This blog is no longer in service and is not being updated. The J. R. Roy Martial Arts Studio is closed and not accepting new students. Master Roy is accepting applications for Private or Semi-Private Lessons. Email Master Roy for more information. Link @ jrroy.com
Monday, April 30, 2012
Sifu's final Training Journal for April 4.30.12
NOTE:
This is the last day of April 2012 so it will also be my last published personal Training Journal (30 of them!) I do keep one but I will not be publishing it. I do recommend that all of you that are serious about your training write things down....it's important!!
I think the Training Journals worked out pretty good as a Theme of the Month, but will admit that it was a bit too difficult and demanding for some students. Some didn't participate at all, but others rose to the occasion. I'm going to make May's Theme easier for everyone....no writing involved.
Thanks to all of you that so readily participated and to those of you that participated reluctantly, either way, I've really enjoyed reading them;^)
By the way if you want keep it up ......go for it!!
My final Training Journal for April:
Started the day off tired....too busy the past two week ends!
- Went into town to the Y early, 30 min elliptical cardio conditioning, full nautilus with gravitron, stretching, 20 min walk to Beacon Field, round of tai chi, standing meditation, round of second yin fu bagua zhang set changes 1-8, arnis form 8, sunsu, 20 min walk back to car....good work out!
- 1 1/2 hours study on Lightroom program and photo printer interface.....ouch!
- 40 min drum set practice...good one!!
- 1 hour reading/study
- Worked on next months Theme of the Month........Think I've got it!!
Sifu's Training Journal - Sunday 4.29.12
- Started the day off with 45 min walk with single arnis stick, qigong warm up, round of tai chi (left side)
- Travel to Boston area for family funeral
- Back home for another 45 min walk with the crew
Exhausted....to bed early
- Travel to Boston area for family funeral
- Back home for another 45 min walk with the crew
Exhausted....to bed early
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Sifu's Training Journal - Saturday 4.28.12
- Started the day off working on the WTCD material and marketing....lot's of buzz this year;^)
- Went into the Studio early to check if anyone came to regular classes and/or forgot...Sensei Kratz beat me to it!
-Arrived at Beacon Field about 9:30, Phil was already there and had set up a table for Dial/Self and was practicing, I got myself organized and started greeting folks as they arrived.
- Awesome showing this year!!! Right around 75 people at the height of it - Really great energy throughout!! -
- Many thanks to all of you that made this event such a success this year...'Specially Phil and Angus for all the help get the BUZZ going on the internet and in the news papers....I guess this marketing stuff really works;^)
- After lunch I worked with a crew of 4 landscapers on our yard (very large yard) clearing trees, dead fall and brush.....then collapsed around 4pm
- I'll be in bed early tonight....but still glowing from WTCD...... what nice day!!
- Went into the Studio early to check if anyone came to regular classes and/or forgot...Sensei Kratz beat me to it!
-Arrived at Beacon Field about 9:30, Phil was already there and had set up a table for Dial/Self and was practicing, I got myself organized and started greeting folks as they arrived.
- Awesome showing this year!!! Right around 75 people at the height of it - Really great energy throughout!! -
- Many thanks to all of you that made this event such a success this year...'Specially Phil and Angus for all the help get the BUZZ going on the internet and in the news papers....I guess this marketing stuff really works;^)
- After lunch I worked with a crew of 4 landscapers on our yard (very large yard) clearing trees, dead fall and brush.....then collapsed around 4pm
- I'll be in bed early tonight....but still glowing from WTCD...... what nice day!!
Sifu's Training Journal - Friday 4.27.12
- A bit tired to start with today...going to be kind to myself;^) After a slow start I went for 45 min walk and brought a single stick to twirl while I walked (love that), qigong warm up and stretch when I got back home, then a round of tai chi (left side)
- An hour or two working on WTCD material, presentation and marketing....getting quite the buzz going this year on the internet....thanks for all the support and help everyone...'specially Phil and Angus
- 45 min drum set and bass guitar practice and recording
- Couple hours of work on Lightroom 4, study with the 'book' and then transferring the new knowledge to the computer....lot's of bells and whistles!
