Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 57

Three for 24. No weapons today.

01, 02, 05
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In the University class, the beginners were introduced to Play Lute and Brush Right Knee. Both frames will need additional massaging. The more advanced group made it into the first Repulse Monkey. Many questions about previous frames were also answered.

01, 03, 06

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 56

Three threw in for a 14 minute uncalled intentful set. Although not the same as the alchemical sets I've been pursuing of late, these are also quite energetic.

Following the 103, one remained for a swift slash at the saber.

01, 02, 04
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Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 55

Three threaded their way in to the Allen Center for a 13 minute called set. Following, there was a question about the applications of Roll Back.

Following the 103, two remained for a couple slashes at the saber.

01, 02, 20
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In the University class, the beginners were taught Brush Left Knee while the somewhat more advanced folk were taught Snake Creeps Down (reviewed) and Golden Cock Stands on One Leg.

01, 03, 06, 13
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Tuesday evening classes seem to have shrunk a bit with the start of the new session. Only the more advanced folk were there (4 students). We reviewed part 1 and part 2 up through the first Turn and Kick With Heel. We then proceeded from there through the Strike Tigers.

01, 02, 10

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 54

Three thrust their way into the Allen Center for a 17 minute uncalled set. Following the set, I spoke briefly on some alchemy.

After the 103, two remained for a couple good slashes at the saber form up through the first Fair Lady Works at Shuttles.

01, 02, 04

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 53

Six slipped in to HEC 110 for a 22 minute called set. Following the set, I actually taught Ward Off Left and gave a partial of Ward Off Right. Having two new people seemed worth the review.

Following the 103, four remained for a good go at the sword with a repeat of everything after Fishing.

Finally, all four remained for a solid slash at the saber up through Wind Swirls the Lotus Hidden Among the Leaves.

01, 02, 07, 11, 21, 22

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 52

Ten tore into HEC 110 today for a pleasant warm-up followed by a 23 minute called set. Following the set, we discussed Turn and Sweep Lotus, Bend Bow Shoot Tiger, Snake Creeps Down, elbows down, arm-pits and kwa open, along with a few other concepts.

Following the 103, three remained for a little saber work, up through Wind Swirls the Lotus, Hidden Among the Leaves.

01, 02, 05, 07, 13, 21, 22

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 51

Two trotted in from the thickening snow for an 18 minute uncalled set.

Following the warm-up and 103, both remained for several whacks at the saber form up through Wind Swirls the Lotus Hidden Among the Leaves.

01, 02

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 50

Three thumped in for a 22 minute uncalled set facing much closer to true south than we usually do. The sun streaming in the window, the birds puffed up in the trees, and the flow of the set was truly calming today. I think I may have come to understand another layer of this art form I've been practicing.

Following the 103, two remained for a whack at the saber up through the foot work for Wind Swirls the Lotus Hidden in the Leaves.

01, 02, 05
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In the University class, I finished teaching the advanced group Snake Creeps Down as well as reviewing Wave Hands Like Clouds and the end of Fair Lady Works at Shuttles. The beginning group got up through White Crane Spreads Wings and were exposed to Brush Left Knee.

01, 03, 06, 13

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 49

Two tramped in through bitter winds for a 12 minute uncalled set.

Two then remained for several goes at the saber form up through White Crane Spreads its Wings; Step Forward to 5 Element Palm.

Finally, 1 slashed his way all the way through the saber form.

01, 02
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Eight of the nine students showed up this evening for a warm up and instruction in the saber form. We reviewed positions from the start of the form and then proceeded to include White Crane Spreads its Wings; Step Forward to Five Element Palm, and a start on Wind Swirls the Lotus Hidden in the Leaves. We'll have to review that last one heavily, but the basis is there.

01, 03, 07, 10, 11, 14

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 48

Three thrushed against the driven snow and heavy winds for a nice warm up followed by an 18 minute called set. Following the set, we discussed Fair Lady Works at Shuttles.

After the 103, one remained for a relatively rapid rush at the saber.

01, 02, 19
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I had opportunity to work with a different wellness class today on stress reduction. I talked about the health benefits of T'ai Chi, what it is, where it came from, and a touch of the basic principles. We also went through all of the Temple exercises.

