Wed. 9.29.10 Class Notes - Sifu

Youth Karate - med size class 8-10 - Teryn, Lily and Thomas assisting - started with SD, concentrating on the 'spin' and correct elbow tech in crash of the eagle - Thomas led the 10 (great voice!) - broke into groups to work on rank kata's - free sparring with individual corrections - the advanced students did a sparring demo at the end....excellently done;>)

Tai Chi - med size class of 8-10 - Marcia, Jeff and Luke assisting - I led the qigong warm ups, standing meditation and the '21' qigong - I worked the beginning of the form with the whole group, then we broke into groups to work with individuals - I worked with the beginners

Arnis - small class of 6 - Luke, Justin and Phil assisting - (Marcia observing) - Phil led the warm ups - went on to backward throw, then center lock, then added progressive step to both, on both sides, went on to the sensitivity/skill exercise from backward throw to center lock - taught the tapi tapi (counter for counter) joint locking drill from Roland Rivera - went on to the give and take knife drill, again from Roland R. - adv. students reviewed the empty hand anyo or worked with junior students on form one - NOTE: The group needs to work the Anyo more, especially the junior students to get the anyo ready for rank promotions

Wednesday Youth Karate Class 9/29/10 Lily

We had some good work today. Did some self defense drills to start, along with the ten. Then we did some kata work. The twins can just get to the end of Wan-Su kata, but they need to go through it with someone first. They're almost there. Then we spent the remainder of class sparring; it felt good to get the blood going. We worked on stance work and acknowledging points. Kids are good at going forward, and some of the upper ranks with back too, but I think we need to work on side to side stance work. I know that's something I could do better.

I've also come up with why kids tend to be a bit spacey on Wednesdays, SAD syndrome (Sitting All Day). :)

Tuesday 9.28.10 Class Notes - Sifu

Morning Tai Chi - very small class 4 - Bob and Marty assisting - Marty led the qigong warm ups - Bob worked with Karen on the Dance and Marty and I worked with Shira on the beginning of the Form - did a round to the music - Talked about details and concepts at the end of class

Youth Karate - very small class 5 - Colleen assisting - started right off with SD, got through the first 10 with some amount of detail, the students did better than last week;>) I would like this group to be the experts on the new SD list!! Went on to work SD tech (palm heel, elbows, hammer fists etc.) to a bag

Tai Chi - very small class 5-6 - Sandy and Wayne assisting - short warm up - Standing Meditation - the "21" - a round to Master Liang counting -  did a round of the Dance with Sandy - worked part 5 with Jeff and Janee

Baguazhang - very small class 4 - started right off with the animal set from Zhang Jie - reviewed the first 4 changes - worked on #4 and # 5 with some lines of basics and explanation of the upper body position during the square stepping in the Phoenix - worked on change # 6 - ended with Rou Shou practice concentrating on the first tech (upper cut) when they flank you, noticing the opening caused by the angle

Adult Karate Class Notes Monday 9.27.10 - Jeff C.

Class last night went well.  We started out with the 10 exercises and went on to doing some lunges and crunches for core strengthening exercises.  We did some partner stretching as well.  The beginning of the class was spent doing some pad work up and down the room.  Roundhouse, crescent, and hook kicks followed by jab/cross and backfist/ridge hand.  I started some trapping hands after the pad work and focused on the single arm inside blocks and strikes as well as the same to the outside of the arm.  The main point I was trying to show was how you could use one arm to block to the inside or the outside of any strike comming in.  We finished with a run through all of the karate forms.  The overall energy in the class was very good. 
     I do plan on joining the blog and authoring my own posts at some point, I just haven't gotten to it yet.  Hope to see you soon.

Jeff

T'ai Chi Class Notes Saturday 9.25.10 - Sandy

Saturday morning's class was small (4) the energy was good.  (Sandy led the class, Marty assisting) We did our warm ups and proceeded to the dance.  Nancy and Marty worked on the vertical push hands portion of part 6.  Dale and I worked on part 7. We then worked on a couple of drills involving vertical push hands both stationery and moving. Then finished with the solo form.

