Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 116

Five found their way in for a 27 minute called set. Following the set, we discussed Strike Tigers and Double Wind to the Ears.

After the 103, two remained for a good slice of saber.

01, 02, 05, 19, 20
---

The University class enjoyed the summer-like day today as we warmed up and practiced in the west field by the Y. The beginners continued their practice and corrections while the students working on part 3 learned Step Forward to Seven Stars and Step Back, Ride Tiger. Lotus next time.

01, 03, 06, 13

---

Tuesday evening classes are canceled for this session.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 115

Four filed (with some time between each) back in to the Allen Center Studio B for a 19 minute called set. Following the set, I made comments on the transition from Brush Left Knee to Step Forward, Deflect Downward... and the transition on Turn and Chop after Punch Down. I also need to comment about keeping the hips compressed.

01, 02, 04, 20

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 114

Four flopped into HEC 110 for a 24 minute called set. Following the set, I made some comments about trying to slow down and smooth out the movement, remembering that different frames took different amounts of time to execute based largely on the breath count for that frame.

Following the 103, two stuck around for some work on the saber.

01, 07, 23, 27

(There was no official practice yesterday.)

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 113

Two tramped in for a warm up and 16 minute uncalled set. It was nice, though odd, not to need to call the set for a change.

01, 04

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 112

Three threaded their way in this morning for a warm-up and 23 minute called set. Following the set, we discussed Turn and Chop, Step Forward, Deflect Downward, etc., and Strike Tigers.

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

01, 05, 20
---

At the University class, we all did part one. Then, people in part one split off and we reviewed foot pointings throughout section one. We concluded with a review of single-hand push-hands.

The students in part 3 were led through up to the second Snake Creeps Down after which they also worked on single hand push-hands.

01, 06

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 111

Four forged ahead into the Allen Center for a warm-up and a 19 minute called set. After the set, there were some questions on the applicability of Play Lute and Needle at Sea Bottom.

Following the 103, two remained for a quick slice of saber.

01, 02, 04, 20
---

I had the honor of teaching a self-defense seminar today in another class. It was both good and disturbing, as these things tend to be.

---

The evening saber class was a bit sparse. Only 5 showed up. We went through the form a few times, worked on corrections after which I introduced two handed Yang Family push-hands.

01, 03, 10

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 110

On the 110th day of official practice this calendar year (out of 113 possible days), four found their way in to the Allen Center for a 23 minute called set. I had to speed it up slightly near the end or it would have been a 25 minute set. My breathing must of 'off'. :-p

After the 103, two remained for a 2 minute pass at the saber. (I'm pretty sure the saber liked it. ;-)

01, 02, 19, 20
---

In the University class, the beginners continued their training in breathing in time to the set. We worked up through the end of the form, but obviously they need more training and practice. They then continue 'corrections'.

The students working on part 3 were taken up through the second Snake Creeps Down. Step Forward to Seven Stars is next time.

01, 06, 13
---

Evening classes are looking pretty sparse and may be canceled.

01

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 109

Five flopped in back at the Allen Center for a mildly accelerated warm-up and a 19 minute called set this morning.

Following the 103, two remained for a sliver of saber sliced thinly for speed. ;-)

01, 02, 04, 05, 20

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 108

Four found their way in to HEC 110 for a 29 minute called set. Following the set, I noted the importance of not allowing the elbow to move behind the line of the torso in positions such as Brush Knee and Fair Ladies.... We also discussed small vs. large weight shifts.

Following the 103, all four stuck around for some vertical circle push-hands. It went fairly well with understanding growing in all present.

Finally, three remained for two good swipes at the saber.

01, 02, 07, 20

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 107

Five fiddled in to HEC 110 for a pleasant warm-up (as usual) followed by a 30 (31?) minute called set. I'm going to have to start bringing some kind of stop watch to alleviate confusion on these longer sets. ;-) Post set, there was one question on the Martial Application of Wave Hands Like Clouds.