- Another walk...very windy and cold...ready for some warmer weather
Nice evening out with Ginnie....
- An hour or two working on WTCD material, presentation and marketing....getting quite the buzz going this year on the internet....thanks for all the support and help everyone...'specially Phil and Angus
- 45 min drum set and bass guitar practice and recording
- Couple hours of work on Lightroom 4, study with the 'book' and then transferring the new knowledge to the computer....lot's of bells and whistles!
- Another walk...very windy and cold...ready for some warmer weather
Nice evening out with Ginnie....
Friday, April 27, 2012
World T'ai-Chi and Qigong Day Celebration - Saturday April 28, 2012
Please help me spread the word on the very important event that I am hosting tomorrow in Greenfield MA - Many thanks to my student Angus Reid for his skill and effort to produce this short video clip - Hope to see you there!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Sifu's Training Journal - Thursday 4.26.12
- 7:00 am, Started the day off with Read and Janee - the '10', short standing, 15-20 min of bagua zhang, old 8 palms, concentrating on the 'accordion' walk and fatiguing the upper body to locate blocks, followed by very intelligent conversation about our experiences....really great stuff, very advanced!
- Morning tai chi class , no newbies for my free class;^(....oh well! went through the 30 qigong warm ups, bagua circle walking with several palm positions with explanation of the 'walk' and the 'palms', went on the first two walking cranes from Hua Tuo's Animal Frolics, finished with a round of tai chi to the music concentrating on the & of the beat to stop and coordinate the body and mind...excellent round!!
- Walked to the Y for a full round of nautilus, gravitron and stretching
- 20 min walk back to the Studio
- Drum set practice 20 min.
- Read and study
....Feeling a bit pooped....but I'm off for 3 more classes....
- Afternoon youth karate class was well attended and excellent help from Colleen and Scott, I interspersed basics in the '10', worked side kick form and correct partner work (communication skills and attention to partner) in that drill, broke into several groups to work on kata, Skyler led the 'round the room' running etc. ended with short lying meditation....good class!
- Another 5:30pm Thursday class with only Colleen again! I guess the rest of the Staff's too busy to have a private class with me??? This week we were joined by two FREE WTCD newbies, one brand new and Nicole Petrin who trained with me years ago, I brought them through some internal 'basics', the 9 breath exercise, short standing, centering the breath qigong, then Colleen (the awesome!) and Nicole reviewed the first two sections of the solo form and I worked with the newbie on a walking crane drill
- Adult karate class - Colleen assisted, Thomas, Simon Van, Simon Armen, Jack Fox attended, Colleen led through the warm ups, I worked the group through various basic tech with correct 'fa jin' in mind, lot's of detail...the biggest culprit is tension/stiffness and not really working on the skill of fa jin in their basics....NOT and easy project....needs correct mind set when training in order for fa jin skills to mature....the group did well but definitely need work....(FYI the way I can tell is by looking at vertical punching and middle block) ended with free sparring in pairs while I had a conversation with Jack in the office...thought it went well
- 8:30 pm, had nice and thoughtful conversation/communication with Thomas after everyone left....what a great kid!!
Good day ....but I was really tired and jazzed up by the end....these long Thursday's are bit too much for the old man;^) I thank goodness for students like Colleen 'the amazing' on day's like this....don't know what I'd do without her!!! Honestly!!
- Morning tai chi class , no newbies for my free class;^(....oh well! went through the 30 qigong warm ups, bagua circle walking with several palm positions with explanation of the 'walk' and the 'palms', went on the first two walking cranes from Hua Tuo's Animal Frolics, finished with a round of tai chi to the music concentrating on the & of the beat to stop and coordinate the body and mind...excellent round!!
- Walked to the Y for a full round of nautilus, gravitron and stretching
- 20 min walk back to the Studio
- Drum set practice 20 min.
- Read and study
....Feeling a bit pooped....but I'm off for 3 more classes....
- Afternoon youth karate class was well attended and excellent help from Colleen and Scott, I interspersed basics in the '10', worked side kick form and correct partner work (communication skills and attention to partner) in that drill, broke into several groups to work on kata, Skyler led the 'round the room' running etc. ended with short lying meditation....good class!