Saturday 9.25.10 Class Notes - Sifu

T'ai Chi - Small class 4 - Sandy led the class - I came in at 9 and did a 'round' with the group - very good energy - I talked about effortlessness (Wu Wei) before the round - one of our students Nance is going to Hawaii and will be attending a seminar with Master Fong Ha - He is a very high level I-Ch'uan Master - wish I could fit in the suit case;(

Youth Karate (first class) - med size class 8 - Jason, Teryn, Lily, Thomas and Simon assisting - each senior student one on one with the junior student - worked on the 10 exercises first - went on to basics - then kata
the Student Leaders were AMAZING~! Very attentive, supportive and inspiring....good job, well done!

Youth Karate (second class) - larger class 12-15 - Jason leading, Angus, Teryn, Thomas and Lily assisting - Jason led the 10 with a Bo Staff (excellent!) - I talked about the vectoring of power from all directions, using Tyren as my uke....boy was he solid! The class went on to free sparring (again...Excellent energy in the room) I worked with Jen S. on basics and concentration/mental focus exercises.

After classes I stayed for a photo shoot with Lily - she needed a subject for a school project - she set it up last week and scheduled it....very professional Lily:>)

Saturday Youth Karate 9/25/10 Lily

Good class overall. Not a big group, there were enough upper ranks to take the lower ranks individually. The boy I worked with was great, very open to corrections and put in lots of effort in improvement. He got his stripe for yellow belt, yay! He was having trouble with transition between the break the hold and turn the opposite direction, but when he did it in front of the group he did great!

I think it might be good to do some snap kick/thrust kick review for the kids. Now that they're yellow belts they should start improving those.

Thursday 9.23.10 Class Notes - Sifu

Baguazhang - med size class 6-8 - Wayne, Bob, Lenny assisting - I led through the 10 with variations on #4 (talked about the spine and how to access body power for Peng and An energies), and #9 (explained the Bagua variation for turning around the spine for Fa Jin practice) - Standing Meditation in the Bagua guard posture from Wang Shujin - worked on the Rooster from the animal form, rows of basics - talked about the Fa Jin of the initial movement towards the center of the circle

Tai Chi - good size class of 10-12 - Marty, Sandy, Lenny, Read assisting - Marty led through the qigong warm ups - Lenny and I worked Bagua Rou Shou tech.'s and morphed into free style push hands - we worked various push hands exercises with the group starting with the Willow Drill without hands, progressed to using hands, then to circling - went on to a 'round'

Little Dragons - good size class of 9 - Jason, Marcia, Dennis and Colleen assisting - I led the first 6 of the 10 exercises - worked on Hammer Fists and the foot work for Crash of the Eagle - worked vertical punches with Kiaii, snap kicks, middle blocks, ended with lying meditation

Youth Karate - med size group 6-8 - Jason leading, Dennis, Colleen, Marcia and Teryn assisting -
I left to hang out with my friends Wayne and Ba who are visiting from Austin TX ...Some much needed friend time for me;>) Thanks you guy's for giving me the night off....GREATLY appreciated!!

Wed. 9.22.10 Class Notes Sifu

Youth Karate - Big class 10-12  Jason lead teacher, Teryn and Lily assisting (Thomas couldn't make it) I came in towards the end of class, the students were practicing forward rolls from a kneeling position - some of them need to be physically helped to get the body used to the action - I modeled the 'helping' with Gabriel L. who kept doing a full sideways roll - He didn't really get it yesterday but with continued 'helping' he will! Nice job from the 'team'

T'ai Chi - small class 4 - I led the 30 qigong warm ups - I did a reading from Sifu Gallaghers book on the 'One' - I led the Standing Meditation (15 minutes) - explained some of the '21' qigong - broke into two groups to work on the form

Arnis - med size group 8-10 - Luke and Phil assisting - I led the warm ups - worked on double zero, explained about the stance work - went on to the first couple stick Anyo's - explained about the 'roof' block - went on to the six and eight count drill, did several drills to help with the new abiniko strike after the poke - went on to a basic tapi tapi drill, talked about grabbing the stick vs the hand - ended with disarms

Youth Karate Wednesday 9/22/10

I think using the staffs during the 10 was a fun idea. It interested the kids, and although they were a bit unfocused they did rather well with some first time staff techniques. The usual corrections necessary during kicking drills (hands, pivots, knee position, gaze). I think we need to somehow wake them up with maybe some sparring or gauntlet where they really need to be aware and focused to properly do the drills.