Following the 103, three remained for about 15 minutes of Yang-Family Push Hands. We started working on the "Four Corner" vertical circle with generally good results.

Following push-hands, all three remained for a moderately-paced sword set. The were questions on Shoot the Wild Goose.

Finally, we ended our morning practice with two runs through the saber set with numerous fine-points polished. All-in-all, it was a very pleasant and very rewarding morning of practice.

01, 02, 05, 07, 20

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 106

Three threw in for a nice warm up, but only two went on to execute a 3 minute and 40 second uncalled set.

Following the 103, two remained for a solid slice of saber.

01, 02, 04

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 105

Three threaded in for a 22 minute called set.

After the 103, two remained for a rapid run at the saber. It's coming along nicely. :-)

01, 02, 20
---

In the University class, the beginners were again instructed in the importance of stance width, specifically in the frame Ward Off Left. I promised to 'remind' them again if necessary. We also discussed (and had reviewed) breathing up through Lift Hands and Step Forward.

The students working on part 3 made it up through Crossed Legs and started Punch Groin.

01, 06, 13

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 104

Five filed in for a 23 minute called set.

After the 103, 2 remained for a slash at the saber.

01, 02, 04, 20
---

In the evening saber class, all but two of the usual students were there. We went through the form four times with a number of questions between each set. When that was done, we still had 15 minutes of class, so we paired off for a little single-hand push-hands refresher. I'm hoping to expand on that next time.

01, 02, 03, 10, 14

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 103

Six sauntered in to the Allen Center this morning for a 21 minute called set. It felt fast to me, but it's what we had time to do.

After the 103, two remained for a quick slice of saber.

01, 02, 04, 05, 19, 20
---

In the University class, one of my advanced students led the warm-up while I assisted another student with an unrelated issue. Post warm-up, I read a list of names for whom attendance is going well. Any name not read has issues which should be addressed.

The beginners continued their review work up through all of Grasp Birds Tail while the more advanced group worked up through Crossed Legs.

01, 03, 06, 13
---

In the evening class, only half of the official students showed up, but we worked up in part 3 through the Single Whip before Fair Lady Works at Shuttles.

This may be the last day of this class for this season. I only had the 4 and to my knowledge, all are bowing out for now.

01, 02, 03

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 102

Two tramped in through the remnants of last night's snow for a warm-up and 24 minute uncalled set.

Following the 103, both remained for a civil slice of saber.

01, 02

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 101

Seven eventually sauntered in to HEC 110 for a 23 minute called set. We definitely got off to a rocky start due largely to my tardiness.

After the 103, we worked on some applied T'ai Chi, primarily the strike of Brush Knee into a shield bag and the deflection of Wave Hands against a focus pad. Most there seemed to enjoy this.

Finally, three remained for a casual cavort through the sword form. Saber will wait for Wednesday.

01, 02, 10, 23, 24, 25, 27

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 100

Eight entered HEC 110 this morning for a 30 minute called set. I knew that some struggled with the length, but I think the struggle was good and the students stronger for it.

Following the 103, seven stayed for about 20 minutes of single-hand push-hands with varied partners. This was also quite enjoyable.

Finally, three remained for a couple slices of the saber form. I would have stayed longer, but other duties required my attention.

01, 02, 05, 07, 15, 16, 20, 25

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 99

Four fell in for a late-starting warm-up and a 20 minute called set. Prior to the set there was discussion of Ward Off Left into Ward Off Right. After the set, there was further attention paid to the rest of Grasp Bird's Tail.

After the 103, everyone left. :-)

01, 02, 05, 20

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 98

Four flopped in for a 17 minute called set.

After the 103, two remained for a good slice of saber.

01, 02, 04, 20
---

In the University class today, the beginners were instructed in Wave Hands Like Clouds while the folks working on part 3 made it up through High Pat on Horse, Go With Palm.

01, 06, 13

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 97

Two tramped in through fresh but extremely heavy and wet snow for a 21 minute uncalled set. It seemed nice and smooth today.

After the 103, both remained for a quick slice of saber.