01
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In the afternoon University class, the beginners continued, hopefully up through at least White Crane Spreads Wings while the folks working on part 3 finished Fair Lady Works at Shuttles and proceeded to go through the subsequent Grasp Bird's Tail, Single Whip, and Wave Hands Like Clouds.

01, 06, 13
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In the evening class, the beginners (beginner) was offered a complete review followed by instruction on White Crane Spreads Wings. - This was technically the last session of the 8 week course.

01, 10

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 47

Two trotted in for a nice warm-up and a 3 minute and 45 second set. The set had a little more slop in it than I would like, but practice is paramount.

Following the 103, both remained for a 4+ minute called sword set and finally a few thrusts at the portion of the saber form being taught. It was a very nice way to start the morning.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 46

Four fell in for a warm up and a 23 minute called set. Following the set, I worked with the new person on some of the basic concepts of T'ai Chi.

After the 103, three remained for a slow run at the sword. Following that, the same three remained for some practice with the saber, again up through White Crane Spreads its Wings; Step Forward to Five Element Palm.

01, 02, 07, 21

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 45

Seven slipped in for a warm-up and a 22 minute called set. After the set, there weren't many form-related questions after the set but one fellow from a Yoga group on campus wants me to do a demo at some point in the future at the Yoga group. I gave him a syllabus so he could email me.

Four remained for a couple of runs at the sword form, one slow, one less slow, the latter coming in at about 4 minutes. There were questions on Shoot the Wild Goose and Present the Ivory Tablet.

The same four remained for a couple of slashes at the early part of the saber form. We reviewed up through Look Left, Gaze Right, and Split before moving into White Crane Spreads Wings; Step Forward to Five Element Palm.

01, 02, 03, 07, 21

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 44

Four followed for a warm up and 23 minute uncalled set. The set this morning was (for me) positively delightful. I found something very interesting to focus on while executing the set, but I want to work with it a bit more before posting further on the topic.

After the 103, two remained for a slash at the saber form.

01, 02, 04, 05

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 43

Four flopped in for a warm up and 23 minute called set today. It felt really nice this morning. Following the set, there were questions on Brush Left Knee, Twist Step and I refreshed folks on the different break-point between Snake Creeps Down and the following position.

After the 103, one remained for a vigorous whack at the saber.

01, 02, 05, 20
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In the University class today, beginners made it up through Lift Hands, Step Forward while the more advanced folk were educated on the second Fair Lady Works at Shuttles. It was a good class and I fully anticipate finishing Fair Ladies next time.

01, 03, 06, 13

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 42

Three thumped the floor boards for a warm up and uncalled 22 minute set. Following the set, I disseminated some of the alterations I commented on earlier.

Following the 103, one remained for a slow slice of the saber.

01, 04, 05
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In the evening saber class, I had two people show up who had not been there before. We reviewed the 1.5 lines of poetry completed and then forged ahead up through Look Left, Gaze Right, and Split. All told, there were 10 people there.

01, 02, 03, 07, 10, 11, 14

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 41

Three threatened the utter stillness with movement of Qi Gong and T'ai Chi. A called 15 minute set, created, destroyed, ephemeral, as are all things under sun and moon, yet the lingering effects could last an eternity. Prior to the set, there was discussion of minor modifications in Wave Hands Like Clouds, Separate Feet, and the transition from Parry Block and Punch into Ward Off Right. There were also questions on the transition from White Crane Spreads Wings to Brush Left Knee. Following the set, I made some comments about posture in Repulse Monkey.

Following the 103, two remained for some saber work.

01, 02, 20

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 40

Three through snow on ice did traverse the hazardous lands and with a short delay, did enjoy a warm-up and 17 minute called set. Following the 103, there were questions on Roll Back and Apparent Close Up. Prior to the set, I also commented on a minor angle change in the right hand during the colloquial "Other Transitional Arm Break".

After the Q&A, one remained for a solid slice of saber.

01, 02, 20

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 39

Four flapped in for a warm-up/philosophical conversation followed by a 24 minute called set. Just after the set, I discussed the alteration to where Snake Creeps Down ends and Golden Cock Stands on One Leg/Step Forward to Seven Stars starts.

Three remained for some detailed work on Carry Tiger, Diagonal Single Whip, and Part the Wild Horses Mane. The width of stance in that last one is quite tricky.

Finally, two stuck around for a run through of the sword set and some additional practice of the Saber.