- Another 5:30pm Thursday class with only Colleen again! I guess the rest of the Staff's too busy to have a private class with me??? This week we were joined by two FREE WTCD newbies, one brand new and Nicole Petrin who trained with me years ago, I brought them through some internal 'basics', the 9 breath exercise, short standing, centering the breath qigong, then Colleen (the awesome!) and Nicole reviewed the first two sections of the solo form and I worked with the newbie on a walking crane drill
- Adult karate class - Colleen assisted, Thomas, Simon Van, Simon Armen, Jack Fox attended, Colleen led through the warm ups, I worked the group through various basic tech with correct 'fa jin' in mind, lot's of detail...the biggest culprit is tension/stiffness and not really working on the skill of fa jin in their basics....NOT and easy project....needs correct mind set when training in order for fa jin skills to mature....the group did well but definitely need work....(FYI the way I can tell is by looking at vertical punching and middle block) ended with free sparring in pairs while I had a conversation with Jack in the office...thought it went well
- 8:30 pm, had nice and thoughtful conversation/communication with Thomas after everyone left....what a great kid!!
Good day ....but I was really tired and jazzed up by the end....these long Thursday's are bit too much for the old man;^) I thank goodness for students like Colleen 'the amazing' on day's like this....don't know what I'd do without her!!! Honestly!!
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Sifu's Training Journal - Wednesday 4.25.12
- Started of with a qigong warm up, round of tai chi (left side), 1/2 hour single stick twirling, 45 min walk with the 'crew'
- 1/2 hour drum set practice
- Read and study
- Youth karate class - Sensei led the class, I stretched a bit and assisted
- Tai Chi class, had 3 new beginners, led through a step by step internal practice, then a short warm up,
I continued to work with the newbies and the rest of the group did a guided independent practice, we finished together with the second walking crane
Special treat was Jeff and Veronica's new baby boy Eli and brother Alex came in for a visit!! Very cool....got to hold baby Eli
- Arnis class was Phil and Justin, we reviewed the cane forms and worked on the tai chi cane form, went on to review empty hand form 1-8, then worked on various entrances to tapi tapi and a few tech's too.
Nice day....'specially meeting new baby Eli....Oh and congrats to Phil and Holly too;^)
- 1/2 hour drum set practice
- Read and study
- Youth karate class - Sensei led the class, I stretched a bit and assisted
- Tai Chi class, had 3 new beginners, led through a step by step internal practice, then a short warm up,
I continued to work with the newbies and the rest of the group did a guided independent practice, we finished together with the second walking crane
Special treat was Jeff and Veronica's new baby boy Eli and brother Alex came in for a visit!! Very cool....got to hold baby Eli
- Arnis class was Phil and Justin, we reviewed the cane forms and worked on the tai chi cane form, went on to review empty hand form 1-8, then worked on various entrances to tapi tapi and a few tech's too.
Nice day....'specially meeting new baby Eli....Oh and congrats to Phil and Holly too;^)
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Youth Karate - Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Three students in class today. After the 10, we went right into katas, one at a time. My mini theme of the day was perception / awareness. The first round of each we did together, then the second round I had the students close their eyes. The accuracy of angles looked good for everyone, though some of the hand techniques aimed high.
Next was a sparring perception drill. I used the copycat combo drill. I talked about how it was important to be able to visually pick out what techniques your partner was doing, without using audio cues.
After a water break, we came back together for the SD portion. We started out with the attackers doing freestyle attacks - but grabs only. The defenders did whatever came naturally, but focusing on specific targets - I used the "size of a dime" example. Once everyone had the chance to see what they would naturally do in different grab scenarios, we practiced two techniques from the list to warm up to the final drill.
First was Crash of the Eagle - but with eyes closed. Before we started, I reminded the students to not add any power, and to keep in contact with their partner so they could estimate where the rest of their body was. The students were very respectful of each other, and went slow with it. We also worked on Turning Palms with eyes closed. I thought these techniques would be good to use first because they were familiar, and because there is good arm contact throughout.
The final part of the SD perception work was again doing the freestyle grabs with eyes closed. The students had now practiced what they would naturally do, and felt how it was to practice a familiar technique without visual cues. Again, the students were very respectful and safe.
