Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 147

Three thrust their way into the Allen Center today for a 21 minute uncalled set. It was really nice not to need to call the set for a change. I could focus on other aspects of the art.

After the 103, two remained for a thrust at the saber. The end of the form was reviewed.

01, 02, 04

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 146

Three threaded back into the Allen Center, Studio B. There is still a slight smell from the floor being redone, but it is quite tolerable. We did a good warm-up and a 26 minute called set. I was surprised at the end to see how long it had taken. Following the set, there was discussion on White Crane and Step Forward....

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

01, 02, 28

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 145

Three threatened the lower hallway of the Allen Center for a 19 minute called set. Following the set, there were discussions on Ward Off Right and Separate Feet.

After the 103, one remained for a slick slice of saber.

01, 04, 20

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 144

Two traveled into the basement of the Allen Center for a warm up and 15 minute uncalled set. The weather outside was somewhat disagreeable and the poison on the grass was more-so.

Following the 103, two remained for a slippery slice of saber out under the south awning.

01, 02

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 143

Two traipsed into the field next to the HEC this morning for a nice but somewhat chilly 25 minute uncalled set.

01, 02

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 142

Three thrushed into the field next to the HEC this morning for a 22 minute called set. It was a touch warmer than yesterday, but still a bit chilly in places.

01, 02, 27

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 141

Two tramped into the field by the HEC for a warm-up and 25 minute uncalled set. After the set, there was some discussion of Step Back, Ride Tiger and Turn and Sweep Lotus.

Following the 103, two took a quick slice at the sword set.

01, 02

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 140

Three threaded their way onto the tennis courts north of the Allen Center this morning for a chilly warm-up and a 24 minute uncalled set. I was vaguely surprised at how difficult the set felt. I suspected the 'ground' was concrete and it was confirmed by the exhaustion and inability to execute acceptable techniques, especially techniques requiring one leg in the air. It's been a long time since I've done a set on concrete but not much has changed as far as the effects.

01, 02, 05

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 139

Two tramped to the front yard of the Allen Center for half of the warm up. The other half was finished in the basement of the Allen Center along with a 22 minute called set. It was a little cramped, but we got the job done. Following the set, there was some discussion primarily of Empty Solid Stance in applications like Golden Cock Stands on One Leg and Repulse Monkey.

After the 103, 1 stepped outside for a short but satisfying sword set.

01

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 138

Five foraged into the lawn just south of the Allen Center for a warm up and 23 minute called set. The ground where I was standing was rather uneven, but I managed to maintain my balance throughout the form. After the set, there was some discussion of the left hand in Brush Left Knee and the transitory stance in Step Forward, Deflect Downward....

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

01, 02, 04, 05

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 137

Four flopped onto the lawn of the Allen Center this morning for a pleasant warm-up. Three remained for a 21 minute called set after which there were questions on Separate Feet and the first Turn and Kick with Heel.

After the 103, two remained for a somewhat slower slice at the saber. The grass footing was reason enough to slow down a bit today.

01, 02, 04, 20

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 136

Four flitted around a while before coming to rest in the parking lot just south of Pray/Sims Hall. Our normal room is having the floor re-done so we are at the mercy of the weather this week. So far, so good. It was cool, though a bit damp which is why we moved to asphalt instead of grass. It was far safer than the side-walks. The grounds crew were out and about and they almost never drive in the parking lot. :-p The 21 minute called set went well, even though the surface was a bit unusual. After the set, there was brief discussion of Ward Off Left.

Following the 103, two remained for a rapid run at the saber. The new surface was quite enlightening.

01, 02, 20, 28

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 135

Three threaded in to the HEC 110 for a delightfully slow 32 minute called set.

Following the 103, all three remained for a slow slice of sword and a double swipe at the saber.

01, 02, 07

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 134

Five flopped in to HEC 110 for a 28 minute called set.

After the 103, three remained for a pass at the sword and slice of saber.

01, 02, 05, 07

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 133

Two (and eventually 3) showed up this morning. The two did a 7 minute uncalled set while the one did three called sets of part 1.

After the 103, two sliced through a sword set and slashed through a saber set. Both were enjoyed immensely.

01, 02

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 132

Seven (eventually) showed for a 25 minute called set. There were numerous distractions both in and outside my head, the latter causing me to occasionally mis-speak a couple of frames. Once I was able to dispense with the internal distractions, the externals also stopped being an issue. Following the set, I made some comments on Play Lute, Apparent Close Up, and Brush Knee.

01, 02

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 131

Seven slithered in for a 26 minute called set. It still felt fast to me, but such is life. After the set, I commented on hips which seemed to have a distressing straightness to them for many of the participants. This, too, shall pass.

