253

Four fiddled in for a 22 minute called set today. Following the bare-hands portion, all four went through at least some portion of a 5 minute sword form. There were no questions on either set.
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In the evening sword class, we reviewed the Chop, Seat, Circle, Seat exercise along with the various grips one might use on the sword. We then reviewed Prepare, Opening, Three Rings Circle the Moon, and Big Dipper. We then added Swallow Swoops Over the Water and Block and Sweep (both sides). I showed them Little Dipper, but will cover that in detail next time.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 252

Three threw in for a 5 minute uncalled set this morning. Following the set, we did a 5 minute called sword set. Following the sword set, I made a few comments on Phoenix Spreads Right Wing and Roc Spreads Its Wings. Since everyone had somewhere else to be, we left a little early and skipped the typical standing meditation.
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In the University class today, the beginners made it up through Press and discussed in depth the positions of the hands, (i.e. Seated, Unseated, Reverse Seated, Tiger Mouth, and Tiger Eye) while the more advanced folks had a good review of Carry Tiger Return to Mountain. I chatted briefly with the advanced folks on the arm-break in Carry Tiger and started them on Transitional Single Whip. Fist Under Elbow next time.
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In the much fuller evening class, we also made it up through Press and also revisited the hand positions. Some excellent questions were brought up by the youngest practitioner there, the best of which was, "What if...." - This lead to the 'tool box' discussion which is always an important viewpoint for better understanding.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 251

Four folded into the Allen Center studio B for a 22 minute uncalled set. I commented briefly on Step Forward to Seven Stars as one participant was exceeding the recommended 30% weight shift into the front foot.

Following the bare-hands set, three remained for a 5 minute called sword set. There was a question on Black Dragon Wraps Around the Pole (Left and Right) which I believe I answered to the questioner's satisfaction.

My mind was preoccupied today. I did manage to calm it some time early in part 3, but until then, I was just coasting.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 250

Three threaded into HEC 110 for a 22 minute called bare-hands set. Before the set, there was a question on Turn and Sweep Lotus. Following the set, there was a question on showing intent.

The sword set was next. All three went through a 5 minute called set followed by further review of Prepare, Opening, Three Rings Circle the Moon, and Big Dipper.

Finally, we worked on staff for several minutes reviewing the positions from yesterday and adding in Left Backward Cross Stance, Wheel Chop and Turn Over 180 degrees, Wheel Chop. Hopefully more next weekend.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 249

Five flanked their way into HEC 110 this morning for a 13 minute called set. We sped things up a bit as one of the group had to leave a bit earlier than usual. Before the bare-hands set, there was a question on High Pat on Horse. After the set, there was a question on Lift Hands Step Forward and Play Lute, specifically the differences in application between them.

After Q&A on the bare-hands, all five remained for a 5 minute called sword set. Following the set, there were questions on Step Over, Block Up, Black Dragon Wraps Around the Pole, and Spirit Points the Way. We then went back and reviewed the finer details of Prepare through Big Dipper.

Last, but not least, three remained for some work on the staff. - I ran all the way through the set to refresh myself on the moves and energies of said weapon after which we went through Ready position, Left Bow Stance (and) Chop, Right Bow Stance (and) Upward Cut, Right Empty Stance Block and Strike Left, and finally Left Empty Stance Block and Strike Right.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 248

Four eventually flapped in for a 15 minute uncalled set. After the set, I asked the other three to do White Crane Spreads Wings but found it to be quite good.

Three remained for a 4.5 minute called sword set. There were no questions post set.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 247

Three threaded in to the Allen Center this morning for a 23 minute uncalled set. There were no questions.

All three remained for a 5 minute called sword set. Before the set, I made some comments on the left hand position in Roc Spreads Its Wings through the transition into Scoop the Moon From the Sea Bottom (and Embrace the Moon).
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In the afternoon University class, the first group was trained in the form up through Ward Off Left and had Ward Off Right demonstrated. Meanwhile, the second group managed Carry Tiger, Return to Mountain though I still want to talk about what is happening with the arm-break as far as the 'grab' and twist before the strike.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 246

Five flinted into to the Allen Center for a 22 minute called set. There was some discussion of position ending points, specifically in Snake Creeps Down.

Following said discussion, a 7 minute sword set was enjoyed by 4 of the 5.
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This evening, we enjoyed our first sword class of the semester. I have 14 students which may be pushing the capacity of the room for sword, but we'll see. Not all 14 were there.