There were a few minutes at the end of class, so we did some single sinawalli. Starting with empty hands, then getting glasses and sticks. Hannah and Gianna worked together and got a nice flow going. Luke had the dual hand coordination on one side by the end of the session.
Sifu's Training Journal - Tuesday 4.24.12
- Started the day off with Bob, Read, Sandy and Mom, worked on double broadsword basics, then the form a few times and then on to the dance with some detail and SD variations in part VI
- Morning tai chi class had 3 new students for the FREE classes, two of them were Marica's students from senior centers (thanks Marcia) - I did an intro I've been preparing with postural alignment, taoist longevity breathing, a 'centering the breath' qigong, went on to the qigong warm ups and finished with a work up to the first walking crane from the animal frolics, did a round to the music with Master Liang counting
- Full nautilus, gravitron and stretching
- 30 min walk in town
- 2 hours drum and bass practice with Ryan
- Read and study
- 15 min of cognition training
- 45 min walk with paco
- 1/2 hour guitar practice
- Morning tai chi class had 3 new students for the FREE classes, two of them were Marica's students from senior centers (thanks Marcia) - I did an intro I've been preparing with postural alignment, taoist longevity breathing, a 'centering the breath' qigong, went on to the qigong warm ups and finished with a work up to the first walking crane from the animal frolics, did a round to the music with Master Liang counting
- Full nautilus, gravitron and stretching
- 30 min walk in town
- 2 hours drum and bass practice with Ryan
- Read and study
- 15 min of cognition training
- 45 min walk with paco
- 1/2 hour guitar practice
Modern Arnis Class Notes 04.23.2012
Luke Led Class (Phil, Colleen & Jack)
Started with work on forward and reverse figure 8. full body movement and flow.
Disarms with counters, followed by empty hand disarms.
Worked timing of getting inside the forward figure 8 attack pattern for any empty hand disarm. shifted to foam sticks and upped the speed a little to get a more SD feel for actual timing.
Worked the grab and the heavy hand within the 1 stick work and a little in basic tapi tapi as well.
Really good class for me personally. It was a good litmus test for several skills/techniques.
-Phil
Sifu's Training Journal - Monday 4.23.12
- Moving a bit slow this morning ...my week end was too busy, not enough time to re-charge!
- A couple of hours work on marketing WTCD
- Went through a hand weight set for my shoulders, sit ups on the big blue ball, balance board, qigong warm up, a round of tai chi, bagua zhang first yin fu set changes 1-8, arnis anyo 7 and seiuchin kata
- Drum set practice - worked on my shuffle variations, then some Alan Dawson drills and some 'jungle beats'
- Reading and study
- Helped with sound set up and then directed the Valley Homegrown live TV show - interesting group Tony Vacca and his "Impulse Ensemble"
- A couple of hours work on marketing WTCD
- Went through a hand weight set for my shoulders, sit ups on the big blue ball, balance board, qigong warm up, a round of tai chi, bagua zhang first yin fu set changes 1-8, arnis anyo 7 and seiuchin kata
- Drum set practice - worked on my shuffle variations, then some Alan Dawson drills and some 'jungle beats'
- Reading and study
- Helped with sound set up and then directed the Valley Homegrown live TV show - interesting group Tony Vacca and his "Impulse Ensemble"
Adult Karate class notes - Monday 4.23.12 - Angus
Adult Karate 4-23-12
Angus Reid leading, Ron Milcarek assisting, 6 other students attending
Started off with the basic 10 and the 5-way kicks, then killed two
birds with one stone by running through all the katas at a rapid clip
to warm up.
Stretched using the standing bags, paying attention to leg/body position.
Mr. Milcarek then led us in a good partner SD drill to train
passing/jamming a weapon attack.
We stayed in partners and got body shields for a movement drill to
train active footwork. First we warmed up the legs with simple
offensive forward-leg side kicks, 10 on each side, emphasizing the
speed of the step in. We then changed the step-in-kick to a
step-in-restep-backwards-to-
to maneuver to the side of the opponent while they are still reacting
to your initial attack or feint, and attack from a new
direction/angle. We did this first with a roundhouse kick as the final
move, then with a side kick. We didn't have much time to work on this,
so I look forward to revisiting it next week. I think putting it into
the correct sparring context will help make some of the details, which
are abstract when training against a stationary pad, suddenly make
clear sense.