Teryn

p.s. I am reading your posts Sifu, I like the new space-saving post method

Youth Karate Wednesday 9/22/10

A bit of a unfocused group today. I think it was due to middle-of-the-week syndrome. The upper ranks were definitely more focused than the lower ranks. I was a little late because my bus was late at the stop, but I did make it in time for the ten. We did tai chi staff for the ten which was fun and different. Then some leg stretching and kicking to pads. We finished with rolls. The kids will need some more work with that, but it comes with time.

Tuesday 9.22.10 Class Notes - Sifu

I'm going to change how I post class notes....it's just too time consuming to do separate posts for all the classes that I teach. So I've decided to try this method of all the classes on one post. Let me know what you think and if your even looking at this. It's much easier for me if I know that the staff is reading my posts. So please, please communicate with me!

Staff Training - Bob, Marty, Sandy and Read - I worked with Bob on the dance - others worked on the Dance also -

Tai Chi (morning class) - med size class 8-10 - Marty led the 10 - I led the Standing Meditation - worked on the 90 degree stance work up and down the room -  talked about the stance work for a 4 square foot form - practiced change step - did the round in 4 square feet!

Youth Karate-small class, 5 all together - Jason and Colleen assisting - Jason led the 10 with a staff in hand! Nice variation Jason! After stretching we went on to review and solidify the first 10 SD tech. - reviewed the katas and worked on Wansu

Tai Chi - Med size class 6-8 - Wayne came in late to help with the Dance crew - I led the 30 qigong warm ups - 15 minutes of Standing Meditation with explanations - the '21' - I worked with Lana on the beginning of the form while the rest of the class worked on the dance

Baguazhang - small class of 5-6 - Wayne assisting - reviewed the Cheng T'ing Hwa set, holding the postures for the first 4 changes - worked on the Dragon, Phoenix and Rooster - low energy

Modern Arnis Class Notes 9.20.2010

Medium class with 6 people including myself. Led class with help from Luke. Focused on Stick Anyos 1-4 and empty hand Anyos 1-3. Focus depended on skill level with the forms and ranged from choreography to more specific stance and technique placement. Good class overall.

Saturday Youth Karate 9/18/10

I thought this class went really well. The kids were pretty well focused. It was good to do some kicking, it gave me a nice cardio workout. Having leg strength is key to successful kicking, and because the kids are so young they don't quite have it yet. I got my butt kicked (no pun intended) with the balance exercise. I should get myself one of those things.

A note for fellow brown belts or other staff; are we going to keep having the roughly half-hour period after class to do weapons? I still need to learn the broadsword form all the way and it would be great to have some help with that. Also, I've talked to most of you about this already, if people are interested we can go get lunch together after class somewhere downtown on Saturdays. It's nice to just relax together.

Lily

Modern Arnis Class Notes 9.13.2010

Luke led class with assist from Jason & Phil. Worked on single sinawali, solo to the air, solo to the bag and two person. Several corrections made to ending positions and striking angles.

A story from a former student who is studying Baguazhang in China

James studied Baguazhang at the studio for a couple of months last year - stopped when he started school last Sept. - he is now doing a year abroad and also studying Baguazhang in China. Here is an exerpt from his blog.....