Following the 103, two remained for a slippery slam at the saber.

01, 02, 04, 05, 20
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Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 130

Six slipped in for a 23 minute called set in the Allen Center toady. There were questions on Play Lute after the set.

Following the 103, two remained for a rapid run at the saber.

01, 02, 04, 20

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 129

Six sidled into the Allen Center for a 23 minute called set. Following the set we discussed Press, Push, and Single Whip.

Following the 103, two remained for a 3 minute slice of saber.

01, 02, 04, 20

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 128

Six slipped into HEC 110 for a 31 minute called set. I found this quite enjoyable. I look forward to extending it even more, depending on the weekend, anyway.

Following the 103, everyone remained for several minutes of single-hand push-hands followed by several more minutes of vertical '4 corner' push-hands. This is also quite enjoyable.

Finally, four (five?) remained for a nice slice of sword and a mild chunk of saber. An excellent way to start a Sunday.

01, 02, 03, 07, 25, 26

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 127

Four found their way into HEC 110 for a 29 minute called set. There were questions on Ward Off and Brush Knee.

Following the 103, all four worked on some push hands briefly.

At the end, three remained for a good slice of sword. Saber will have to wait until tomorrow.

01, 02, 07, 25

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 126

Three threaded in this morning for a warm up and very quiet uncalled 26 minute set. It was nice to be able to concentrate on something other than calling the set for a change.

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

01, 02, 05

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 125

Twelve turned in to the Allen Center Studio B this morning. This is the largest group to date. After the warm up, only 11 remained for a 24 minute called set. There were questions on multiple frames both before and after the set.

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

01, 02, 04, 05
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In the University class today, we had our final.

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 124

Eleven entered Studio B for a pleasant warm-up but only 10 stayed for a 26 minute called set. We were slightly crowded and a little warm, but over all with the aid of some fans, it was just fine. After the set, there were questions on Brush Left Knee.

After the 103, three remained for a quick run at the saber.

About an hour after the set finished, I met with a different student to work on their form for about 25 minutes. They are coming along nicely.

01, 02, 03, 04, 20
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The saber class was small this evening. We went through the set three or four times, the last of which was devoted to corrections and adjustments. Following the saber, we spent about 25 minutes on push-hands. We only have one more meeting next week.

01, 02, 03, 11, 14

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 123

Eight entered the Allen Center Studio B for a 24 minute called set. All but two were University students. Following the set, there were a number of questions and corrections.

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

01, 02
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In the University class, the beginners again received some much needed practice while the students learning part 3 finished the form. We're running a little late, obviously, but at least it's done and we had two push-hands days and one self-defense day, so all-in-all, not bad.

01, 02, 06, 13

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 122

Five fell in for a 25 minute called set this morning. Following the set, there were questions and/or comments on Step Back, Ride Tiger, Turn and Sweep Lotus, White Crane Spreads Wings, Step Forward, Deflect Downward, Parry & Punch, and foot placement for various and sundry frames.

01, 02, 20

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 121

Six sauntered in to HEC 110 for a 23 minute called set. We discussed bow stance, Ward Off Left, and Strike Tiger after the set.

Following the 103, two remained for a cut at the sword and then a couple of slices of saber.

01, 05, 07, 25, 27

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 120

Five filed in for a 26 minute called set. It was quite enjoyable. Following the set, numerous questions about various aspects of T'ai Chi were answered and commented upon.

After the 103, two remained for a couple runs at the saber.

Following saber, the same two remained for a slice of sword.

01, 07, 20, 25, 27

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 119

Preliminary reports for today indicate that four people showed up for a 23 minute called set. Alas, I could not attend.

02, 25

Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 118

Two tramped in for a 3 minute and 40 second uncalled set this morning.

Following the 103, two remained for a pleasant 5 minute sword set.

And finally, two loitered for an enjoyable slash at the saber.

01, 02
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Tai Chi at the Allen Center - 2013 Day 117

Five flopped in for a 22 minute called set. Following the set, there were questions on the arm-break in Carry Tiger, Return to Mountain. A very gentle demonstration worked wonders.

Following the 103, two remained for a solid slash at the saber.

01, 02, 04, 20
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All but one of the normal compliment of ten showed up for the saber class this evening. We again went through the set numerous times with corrections and adjustments including the adjustment to ... and Extend with High Spirit.

Following saber practice, we spent about 20 minutes on Yang Family 4 corner push-hands. People seem to be coming along nicely, though I think there is still a long way to go.

01, 02, 03, 10, 11, 14