Angus Reid leading, Ron Milcarek assisting, 6 other students attending
Started off with the basic 10 and the 5-way kicks, then killed two
birds with one stone by running through all the katas at a rapid clip
to warm up.
Stretched using the standing bags, paying attention to leg/body position.
Mr. Milcarek then led us in a good partner SD drill to train
passing/jamming a weapon attack.
We stayed in partners and got body shields for a movement drill to
train active footwork. First we warmed up the legs with simple
offensive forward-leg side kicks, 10 on each side, emphasizing the
speed of the step in. We then changed the step-in-kick to a
step-in-restep-backwards-to-
to maneuver to the side of the opponent while they are still reacting
to your initial attack or feint, and attack from a new
direction/angle. We did this first with a roundhouse kick as the final
move, then with a side kick. We didn't have much time to work on this,
so I look forward to revisiting it next week. I think putting it into
the correct sparring context will help make some of the details, which
are abstract when training against a stationary pad, suddenly make
clear sense.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Sifu's Training Journal - Sunday 4.22.12
- Started the day off with a 45 min walk, a round (left side) of tai chi, bagua zhang cheng ting hwa set changes 5-8, arnis form 6 and kusanku, finished off with double stick twirling while walking the circle forward and backward and with progressive stepping and coiled dragons stance work....excellent practice
- Drum clinic in Newington CT 10:30-5pm, Daniel Glass was awesome, great demo and instruction on the evolution of the 'shuffle'....inspiring! Gotta get his book
- Guitar practice 1 hour
Busy but good day....glad it's raining!!
- Drum clinic in Newington CT 10:30-5pm, Daniel Glass was awesome, great demo and instruction on the evolution of the 'shuffle'....inspiring! Gotta get his book
- Guitar practice 1 hour
Busy but good day....glad it's raining!!
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Sifu's Training Journal - Saturday 4.21.12
- Started the day with 20 min cognition training ...was a good session!
- At the Studio did a round of tai chi with group to the music with Master Liang counting...excellent!
- First youth karate class, well attended and excellent help with Sensei and Colleen - I led the '10', split the beginners out after Nihanchi and went through the kata's up 'till chinto, when students finished with their forms they dropped back and worked on SD with Sensei and Colleen.
- Sensei led the second class
- Drum set and guitar practice 1 hour
- 1/2 hour work on Photoshop Lightroom (tough program...very complicated)
- 45 min walk with the crew
Nice day......
- At the Studio did a round of tai chi with group to the music with Master Liang counting...excellent!
- First youth karate class, well attended and excellent help with Sensei and Colleen - I led the '10', split the beginners out after Nihanchi and went through the kata's up 'till chinto, when students finished with their forms they dropped back and worked on SD with Sensei and Colleen.
- Sensei led the second class
- Drum set and guitar practice 1 hour
- 1/2 hour work on Photoshop Lightroom (tough program...very complicated)
- 45 min walk with the crew
Nice day......
Sifu's Training Journal - Friday 4.20.12
- Started the day of at the Y, full nautilus workout and gravitron (made it 3 times this week ...Yay), stretching, 1 hour walk in town
- Drum set practice 1/2 hour
- Qigong warm up and round of tai chi
- Another walk
- Out to dinner with friends
Good day.....
Friday, April 20, 2012
Sifu's Training Journal - Thursday 4.19.12
- Started the day off with Bob, Read, Sandy and Janee, 25 min of 'mud treading step' bagua walking with the 'old 8 palms', awesome discussion ensued, reviewed the second yin fu set changes 1-6
- Morning tai chi class - 30 qigong warm ups, guided independent study (dance and left side work on form), round of tai chi to the music
- 40 min walk in town
- Afternoon youth karate class, awesome class, well attended and great helpers with Colleen and Scott (Scott and I have made massive improvements in our communication!!) worked on basics and 'will power' - good class!!