"Next, we did some intensive stretching. You assume a normal stretching position, and then another student sits on your back and pushes -- hard! -- to get you to stretch farther. For one student, this meant doing the splits. He was close; he was sitting with his legs spread as far as they would go, and stretching out forwards with his forehead on the mat in front of him. I looked at him and thought, "Wow, that's pretty good." A student was sitting on his back. Then Zhang Laoshi walked over, grabbed the student's ankle, and pulled it backward -- and he let out a little yelp. Then he did the same thing with the other leg, so that his legs were now completely 180 degrees -- another yelp. But he didn't start actually crying in pain until Laoshi pushed his butt straight down into the mat, to sort of "seal the deal", one might say. He was forced to hold that position for about a minute. The other students were doubled over in laughter!

When he got up, he was smiling through his tears, though obviously still in a little pain. Laoshi said the equivalent of "jump it off!" so the student started jumping pathetically in place. It really was just like The Karate Kid!

So after that little show, I was very happy to spend the rest of the time walking slowly in a circle around a couple of boxing gloves, not moving a muscle between my knees and my waist, as he showed me. After having me practice walking forwards and backwards for a very long time, I guess he finally decided he would let me try something else."

I guess my question is how do you get people to submit to that kind of abuse?? Man, I guess they really want to learn Baguazhang!!! Wow!!!

A great story about the true use of martial arts training - Thanks Angus!

http://www.wattstapes.com/dobson.htm

Great article on balance - Thanks Reed!

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/16/business/retirementspecial/16BALANCE.html?src=me&ref=general

Class notes

Hello all, not sure if this will make it to the post or not. Attempted to have two fellow employees enroll their young ones in the studio, one in the little dragons program and one in the youth program. Received amazing positive feed back about the little dragon program on Thursday from a parent of a fellow employee. Hope this works.

T'ai-Chi for All, video shoot at GCTV, Friday 9.17.10 - Sifu

Yesterday morning I met at GCTV with Jimmie B., Elijah R. and Susan L. (production crew) and we brainstormed on how to shoot the upcoming TV series "T'ai-Chi for All" - We then did a dry run through the teaching section of the first show - so that the crew could see what in fact I was going to be doing while I'm teaching the form - some new ideas started to form and a format for the show is now slowly being developed. These first few shows will be the hardest ...since we are starting from scratch. I'm hoping it will become a bit easier once the format is developed. I'll be scheduling some studio and computer time next week. I'll keep you all posted.

Adult Karate Class Notes Thursday 9.16.10 Sifu

Med size class of 8-10, Black Belts Ron, Dennis, Angus, Marcia, Jesse present and assisting
Dennis led the 10 - I did a reading from "When things fall apart" by Pema Chodron, talked about the opportunities to practice available in the present moment - I led through a 18 minute Standing Meditation with Centering the Breath Qigong at the end - we worked the Katas through Kusanku with corrections and key points as we went.

Youth Karate Class Notes Thursday 9.16.10 - Sifu

Med size class of 6-8, Colleen, Dennis and Marcia assisting
Colleen led the 10 - Wallace round kick drill - went on to work and explain crescent stepping - talked about the mind directing the body - using the mind to discipline the body - the format of how to acquire and developed skills - went on to work on Seisan Kata

Little Dragons Class Notes 9.16.10 - Sifu

Med size class  5-9 Students - Colleen, Dennis and Marcia
Talked about safety - how to line up - practiced lining up - talked about respect - talked about NO punching or kicking others - we all agreed not to use our Karate tech. on others - taught the 10 - did some basics - ran around the room

New Student Leaders - Teryn, Lily and Thomas

The official 'Student Leader' designation starts this Sept. - This recognition is above and beyond rank much like being a Staff member - The first three Student Leaders are: Teryn C., Lily S. and Thomas P.
They have been invited to author on the Staff Blog and have committed to helping with the youth Karate-do classes during the week. This past Wed. all three Leaders were present and really added to the leadership in the room. The students greatly benefited and of course we are developing the next generation of Master Teachers....that's a win/win all the way around. Great job you guy's. I'm looking forward to reading your comments on classes...you will see that is will effect the curriculum;>)

More Self Defense

I think that we should do more self defense. The list seems to work well with the younger kids, but I feel that we should do some more freestyle self defense. There have been a couple that I find helpful, such as the "Gauntlet" and the drill with one person surrounded by a circling group of attackers.


