Four filtered in for a 17 minute uncalled set. There were questions on Strike Tiger Left, then into Strike Tiger Right, and into Turn and Kick with Heel. There were also questions on the transitions out of the Snake Creep Down frames.
After the Q&A, two remained for a 4ish minute run through of the sword set.
01, 02, 04, 05
November 30, 2012
November 29, 2012
Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 317
Two trundled in for a 22 minute set followed by a 3.5 minute sword set. Part 3 of the 103 seemed very nice today.
01, 02
---
This afternoon's University class had a good turn out. Beginners were subjected to corrections while the more advanced group reviewed and finished up the breathing for part 2. All-in-all, it was a good class.
01, 06, 13
01, 02
---
This afternoon's University class had a good turn out. Beginners were subjected to corrections while the more advanced group reviewed and finished up the breathing for part 2. All-in-all, it was a good class.
01, 06, 13
November 28, 2012
Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 316
Three eventually threw in for an 18 minute uncalled set. I was late enough today to miss the entire warm-up. It certainly changed how I felt about the set. It wasn't bad, per se, just considerably different. I am certainly more used to doing a warm-up first. When we were done, I felt very much like going right into another practice of the 103.
After the 103, two remained for a 4 minute called sword set.
01, 02, 04
---
The evening sword class was again sparse, but 8 is better than 5. We reviewed positions up through White Ape Offers Fruit with special attention on Step Over, Block Up for the students who had not been there last time. From there, we added Falling Flowers (x5), Fair Lady Works at Shuttles, White Tiger Whips Its Tail, Tiger Holds Its Head, and Fish Jumps Over the Dragon Gate.
01, 02, 03, 07, 11, 14
After the 103, two remained for a 4 minute called sword set.
01, 02, 04
---
The evening sword class was again sparse, but 8 is better than 5. We reviewed positions up through White Ape Offers Fruit with special attention on Step Over, Block Up for the students who had not been there last time. From there, we added Falling Flowers (x5), Fair Lady Works at Shuttles, White Tiger Whips Its Tail, Tiger Holds Its Head, and Fish Jumps Over the Dragon Gate.
01, 02, 03, 07, 11, 14
November 27, 2012
Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 315
Two tapered in for a warm up and (almost) 8 minute uncalled set. The flow was pretty good.
We followed the 103 with a 5 minute called sword set with some discussion of Wild Horse Jumps Over the Ravine and Fish Jumps Over the Dragon Gate.
To finish up the practice, we completed almost 12 minutes of standing meditation. This was also quite nice, though I felt cut short by time constraints.
01, 02
---
In the University class, we discussed the idea of relaxed but resilient both in push-hands and while practicing the form. After the discussion, I worked for a time with the beginners on corrections while a more advanced student took the people in part 2 through part 1 and part 2. The widest spread issue with the beginners is stance followed by elbows/shoulders.
I traded with the aforementioned student and worked with people in part 2 on breathing.
01, 06
---
In the evening class, we had the delightful opportunity for a corrections class. We did not make it as far as I would have liked, but the corrections were useful. We also talked some about the breathing for part 1.
01, 10
We followed the 103 with a 5 minute called sword set with some discussion of Wild Horse Jumps Over the Ravine and Fish Jumps Over the Dragon Gate.
To finish up the practice, we completed almost 12 minutes of standing meditation. This was also quite nice, though I felt cut short by time constraints.
01, 02
---
In the University class, we discussed the idea of relaxed but resilient both in push-hands and while practicing the form. After the discussion, I worked for a time with the beginners on corrections while a more advanced student took the people in part 2 through part 1 and part 2. The widest spread issue with the beginners is stance followed by elbows/shoulders.
I traded with the aforementioned student and worked with people in part 2 on breathing.
01, 06
---
In the evening class, we had the delightful opportunity for a corrections class. We did not make it as far as I would have liked, but the corrections were useful. We also talked some about the breathing for part 1.