- 5:30 pm class just Colleen and I again....I really don't mind that! Every moment I spend with her refining her art is a moment well spent....you can quote me on that! At her request we worked on her solo tai chi form ...coming right along
- Adult karate class 4 students including Colleen ....Colleen led the Simon Van, Dylan and Jack Fox through and awesome warm up and conditioning....really excellent!! I'll be they are all sore today;^) Finished off with a sparring clinic ( I gave them some of the 'secrets of the gods' and some light stretching at the very end
It was a good day....
- Morning tai chi class - 30 qigong warm ups, guided independent study (dance and left side work on form), round of tai chi to the music
- 40 min walk in town
- Afternoon youth karate class, awesome class, well attended and great helpers with Colleen and Scott (Scott and I have made massive improvements in our communication!!) worked on basics and 'will power' - good class!!
- 5:30 pm class just Colleen and I again....I really don't mind that! Every moment I spend with her refining her art is a moment well spent....you can quote me on that! At her request we worked on her solo tai chi form ...coming right along
- Adult karate class 4 students including Colleen ....Colleen led the Simon Van, Dylan and Jack Fox through and awesome warm up and conditioning....really excellent!! I'll be they are all sore today;^) Finished off with a sparring clinic ( I gave them some of the 'secrets of the gods' and some light stretching at the very end
It was a good day....
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Youth Karate - Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Five students in class today. We did warmups then paired up for the Wallace roundhouse drill, then the quick roundhouse drill. For a little more cardio, we did some jab/cross to the pads, with the more experienced students making it a moving drill. After a little stretching, we worked on the quickness of the backfist. Once that was comfortable, the pad dropping was added.
We did just a couple short rounds of sparring, trying to incorporate the drills we just practiced - making the techniques quick from the front side. Still a bit of hand dropping happening.
Ended the class with a run through the first three forms.
We did just a couple short rounds of sparring, trying to incorporate the drills we just practiced - making the techniques quick from the front side. Still a bit of hand dropping happening.
Ended the class with a run through the first three forms.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Sifu's Training Journal - Wed. 4.17.12
- Started off at the Y with a full nautilus workout and gravitron
- Back home to meet with the verizon guy to work on my DSL connection...fingers crossed he fixed it
- Drum set practice 1/2 hour
- 45 min walk, round of tai chi, bagua 'accordion' stepping
- Youth karate class - the '10', line work basics, kata, shadow boxing, short standing meditation
- Tai chi class - 30 qigong warm ups, worked on hands first then stance work for 'brush knee twist', worked it into the sequence, went to guided independent practice
- Arnis class was just Phil and I .....we bagged it early
Good day all in all .......
- Back home to meet with the verizon guy to work on my DSL connection...fingers crossed he fixed it
- Drum set practice 1/2 hour
- 45 min walk, round of tai chi, bagua 'accordion' stepping
- Youth karate class - the '10', line work basics, kata, shadow boxing, short standing meditation
- Tai chi class - 30 qigong warm ups, worked on hands first then stance work for 'brush knee twist', worked it into the sequence, went to guided independent practice
- Arnis class was just Phil and I .....we bagged it early
Good day all in all .......
2 Person Work Class Notes 04.18.2012
Phil, Bob, Read
Some warm up with the locking series.
Discussion on the dance. What benefits to we see in its practice. How it focuses on different things depending on the level of understanding a person brings to it. Lines, sensitivity, timing (this part seemed very multi-faceted and tied into application), applications, mental exercises with the shear volume of info just in the sequencing. We talked some more on how to mix in the drill work to bump up the dance, and the challenges/opportunities involved in teaching the dance to others, and maintaining it ourselves.
Round robin of the dance ensued.
A little discussion and on double sword work. round robin of the RR locking set.
Some warm up with the locking series.
Discussion on the dance. What benefits to we see in its practice. How it focuses on different things depending on the level of understanding a person brings to it. Lines, sensitivity, timing (this part seemed very multi-faceted and tied into application), applications, mental exercises with the shear volume of info just in the sequencing. We talked some more on how to mix in the drill work to bump up the dance, and the challenges/opportunities involved in teaching the dance to others, and maintaining it ourselves.