01, 02
---

All but one of the saber students were in attendance this evening. We reviewed the last few frames of the form several times and practiced the whole form several times. There were also a number of questions on various frames.

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

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 96

Four flounced in for an 11 minute called set.  There were no questions following the set.

After the 103, two remained for a solid slice of saber. Discussion of Split the Water... and Phoenix Carries a Stone... ensued.

01, 02, 05, 19
---

In the University class, attendance was low, only just over half showed up. I assume it was a combination of the rain and my taking attendance on Thursday last. Well, I took attendance again and am likely to continue most days.

The beginners received instruction on the breathing up through Push. They also received a much needed reminder on their stance in Ward Off Left. While I took care of this, the people in part 3 worked on White Snake Puts Out Tongue and continued through Step Forward, Deflect Downward, Parry, and Punch into Grasp Birds Tail and Single Whip. They should be ready for the second Wave Hands Like Clouds on Thursday.

01, 03, 13
---

My evening class arrived about 10 minutes late. I was on the verge of leaving when they finally showed up. After the warm up, we went through part 2 into part 3 and discussed Part the Wild Horses Mane. We also discussed some of the martial ideas and ideals behind T'ai Chi.

01, 10

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 95

Three threw in for a 22 minute uncalled set. Even that felt 'fast' in comparison to yesterday. Following the set, there was discussion in the hands of Strike Tigers and in Turn and Chop.

Following the 103, two remained for a rapid run-through of the saber with a little more attention to the last three frames.

01, 02, 04

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 94

Six slithered into HEC 154 today for a 29 minute called set. It was still a little quick for my tastes, but getting closer.

Following the 103, three remained for a quick slice of the sword set. There was some discussion of Big Dipper into Swallow Swoops Over the Water.

Three also remained for slashing sabers. Special attention was paid to positions after Whip the Blade Around... and Fair Lady Works at Shuttles....

01, 02, 07, 13, 23, 24

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 93

Five funneled in to HEC 110 for a 22 minute called set. We focused on the first and the ninth of the ten essentials.

Following the 103, we worked on some applied T'ai Chi.

Finally, three remained for a slide through the saber set.

01, 02, 05, 07, 25

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 92

Two made it in for an 11 minute set. Alas, I could not join them.

02, 04

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 91

Three thrushed in for a 28 minute uncalled set. I would have enjoyed a much longer set, but there were definitely time constraints.

01, 02, 05
---

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 90

Three thumped in to the Allen center this morning for a 19 minute uncalled set. Following the set, there was light discussion on Wave Hands Like Clouds and Step Back, Ride Tiger.

Following the 103, 2 remained for a delightful slide through the saber set.

01, 02, 04
---

All but two of the normal compliment of saber students showed up this evening. We reviewed positions from the last Fair Lady... and added in Split the Water Left and Right, Like Golden Fish Jump Over the Dragon Gate and Phoenix Carries a Stone, Quickly Returning to its Nest. That, of course, is the end of the form. More review next time.

01, 02, 03, 07, 11

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 89

Two tore in for a 9 minute uncalled set.

Following the 103, both remained for a few swipes at the saber form.

01, 02
---

In the afternoon class, I handed back the mid-term exams we discussed them. We also had time for a go at the portions of the form we know. In the 200 level group, I introduced a very small amount of the breathing. People in the more advanced group went through their section of the form and had a good review of Fan Through Back.

01, 06, 13
---

A late start for the evening session. It's quite understandable considering how difficult it can be to coordinate a family. - After the warm-up, we discussed the ten essentials and proceeded through part 1 and 2. We then added in the first two positions of part 3. Part the Wild Horses Mane will be for next week.

01, 02, 10

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 88

Two trotted in for a 23 minute uncalled set facing a more southerly direction than normal. The change was nice and gave me an opportunity to change a few very minor things.

Following the 103, both remained for a swipe at the saber form.

01, 02

-Yesterdays attempts at group practice were thwarted due to overly secured buildings.