01, 10
November 26, 2012
Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 314
Three threaded in for an 18 minute set. Unfortunately, I couldn't make the morning set, but I did grab a late lunch which was used largely for a warm-up and 20 minute set in a different building on campus. The space is only really big enough for one and the floor is carpeted concrete, so not my first choice by any stretch of the imagination. Still, it was a nice break from the day and certainly better than nothing.
02, 04, 05
01
02, 04, 05
01
November 21, 2012
Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 313
Three threw in for a 17 minute uncalled set. Following the 103, two remained for a ~3.5 minute called sword set.
01, 02, 04
---
And speaking of sword, only 5 made it to the evening sword class. We made it up through the second Shoot the Wild Goose, but much of that will need to be reviewed.
01, 02, 04
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And speaking of sword, only 5 made it to the evening sword class. We made it up through the second Shoot the Wild Goose, but much of that will need to be reviewed.
November 20, 2012
Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 312
Two tramped in for a warm-up and an almost 5 minute uncalled set. Following the bare-hands set, we ran through a very nice sword set, and finally rounded off the morning with some push-hands, both single-hand stepping and two-hand stationary.
01, 02
---
I successfully instructed a tithe of my normal class in some very easy non-escalation self-defense techniques. We went on to discuss techniques to use if the non-escalation techniques don't work.
01, 03, 13
---
The evening class was a little sparse due to illness, but still large enough. The beginners were introduced to Fist Under Elbow while the one-attending individual working on part 2 and/or 3 worked on sequence of part 3 and then went back and worked on the Turn and Kick with Heel positions. This seemed largely profitable for everyone involved.
01, 02, 07
01, 02
---
I successfully instructed a tithe of my normal class in some very easy non-escalation self-defense techniques. We went on to discuss techniques to use if the non-escalation techniques don't work.
01, 03, 13
---
The evening class was a little sparse due to illness, but still large enough. The beginners were introduced to Fist Under Elbow while the one-attending individual working on part 2 and/or 3 worked on sequence of part 3 and then went back and worked on the Turn and Kick with Heel positions. This seemed largely profitable for everyone involved.
01, 02, 07
November 19, 2012
Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 311
Three threaded back into the Allen Center for a 17 minute uncalled set. This was about a minute faster than I wanted, but still a nice set with pretty good flow.
After the bare-hands, two remained for a 3-4 minute called run-through of the sword. Comments and questions were made on Step Over, Block Up Right to Left and Raising the Curtain.
01, 02, 04
After the bare-hands, two remained for a 3-4 minute called run-through of the sword. Comments and questions were made on Step Over, Block Up Right to Left and Raising the Curtain.
01, 02, 04
November 18, 2012
Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 310
Four funneled into HEC 110 for a 20 minute called set. After the set, there were questions on stances, weight distribution, Strike Tiger Left, and a few comments on Step Forward to Seven Stars.
Following the bare-hands form, we worked some more on push-hands. I introduced the Yang Family's (current) Double-Arm Fixed Step method. Although new and somewhat difficult, those there seemed to enjoy it. I look forward to doing more with it soon.
Three remained for a quick (5+ minute called) run-through of the sword form. After, I helped one student with corrections to Birds Lodge in the Forest, but had to leave for other commitments.
01, 02, 05, 07
Following the bare-hands form, we worked some more on push-hands. I introduced the Yang Family's (current) Double-Arm Fixed Step method. Although new and somewhat difficult, those there seemed to enjoy it. I look forward to doing more with it soon.
Three remained for a quick (5+ minute called) run-through of the sword form. After, I helped one student with corrections to Birds Lodge in the Forest, but had to leave for other commitments.
01, 02, 05, 07
November 17, 2012
Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 309
Six sidled in to HEC 110 for a 21 minute called set. There were questions on Needle at Sea Bottom.
After the set, we worked on some push-hands, working primarily on the basics of sticking, adhering, following and listening. There was a brief demonstration of Double Arm Vertical Circle.
Sword followed push-hands but we didn't get much into refining as there were others who needed both rooms.
01, 02, 05, 07, 14, 15
After the set, we worked on some push-hands, working primarily on the basics of sticking, adhering, following and listening. There was a brief demonstration of Double Arm Vertical Circle.