We talked about the correct way to hold the sword based on the frame and/or position within the frame, we went over the exercise of Split, Seat, Circle, Seat (rinse, repeat) and then we went through Prepare, Opening, Three Rings Circle the Moon, and Big Dipper. I plan to (depending on who is there) repeat portions of this lesson on this coming Saturday.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 245

Three thunked in for a 5 minute set this morning. Following the bare-hands set, all three remained for a 6 minute sword set which in turn was followed by about 10 minutes of standing meditation.
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In the University class, we managed to get lined up, get all the way through a warm-up routine and get into the very start of the set. I also distributed several hand-outs including part 1, part 2 (where needed), terms and names, temple exercises and the list of the Ten Essentials. I neglected to pass out the more descriptive sheets of the Ten Essentials. We'll try for Thursday.
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In the evening class, I lost one (temporarily I hope) and gained four. The class is now up to 12, assuming my math and memory are working, anyway. ;-)

We got through the warm up with fewer explanations than last time and made it into Ward Off Left.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 244

Four flowed in to the Allen Center this morning for a 25 minute uncalled set. There were no questions before or after the set.

Following the bare-hands set, three remained for a 5ish minute sword set. There was one question on the curling of the sword from the end of Black Dragon Wraps Around the Pole to Spirit Points the Way.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 243

Five forked in to HEC 110 this morning for a 23 minute (and several seconds) called set. There was one question on the transition between Repulse Monkey and Diagonal Flying.

Due to others having a reservation to use the room at 9 AM, we altered our order of operations. We jumped right to teaching the staff set for several minutes followed by a complete run-through by Charlie and me. At about 5 minutes to nine, we were reminded of the other folk's reservation (very politely) by one of the young ladies in participation. We quickly swapped rooms so that we were practicing sword in HEC 154 and they had 110 to themselves.

After a complete but fairly slow sword set, we discussed the correct method of doing Present the Ivory Tablet. Then we faced sideways to the mirrors and did the set again. There was one spot where it felt a little odd, like I should have been doing a different position, but largely, it felt fine. I did have opportunity to notice that I need some work on the angle of my sword in positions like Raising the Curtain and Black Dragon Wraps Around the Pole (Right). I took the opportunity to talk about the ideal of making yourself the center of the form. That way, it doesn't matter which direction you start, you are not relying on 'the wall with the mirrors' or 'the wall with the fire extinguisher' (etc.), you're relying on your own internal sense.

Anyway, it was a good way to start a Sunday.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 242

Six slid into HEC 110 for a 22 minute called set this morning. After the set there were some questions from and a few helpful comments directed to our newest attendee.

Following the bare-hands set, five remained for a couple goes at the sword. There was a question on Present Ivory Tablet which, it turns out, is almost identical to Compass Points.

Finally, four fell in for a floundering start to the staff form. I haven't done the staff form, let alone taught it, for some time now. Fortunately, after a full run through by myself and Charlie, and a few false starts at teaching, we reviewed several of the starting positions.

I'm not sure I can teach two weapons at once. I guess we'll find out.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 241

Three threw in for a 24 minute uncalled set. There was a question on the right shoulder in Single Whip which was largely answered by correcting the angle between the arms. After the bare-hands set, two remained for a five minute run-through of the sword. I need more practice at speed to be able to control the tassel effectively.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 240

Two trotted in this morning for a 22.5 minute uncalled set facing 'true north'.. Directly after the set, we ran through the sword form (facing true West) for about 5 minutes. Other than trying to skip ahead in the positions, it went fairly well.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 239

Four furled in for a 24 minute uncalled set. After the bare-hands set, three remained for a 5 minute sword set.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 238

Three threatened a 4.5 minute bare-hands set followed by a 5 minute sword set. We wrapped it up with about 11 minutes of standing meditation.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 237

Three thronged in for a 23 minute mostly uncalled set. After the set, we discussed the transition between Turn and Sweep Lotus and Bend Bow Shoot Tiger.

Once the bare-hands set was complete, all three remained for a six minute run at the sword. We discussed Step Over Block Up (Left and Right) and then did the set again. The last question I recall was on Spirit Points the Way.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 236

Two trepanned into HEC 110 this morning for a 23 minute uncalled set. Before the set we talked briefly about the 'change' to the hands in Turn and Sweep Lotus. Following the bare-hands set, we took a couple of runs at the sword. It is obvious to me that I still need work on controlling the tassel 'at speed'. After the sword set, we spent some extra time on the last four positions of the sword set.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 235

Four (eventually) arrived for a 16 minute uncalled set. I was aiming for something a few minutes less slow, but that's quite all right. After the set, there were question on Turn and Sweep Lotus.

Following the bare-hands set, three remained for a stab at a six minute sword set. Following the set, I reviewed Black Dragon Wraps Around the Pole and Spirit Points the Way. We also discussed some of the finer points of Phoenix Spreads Left Wing. We wrapped it up at about 9:30.