Thomas

Trapping Hands

I would like to do more of the freestyle trapping in the Karate classes. I find it quite enjoyable and good practice for defense against various punches as well as joint locks. I remember how cool it was the first time I was freestyle trapping, putting all the trapping drills to use and combination.

Teryn

Modern Arnis Class Notes Wed. 9.15.10 Sifu

Nice size group of 10 - Luke, Justin and Phil assisting
I led the warm ups - on to the sinawalli's and redonda - double stick and single, with pokes, then added the right side entrance and the left side wrap and bait - went on to 6 count, then 8 count with the abinico variation, then went on to the 10 and 12 count drills - went on to trapping hands and ended with backward throw practice
Excellent energy in the group!!

T'ai Chi Class Notes Wed. 9.15.10 - Sifu

Good size class of 10 - No T'ai Chi Staff present
I led the 30 qigong warm ups - I read an excerpt about the concept of Sung - 12 minutes of Standing Meditation - broke into groups to work on the Form - I worked with Student Leaders Teryn and Thomas

Youth Karate Class Notes Wed. 9.15.10 Sifu

Large group 15 students - Jason led the group - Student Leaders Lily, Teryn and Thomas assisting (excellent teaching team!!)
Teryn led the 10 - bar stretching - line work - SD at the end - Jason and I worked and video taped the first 12 SD tech's. - I'll try to post them when I get a spare hour or two...stay tuned!

Wednesday Youth Karate Class 9/15/10

I thought it was a good class today. Generally a productive group. It was also fun to teach! I can't wait for this to be a regular thing! Anyway, back to regular stuff, pivots and keeping hands up is definitely something to keep working on with the kids. The more they hear it, the better it'll stick, that's what worked with me.

Also, the two girls today (Alexis and Gabriel?) may need to have a reminder of self-defense etiquette. No one was hurt, but they need to be more respectful of each other.

That's all I have to say of note. This is going to be fun!

Lily

Baguazhang Class Notes - Sifu

Very small class 3 students, including Wayne who was assisting
I led the 10 - Standing Meditation in the Baguazhang guard position ala Wang Shujin Vertical Palm position - I led through the Cheng T'ing Hwa set first 3 changes - we worked the 4th change (Dragon) in a straight line in front of the mirror - the group was tired, I ended class

Notice to all involved with the Baguazhang program.....COME TO CLASSES...please!

T'ai Chi Class Notes - Sifu

Small class 6-8 Jeff, Janee assisting
I led the 30 warm up qigongs - I read from Wang Shujins book about opening the upper T'an T'ien and talked about the importance of correct spine alignment to produce the desired result of  "disciplining the temperment" - we did 11 minutes of standing, again I introduced Wang Shujins Baguazhang Vertical Palm position - went on to the Grand Circulation Qigong - I worked with Lana and Janee focused on Lana learning the sequence and detail for Janee - the rest of the group worked on the dance, Wayne came in late and helped the dance group with detail and questions.

Youth Karate - Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010

Small class 4-6    Colleen assisting
Colleen led the 10 - worked on the shuffle while crescent stepping and reverse punching - talked about the moment of focus (fa jin) relax/tense/relax sequence - practiced the kata's - worked on Wansu sequence and detail

T'ai Chi class notes 9.14.10 morning - Sifu

Small class 6-8
I led the warm ups - new student Shira came in 10 minutes late - talked about knee alignment - did a reading on Sung - Standing Meditation 10 minutes - added the Wang Shujin Baguazhang palm position in place of the two hands hold up the heavens position, talked about it in more detail after the standing - did the Grand Circulation Qigong - started the round with instruction on working with a beginner and did the three times and move on method of teaching and doing the form - practiced a round to the music without the count - class ended with very nice energy