Sword followed push-hands but we didn't get much into refining as there were others who needed both rooms.
01, 02, 05, 07, 14, 15
November 16, 2012
Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 308
Four found their way in for a very nice warm-up followed by a 17 minute uncalled set. This was about a minute faster than I would have liked, but still a very nice set. I asked the practitioners to try to keep their heads up and sink the rest of the body. Reports indicated that this was, at the very least, a good reminder.
After the set, two remained for about 8 minutes of very enjoyable push-hands.
01, 02, 04, 05
After the set, two remained for about 8 minutes of very enjoyable push-hands.
01, 02, 04, 05
November 15, 2012
Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 307
Four filed in for a 23 minute uncalled set.
Three remained for a 5-ish minute called sword set.
01, 02, 03, 05
---
Attendance was somewhat sparse in the University class today, at least with the more advanced class. In the beginning class, we worked on Wave Hands Like Clouds. This will take a bit more work in future, I think, as it is by far the most complex frame the beginners have yet learned, at least as far as doing it correctly. Once some practice of Wave Hands had ensued, the beginners tried single-hand push-hands again with an apparent break-through in understanding.
After a practice of parts 1 and 2, the students working on part 2 started work on four corner push-hands.
01, 06
Three remained for a 5-ish minute called sword set.
01, 02, 03, 05
---
Attendance was somewhat sparse in the University class today, at least with the more advanced class. In the beginning class, we worked on Wave Hands Like Clouds. This will take a bit more work in future, I think, as it is by far the most complex frame the beginners have yet learned, at least as far as doing it correctly. Once some practice of Wave Hands had ensued, the beginners tried single-hand push-hands again with an apparent break-through in understanding.
After a practice of parts 1 and 2, the students working on part 2 started work on four corner push-hands.
01, 06
November 14, 2012
Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 306
Three thundered (okay, that was me) in for an 18 minute uncalled set. This was by design as one of the practitioners this morning prefers a slightly less slow set. There were no questions on the bare-hands set.
After, two remained for a 5 minute called sword set. In my studies of the sword form, I noticed a very minor change from what I'm doing in Phoenix Spreads Both Wings. The height of the left arm needs to be just slightly lower than the shoulder, about 4 to 6 inches depending on the build of the person executing the frame.
01, 02, 04
---
Almost everyone was there for the sword class this evening. I think only one from the 'revised' roster was not there. After a bit of practice from what we learned last time, we proceeded into Scoop the Moon From the Sea Bottom and Embrace the Moon, Naza Searches the Sea, Rhinoceros Gazes at the Moon, Shoot the Wild Goose, and Green Dragon Bears Its Claws. We ran short on time or the last 'Phoenix' move would have been in there, too. We'll get that next time.
01, 02, 03, 07, 13
After, two remained for a 5 minute called sword set. In my studies of the sword form, I noticed a very minor change from what I'm doing in Phoenix Spreads Both Wings. The height of the left arm needs to be just slightly lower than the shoulder, about 4 to 6 inches depending on the build of the person executing the frame.
01, 02, 04
---
Almost everyone was there for the sword class this evening. I think only one from the 'revised' roster was not there. After a bit of practice from what we learned last time, we proceeded into Scoop the Moon From the Sea Bottom and Embrace the Moon, Naza Searches the Sea, Rhinoceros Gazes at the Moon, Shoot the Wild Goose, and Green Dragon Bears Its Claws. We ran short on time or the last 'Phoenix' move would have been in there, too. We'll get that next time.
01, 02, 03, 07, 13
November 13, 2012
Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 305
No one made it yesterday. - I still blame the time-change (among other things) for being thrown off in my sleep patterns.
---
Three thinned in for a nice warm up after which two remained for a 4 minute 26 second uncalled set. The set was fairly clean and accurate, but was less smooth than quick sets have been in past. I was very aware of every single weight-shift in the set. I bet those would serve to throw an opponent off in combat. I just need to smooth them out a bit at that rate of execution.