Round robin of the dance ensued.
A little discussion and on double sword work. round robin of the RR locking set.
Modern Arnis Class Notes 04.16.2012
Phil, Colleen & Jack
Nice private lesson with lot's of attention to detail with good Q&A.
Reviewed Striking styles (figure 8, reverse figure 8, band y bandi, rampida, reverse rampida, double zero, abenico (corto and largo) and abenico double action)
Reviewed 1-4 stick forms with extra time on the first part of 4 for jack.
Couple times through on Cane form first 2 lines.
Review of 1-4 empty hand as well.
review of RR Locking set.
high quality.
-Phil
Nice private lesson with lot's of attention to detail with good Q&A.
Reviewed Striking styles (figure 8, reverse figure 8, band y bandi, rampida, reverse rampida, double zero, abenico (corto and largo) and abenico double action)
Reviewed 1-4 stick forms with extra time on the first part of 4 for jack.
Couple times through on Cane form first 2 lines.
Review of 1-4 empty hand as well.
review of RR Locking set.
high quality.
-Phil
Sifu's Training Journal - Tuesday 4.16.12
- Started the day off with Bob, Read and Sandy working on double broadsword basics for about 1/2 hour, then a review of the double broadsword form, with some detail
- Morning tai chi class - 30 qigong warm ups, split the group up old timers worked on the dance I worked with the beginner student (Danda) and Janee on the beginning of the form, standing meditation and the 'centering the breath' qigong - I'ts the newest thing I'm teaching to beginners. I then reviewed the dance with Janee and finished with a round of tai chi part I on the left side and parts II and III on the right
- Drum set practice (1/2 hour)
- 45 min walk
- Jian sword form
- Guitar practice 45 min
- Morning tai chi class - 30 qigong warm ups, split the group up old timers worked on the dance I worked with the beginner student (Danda) and Janee on the beginning of the form, standing meditation and the 'centering the breath' qigong - I'ts the newest thing I'm teaching to beginners. I then reviewed the dance with Janee and finished with a round of tai chi part I on the left side and parts II and III on the right
- Drum set practice (1/2 hour)
- 45 min walk
- Jian sword form
- Guitar practice 45 min
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Sifu's Training Journal - Monday 4.15.12
- Started the day off at the Y, full nautilus round, set on gravitron and stretching, round of tai chi, round of the second yin fu bagua set, arnis form 5, finished off with sunsu
- photoshop lesson with Prof. Brown (45min)
20 min cognition training
- 45 min walk
- Jian sword form
- Balance board (5 min)
- photoshop lesson with Prof. Brown (45min)
20 min cognition training
- 45 min walk
- Jian sword form
- Balance board (5 min)
Adult Karate Class Report - 4-16-12 - Sensei Reid
Adult Karate Class Report - 4-16-12
Angus Reid leading, 5 other students attending
Inspired by the two previous Monday classes led by Mr. Milcarek, we
started off with partner shadow-sparring, three 2-minute rounds, with
the stated goal being not to "score points", but to get warmed up.
We then went through the 10 at a brisk pace, followed by 5-way kicks
The weather was great for stretching, and I was eager to introduce
some new conditioning and stretching techniques to the Monday group.
I'm always hoping that someone will be exposed to an exercise that
really clicks with them, and it becomes a part of their own personal
practice, just as many exercises over the years have with me. The
first was sort of a single-leg version of the #8 exercise, balancing
on one foot with the other leg held straight out, toes flexed back and
muscle-locked. This is a difficult one, requiring considerable leg
strength, not to mention the balance factor, and I didn't expect
anyone to be able to do it instantly, but some students were able to
do the 'down' portion without falling. Holding the 'down' position is
good practice for leg-extension.
Next we did inchworms in one direction down the room for core and arm
conditioning, and Zendashi-walking back for leg and hip strength.
We then rolled out the panel mats and did a round of 'hollow-body
rolls' (viewable on the video), which are great for core control. The
goal is to roll as slowly as possible, without touching the elbows or
knees to the ground. The slower one goes, and the fewer 'falling'
sections one has, the better it is.