Tuesday 9.14.10 Staff Meeting Notes - Sifu

7-8am Staff Meeting - Wayne, Marty, Sandy, Phil
Discussed the first show, of the tai chi for all TV series:
-First studio shoot and production meeting this coming Friday 11:30-1PM at GCTV, any help, input, support, ideas etc. are warmly accepted - please communicate with me if you have the time and energy to help out
- Angus Reid and I did an on location (my house) shoot last, Friday, of me practicing the whole form at T. T. Liang music speed, he shot 4 and 3/4 rounds at various angles - going to be used at the beginning of the program
-Angus and I are planning to set up a 'set' at the studio appropriate for shooting some scenes for the TV series -  I'll let you know the time ....but will probably be on Thursday at 5:30pm


QUESTION FOR ALL OF YOU:
           This morning we talked and brainstormed about what we would say to a beginner about WHY we practice tai chi...what would entice someone to become curious about developing a daily practice of tai chi??? (or martial arts in general?) What words should we say??
Please respond either on this blog (you author your own post) or email me your thoughts and I'll post them for you ....in your name of course.....

Bob - Yes ....you are in! I don't think there is any notification via email when there is a post to the blog??

I guess I'm in???

I'm not going to be at class in the AM...Lots of farm projects this week

See you soon

Bob

PS...If there is a message on the blog do they send an e-mail to notify??? (like facebook)

Youth Karate Class Notes 9.11.10

First class - med size 6-8 students - Jason, Colleen, Teryn, Thomas assisting - Jason led through the 10 - not sure about the next drills? - towards the end we broke up into rank oriented groups and worked rank kata's - I worked with the yellow belts.....they are almost there!

Second class - a bit larger 10-12 students - Jason, Colleen, Teryn and Thomas assisting again - I spoke with the brown belts about the new "Student Leader" designation - I asked them to email me so that I can invite them to author on the Staff Blog - One comment that came back from Teryn (the only one to email me so far) was that the SD list needs some definite work....everyone is confused about what's what! I totally agree....please write down your ideas and if they can be posted here on the Staff Blog...excellent! If not....then email to me and I'll post it ....if my Internet connection is working;>)

If your reading this and you participated on the 'team' please put a post of your own up here....to complete the details of what was taught on Saturday.

Sifu

Note: I've been having lot's of trouble with my Verizon DSL connection...So I haven't been able to author any posts!

My DSL connection has been slower than dial up.....UGH!

Adult Karate Class Notes Thursday 9.9.10 Sifu

Nice size class of 10 (especially considering the fair parade) Norm assiting
Norm led through 10 exc. - we reviewed knife disarms and then I added the icepick, hammer disarm drill with the icepick side change
Norm led through the katas

Staff training Thursday 9.9.10 Sifu

Angus, Colleen, Dennis showed up - I worked on the T'ai Chi for All video series with Angus - Colleen and Dennis trained

Youth Karate Class Notes Thursday 9.9.10 Sifu

Nice class of 10 - Colleen, Dennis assisting
First they did the run around the room with the Little Dragons class as well as the meditation - Then Colleen led the 10 exc. - we went on to 2 person stretching on the floor - Wallace round kick drill - broke into groups and worked on the Katas

Good energy all around

Little Dragons Thursday 9.9.10 Sifu

First class of the season - Fair Parade made it difficult to get to the studio - Colleen, Dennis and Marcia assisting
One new student and one returning the other 4 were yellow belts
10 exc. - basics - running around the room with variations - laying down meditation
we have several new students in the wings and will be accepting new students until we get 10 in the class

Bagua Zhang Class Notes Thursday 9.8.10 Sifu

Small class of 4 students (all Staff)

Wild Goose Qigong - worked on Wang Shujins hand position (lotus leaf palm) - with Standing Meditation, then progressed to the bagua circle walking - talked about the three distances and the yin/yang walking pattern from Zhang Jie

T'ai Chi class notes - Sifu

Nice size class of 10

warm ups - standing - a round without the music and explenations of several key points - talked about Sung durning the kicks - reviewed the detail of snake creeps down and turn and throw fist