Following the bare-hands, the remaining two went through the sword form for about 5 minutes and then proceeded to stand for about 11 minutes. It was a very nice way to start a Tuesday.
01, 02, 04
---
Three thinned in for a nice warm up after which two remained for a 4 minute 26 second uncalled set. The set was fairly clean and accurate, but was less smooth than quick sets have been in past. I was very aware of every single weight-shift in the set. I bet those would serve to throw an opponent off in combat. I just need to smooth them out a bit at that rate of execution.
Following the bare-hands, the remaining two went through the sword form for about 5 minutes and then proceeded to stand for about 11 minutes. It was a very nice way to start a Tuesday.
01, 02, 04
November 11, 2012
Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 304
Five flitted into HEC 110 this morning for a 22 minute called set. There were no questions before or after the set.
After the bare-hands set, all 5 remained to work on about 25 minutes of pushing hands. That was quite enjoyable.
Following push-hands, 4 remained for a called run through the sword. I answered the question from yesterday about the left hand in Black Dragon Whips Its Tail. There was also some discussion of the left hand in Rhinoceros Gazes at the Moon as well.
Finally, all 4 remaining engaged in a bit of staff practice. I reviewed the end of part 2 and launched into part 3 up to the first Cross Stance Wheel Chop.
01, 02, 03, 05, 07
After the bare-hands set, all 5 remained to work on about 25 minutes of pushing hands. That was quite enjoyable.
Following push-hands, 4 remained for a called run through the sword. I answered the question from yesterday about the left hand in Black Dragon Whips Its Tail. There was also some discussion of the left hand in Rhinoceros Gazes at the Moon as well.
Finally, all 4 remaining engaged in a bit of staff practice. I reviewed the end of part 2 and launched into part 3 up to the first Cross Stance Wheel Chop.
01, 02, 03, 05, 07
November 10, 2012
Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 303
Six slithered in to HEC 110 for a 23 minute called set this morning. It was nice to see a (relatively speaking) new face there as well as the 'old' regulars. I made my standard 'follow along as best you can' and 'work on the foot-work first' speech before the set, but the 'new' person did quite well.
Four stuck around after the set for a 5 minute called sword set. There were questions on Cartwheel Right and everything after Fish Jumps Over the Dragon Gate.
Finally, three remained to review parts 1 and 2 of the staff set. I only added one position at the beginning of part 3 for various reasons.
01, 02, 05, 07, 11, 17
Four stuck around after the set for a 5 minute called sword set. There were questions on Cartwheel Right and everything after Fish Jumps Over the Dragon Gate.
Finally, three remained to review parts 1 and 2 of the staff set. I only added one position at the beginning of part 3 for various reasons.
01, 02, 05, 07, 11, 17
November 9, 2012
Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 302
Two traveled in frosty weather to form the form in 23 minutes. Prior to the set, there was some brief discussion about the transition from Turn and Kick with Heel into Brush Left Knee, Twist Step.
The other executed a nice sword form while I abstained.
01, 02
The other executed a nice sword form while I abstained.
01, 02
November 8, 2012
Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 301
Two came in for an 18 minute set today. I awoke late so was not able to attend.
02, 04
---
In the University class, the beginners received another brief lecture on relaxation. We then went through a few minutes of standing meditation which was made far more difficult than necessary as the construction work continues in the basement turning our room into a huge drum. The hammer-drilling was really quite obnoxious. Some of the beginners seemed to really get into the meditation. Others were very blase about it. This was not unanticipated. They ended with some more work on breathing.
The people working on the second section finished part two today. Other than a mild miscommunication with the the student helping me, overall, things went well.
Two remained afterward for a quick run at the sword.
01, 03, 13
02, 04
---
In the University class, the beginners received another brief lecture on relaxation. We then went through a few minutes of standing meditation which was made far more difficult than necessary as the construction work continues in the basement turning our room into a huge drum. The hammer-drilling was really quite obnoxious. Some of the beginners seemed to really get into the meditation. Others were very blase about it. This was not unanticipated. They ended with some more work on breathing.