01, 02, 05, 13

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 38

Today was difficult. After being shown by signage that our normal room was closed today, two of us attempted entry into the Allen Center which was supposed to be open at 8:00 AM. It was not. Even after a couple of phone calls to appropriate people, the establishment didn't open until almost 8:40 by which time, there was only me. So, 1 waited semi-patiently and then swept the studio, warmed up, ran through several saber sets, and finally did a 3.5 minute bare-hands set. The last of these was rather sloppy today.

01

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 37

Seeking data. - My unhelpful alarm clock was... unhelpful. :-p

According to a very reliable source, two tramped in for a 17-ish minute form today.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 36

Four flew in for a pleasant warm up and a 21 minute called set. The relatively new person there did quite well considering a considerable lack of training.

With no questions after the 103, two remained for a 5-ish minute stab at the sword and then a whack at the saber.

01, 02, 05, 20
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The afternoon University class went well. An upper level student worked with the more advanced folks on Diagonal Single Whip and Part the Wild Horse's Mane while I worked with the beginners on a review of Ward Off Left, Ward Off Right followed by the addition of Roll Back and Press including the martial applications. We also talked about/reviewed the usual positions of the hand/wrist (seated, unseated, reverse seated). Push was pushed to next week.

01, 06, 13

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 35

One wiggled in for a warm-up followed by a nine minute 103 form and some saber slashing. The flow of the 103 was really nice today, interspersed with explosive intent. The saber also felt good.

I left a shade early, just in time to watch the upper edge of the sun clear the horizon through a copse. The shades of pinks and oranges streaking across the sky simply cannot be captured by film or digital means.

01
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Seven swashbuckled in for the saber class this evening (not including the instructor). We reviewed how to hold the saber, some basic arm strengthening exercises directly related to the saber, Step Forward to Seven Stars, Step Back to Ride Tiger, and Switch Saber and then added part of Move Forward, Rise Up, Dodge Aside, and Extend with High Spirit.

01, 02, 03, 11, 13, 14

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 34

Four flung themselves into a warm up and a 12 minute called set, today. Following the set, there were questions on Fair Lady Works at Shuttles.

After the 103, 3 remained for 10 minutes of standing meditation which was very nice.

Finally, 2 remained for a 4-ish minute sword set. I find my focus is often elsewhere on Tuesdays after standing. Perhaps reordering the activities would help, though that might cause some students to want to leave before the standing. Perhaps I'll just deal with it. ;-)

01, 02, 05, 19
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In the University class, one of my advanced students took the students learning part 3 through the remainder of Carry Tiger, Return to Mountain. I believe he started them on Diagonal Single Whip, as well. In the mean time, I worked with the beginners on a solid review of Ward Off Left and Ward Off Right. We also talked about Tiger Mouth, open armpits, and drooping elbows.

01, 03, 06, 13

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 33

Four finned through cold predawn snow for a pleasant warm-up and a 23 minute called set.

Following the 103, two remained for a 4 minute called sword set.

Finally, 1 hacked his way through a saber set. - (I will say that this morning's saber was much better than yesterday's. ;-)

01, 02, 05, 12

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 32

Two tramped in to HEC 110 for a 25 minute uncalled set. The flow was quite nice.

Following the 103, both remained for a 6 minute purposeful sword set followed by some discussion of Wild Horse Jumps Over the Ravine, Fish Jumps Over the Dragon Gate, and Big Dipper.

Finally, one remained for a couple quick slashes at the saber form.

01, 02

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 31

Six slid into HEC 110 for a 23 minute called set. Following the set, there was discussion of several positions including Carry Tiger Return to Mountain and Diagonal Single Whip.

Following the 103, two remained to execute a sword set while a third continued to practice the 103.

Following the sword set, three remained to continue the discussion of various fine movements of the aforementioned frames. There was also discussion about posture.

Finally, one remained to hack his way through a saber set.

01, 02, 05, 13, 15, 16

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 30

Two tramped in from the sub-zero temperatures for a 17 minute uncalled set. Following the set, there was some discussion of the second Turn and Kick With Heel and White Snake Puts Out Tongue.

After the 103, both remained for a 4.5 minute sword set. This felt really good to me today, as did the 103. Kua focus is a wonderful thing.

01, 02