Modern Arnis Class Notes Wed. 9.8.10 Sifu

Nice size class of 8

weapons warm ups - worked several tapi tapi entrances and patterns - worked the forward triangle with the 12 angles - worked the rearward triangle with a catch of the cane - progressed to a few finishing patterns - finished with a bit of 8 count drill using an abinico strike in response the poke

Sifu

T'ai Chi class notes - Sifu

Good size class of 10

The 30 warm ups/qigong exc - standing - Grand circulation qigong - form work - emphasised Sung and the three lights and the three heavies

Sifu

Youth Karate Class Notes Wed. 9.8.10

Med size class 6 students - no help

10 exc - medicine ball exc, then with stance work - crescent step punch add blocks - line work - finished with individual work on katas

Sifu

ps - 'cause I teach so many classes in a row ....I'm going to have to condense my notes ....If I have the time I'll write more in depth.....

Bagua Zhang Class Notes 9.7.10 Sifu

Small class - 4 students

Started late - we were all practicing pushing with An energy from the previous class
I introduced the new hand position that I saw in Wang Shu Jins book, Lotus Leaf Palm
In his book he says that this particular hand position stimulates the kidney chi to the upper T'an T'ien to help open it.
We practiced just the hand position - then with a simple change from side to side, holding the posture for a few breaths - we transitioned to circle walking with direction changes - I talked about the figure eight pattern going through the middle of the circle - we progressed to straight line practice/review of the first Yin Fu set using the new palm position when coming back to the basic walk.

Class ended on time....the group was tired!

Sifu

T'ai Chi class notes - Sifu

Med size class of 8-9
Sandy started the warm ups, I joined in at the spine exercises (dragons back) -  talked about some details in the second arm swing, elbow position and how it effects the shoulders -

Main teaching
- Sung, did the Sung exercise from Don Miller - did a round without music - talked about the Jings - emphasized Sung throughout - stopped at numerous points and discussed changes that I've made in my form - talked about An (push down) energy at the beginning of all forward Pushes - practiced Pushing forward then Pushing forward with An energy with a partner

class ended late

Sifu

Youth Karate - Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2010

Med size class, one green belt, 3 purple, two yellow, Mr. Kratz and Colleen and myself
Colleen led through the 10 while Jason and I discussed an issue with a student in the office
We then split into groups to work on Kata's - Jason worked with the green belt, Colleen with the two yellow belts and the three purple belts came with me

Main teaching
- Using the refinement of Kata as a format for developing any kind of skills - developing the ability to adjust what your doing in the moment

Jason started the 6 count drill with Simon (green belt) and then I joined in with the purple belts - they seemed to enjoy the stick drill - nice call Jason!

Class ended

T'ai Chi class notes - Sifu

Med. size class (8-9) - one brand new beginner - good energy - Staff led the warm ups - I explained a bit about Standing Meditation for the beginner -

Main Teaching:
- I explained and expanded on the emotional/spiritual training using "Sung", releasing and dissolving stiffness and rigidness on an emotional level, it is important to concentrate on softening any emotional stuck-ness, hardness or inflexibility throughout the day .....as it arises. I recommend to ....Start with the little things.The practices are a perfect place to begin!
- Talked to the beginner about the relaxing into the pace of learning, allowing the art to come at it's own pace, slow and steady as she goes
- The importance of the Centering the Breath exercise....to make room for the 'new' thing, idea, skill, attitude, pattern of behavior etc. again...letting go is the path to clearing the way for something new to occur. Especially important for those of you that are further down the path of self-discovery i.e. Mastery

I led through and explained a bit about the Grand Circulation Qigong - I worked with the beginner on the first couple of movements while the Staff worked vertical push hands with students - we finished with a 'round' to the music.....ended with good chi in the room;>)
After class I talked to Dale about helping the T'ai Chi video...we have yet to work that out.

Staff training 9.7.10

I met with Bob, Wayne, Marty, Read and Sandy this morning - worked on the Dance - and demonstrated the vertical push hands drill - talked at length about the upcoming T'ai-Chi for All video shot scheduled for tomorrow am....lot's of ideas about what and how to shoot it.....keep the suggetstions coming!