The people working on the second section finished part two today. Other than a mild miscommunication with the the student helping me, overall, things went well.
Two remained afterward for a quick run at the sword.
01, 03, 13
November 7, 2012
Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 300
Two topped in for a 15 minute set. I was distinctly unavailable.
02, 04
---
In the evening sword class, everyone who is still in the class showed up, which was really nice. We reviewed the positions from last time and then proceeded up through Roc Spreads Its Wings. Although there were a number of positions between Heavenly Horse Flies Over the Water Fall, most of them were some type of repeated position. There are about 24 positions left and 4 or 5 weeks left. (According to the calendar 5, but really 4 considering the number of students who will be gone by the last class.) That's an average of 6 positions a class. That's difficult, but the good news is that there are really only 10 new positions in that group which makes it somewhat more manageable, or at least it would if many of them weren't clustered around the very end. Oh well. I guess we can only do what we can with what we have. :-)
01, 02, 03, 07, 10, 11
02, 04
---
In the evening sword class, everyone who is still in the class showed up, which was really nice. We reviewed the positions from last time and then proceeded up through Roc Spreads Its Wings. Although there were a number of positions between Heavenly Horse Flies Over the Water Fall, most of them were some type of repeated position. There are about 24 positions left and 4 or 5 weeks left. (According to the calendar 5, but really 4 considering the number of students who will be gone by the last class.) That's an average of 6 positions a class. That's difficult, but the good news is that there are really only 10 new positions in that group which makes it somewhat more manageable, or at least it would if many of them weren't clustered around the very end. Oh well. I guess we can only do what we can with what we have. :-)
01, 02, 03, 07, 10, 11
November 6, 2012
Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 299
Two traipsed in for a late-starting warm-up followed by a 6 minute 15 second set and a 5-ish minute called sword set. It was nice to be back. We ran out of time for any standing meditation.
On the way out, we enjoyed the first 'sticking' snow of the season.
01, 02
---
In the University class, the beginners were subjected to some commentary on some of the ten essentials. Following that, they learned more of the breathing while the people in part two worked up through the last Turn and Kick with Heel. That position will need to be reviewed.
01, 03, 06
---
The evening class was a bit sparse with only 5 total people in attendance, but at least one potential new member stopped by to watch for a while. After introducing Carry Tiger Return to Mountain and discussing some relaxation techniques, I bowed the two beginners out and the three remaining ran through the sword form.
01, 02, 03
On the way out, we enjoyed the first 'sticking' snow of the season.
01, 02
---
In the University class, the beginners were subjected to some commentary on some of the ten essentials. Following that, they learned more of the breathing while the people in part two worked up through the last Turn and Kick with Heel. That position will need to be reviewed.
01, 03, 06
---
The evening class was a bit sparse with only 5 total people in attendance, but at least one potential new member stopped by to watch for a while. After introducing Carry Tiger Return to Mountain and discussing some relaxation techniques, I bowed the two beginners out and the three remaining ran through the sword form.
01, 02, 03
November 5, 2012
Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 298
Three threw in for a 21-ish minute set.
There was no practice (to my current knowledge) Saturday or Sunday.
02, 04, 05
There was no practice (to my current knowledge) Saturday or Sunday.
02, 04, 05
November 2, 2012
Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 297
Two traversed chilled pavement and sharp night air to enter the Allen Center and after a warming warm-up, went through a fairly even paced 23 minute uncalled set. Post set, another student stopped in briefly but wasn't up for the practice itself.
After a bit of conversation, one remained for a 3.5 minute uncalled and slightly corrected sword set. We'll have to talk about that, later.
01, 05
After a bit of conversation, one remained for a 3.5 minute uncalled and slightly corrected sword set. We'll have to talk about that, later.
01, 05
November 1, 2012
Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2012 Day 296
One wafted in for a warm up followed by several stabs at the sword form. After about 4 or so (the 4th being about 3 minutes and 20 seconds and falling in the 'acceptable' range), I called it a morning and went wonko. (Actually I just went grocery shopping, but sometimes it's difficult to tell the difference.)
01
01
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