Thursday 9/2 Adult Karate class - Ron Milcarek

Regarding last night...At 6:25 the temperature read 91 degrees in the school and was crazy humid, I was ready to leave for an iced tea in air conditioning, however.. braving the tropical conditions were Lily, Scott, Ian, Dennis, Andrew, Thomas, and Teryn..amazing! So, we did the dynamic kicking stretches on the bar, followed by some further stretching and strengthening. For something different, we went on to five two minute rounds of "shadow sparring" with NO contact, however with LOTS of movement. Worked on some simple things like, moving to side out of the way of the incoming attack, rather than straight back, keeping up a good guard, and tongue position at the roof of mouth and relaxed jaw (especially important when not wearing a mouth piece.) Good energy, everyone was adjusting to their own feelings in the heat, and...no injuries. I saw people trying out unusual techniques for fun. I think, while not as intense as bag work or free sparring, it got our heart rates up. (Scott, as usual, was a real low energy slug and barely trying...he said he had run fifteen miles(!) that day.)...Folks worked on their rank forms for about 25 minutes, nice cooperation, Dennis kept that section organized and flowing along. Lastly we did some free style self defense, discussing when do you know that a belligerent person is actually going to be physical. What is the right attitude to take to that..what are the right things to say to try to de-escalate the situation. Class ended at 8:05.

No formal classes Saturday Sept. 4 and Monday Sept. 6

Hope you all have a wonderful Labor Day Week End!!

T'ai Chi class notes - Read Predmore

Read Predmore taught class on Saturday morning, 8/28 and last Wednesday, 9/1.

The Saturday class was small. Mostly worked on the dance.

Wednesday's class had ~8 students by the end with the Arnis people, Luke, Jessica and Phil coming in early to also do T'ai Chi.


I worked with Kara on the form and Dale worked with Jessica on the form. The others worked on the dance. Phil lead the solo form while I continued to work with Kara.

T'ai Chi class notes - Marty Cormie

I had a good class with Nancy,Karen,Dale,Wess,Ted Read,in attendence. I did the usual warm ups and standing ending with the 21.Read worked with Nancy and Karen on the dance Dale and Wess worked on the left side of the form and I worked with Ted on part 2 of the form Ted is up to turn and through fist,the we did the forn about 9:15

Marty Cormie

Wed. night Arnis classes 8/24 & 9/1 - Justin Lively

Both of the classes I lead were entirely focused upon the Abanico Striking style. Applying it in twirling and in some basic block check counter drills. We specifically worked on it within the balintawak block-check-counter series which incorporates several applications of the abanico that are unique. Drills were repetitive and focused on positioning, power, and control. Luke began using the sword to demonstrate the technique which was beneficial for all.


Justin Lively

Adult Karate class on Monday 8/30/10 - Sensei Ron Milcarek

Class on Monday night had nine karateka smiling faces. We did the ten, then did some assisted stretches. Stopped then for a few minutes to work on the standing meditation posture, specifically ...lifting from the heart, and rolling the shoulders down and back...all the while keeping the structure aligned and weight through the middle of the foot. (well that sounds easy doesn't it). Mr. Jason worked with the beginner some on explaining the "dropping the tailbone". Thanks. Onto some locking, then a stretching section led really well by Mr. Angus (he is trying to incorporate strengthening of inner thigh), then for cardio I offered some suggestions and sparring won the class's approval. The first drill before free sparring was to just follow the lead, one fighter moving... the other trying to keep at that "critical distance", next drill was one fighter taking the punches and kicks with a cover block rather than a long, over extended reaching block. This was great drill I think. I will do this again. Last 30 minutes was two minute free sparring rounds, with rest and coaching in between. Really worked well. Newest folks have VERY good composure, Angus and Dennis amped it way up and did some point sparring with each other, while everyone judged and watched..Very exciting and both showed a huge variety of techniques and great spirit. We ended at 8:10. ron