For stretching, we did partner-assisted pike stretch with the soles of
the feet pressed against the wall, lunge/hamstring sequence, and a
2-minute frog stretch with medicine balls on the sacrum for added
press (I usually use a sandbag, but the medicine balls are good too,
although it's a challenge to keep them from rolling off you).
We then worked on kick alignment, using the mirror to guide us. I
emphasized going slowly enough to feel each muscle work, and raising
the knee high to accentuate the dynamism of the movement, whether for
side kicks or for front thrust. The upper ranks moved on to hook
kicks, applying the same alignment principles to this more complicated
technique.
We then geared up, with eye protection too, to do something I had
teased as "bat sparring", although I may have been overselling it a
bit, as it was really just one person throwing free techniques to a
body shield, while the shield-holder occasionally swung a padded bat.
The bat-wielders were instructed that their goal was *not* to hit the
other person with the bat, but to *convince them that keeping their
guard up was a good idea*. In this regard it seemed to be a successful
drill. I wish the twins had been in class, as I had conceived it as a
way to train people with long reach not to drop the guard even when
kicking. The students seemed to have fun with it. We then tried two
rounds at half speed without the body shield, a little more like
sparring, but this was not as successful; I think perhaps the role and
objective of the bat-wielder was not as well-defined as in the
previous drill.
A fun class on, apparently, the first day of 'summer'. I'm looking
forward to training in the coming months!
[aside to Sifu, not necessarily for the website: About halfway through
the class, Chelsea asked if she could be excused from the rest of
class, and I let her bow out after making sure she was feeling
alright. I talked to Colleen about it after – she told me that Chelsea
often gets frustrated with warm ups and basics, and that her favorite
things are SD and sparring. I was disappointed to lose her attention-
it's a reminder to me, of course, to be sure to pace the class for all
the students present, not just those who have been doing Karate for
several years. However, I also think Chelsea should know by now that
we always do conditioning and basics before the more active stuff that
she prefers, and I think if she had stuck it out a few more minutes,
she would have really enjoyed the partner work we did. On the other
hand, perhaps she was just having a low-energy day? It was pretty hot
and sticky. ]
Angus Reid leading, 5 other students attending
Inspired by the two previous Monday classes led by Mr. Milcarek, we
started off with partner shadow-sparring, three 2-minute rounds, with
the stated goal being not to "score points", but to get warmed up.
We then went through the 10 at a brisk pace, followed by 5-way kicks
The weather was great for stretching, and I was eager to introduce
some new conditioning and stretching techniques to the Monday group.
I'm always hoping that someone will be exposed to an exercise that
really clicks with them, and it becomes a part of their own personal
practice, just as many exercises over the years have with me. The
first was sort of a single-leg version of the #8 exercise, balancing
on one foot with the other leg held straight out, toes flexed back and
muscle-locked. This is a difficult one, requiring considerable leg
strength, not to mention the balance factor, and I didn't expect
anyone to be able to do it instantly, but some students were able to
do the 'down' portion without falling. Holding the 'down' position is
good practice for leg-extension.
Next we did inchworms in one direction down the room for core and arm
conditioning, and Zendashi-walking back for leg and hip strength.
We then rolled out the panel mats and did a round of 'hollow-body
rolls' (viewable on the video), which are great for core control. The
goal is to roll as slowly as possible, without touching the elbows or
knees to the ground. The slower one goes, and the fewer 'falling'
sections one has, the better it is.
For stretching, we did partner-assisted pike stretch with the soles of
the feet pressed against the wall, lunge/hamstring sequence, and a
2-minute frog stretch with medicine balls on the sacrum for added
press (I usually use a sandbag, but the medicine balls are good too,
although it's a challenge to keep them from rolling off you).
We then worked on kick alignment, using the mirror to guide us. I
emphasized going slowly enough to feel each muscle work, and raising
the knee high to accentuate the dynamism of the movement, whether for
side kicks or for front thrust. The upper ranks moved on to hook
kicks, applying the same alignment principles to this more complicated
technique.
We then geared up, with eye protection too, to do something I had
teased as "bat sparring", although I may have been overselling it a
bit, as it was really just one person throwing free techniques to a
body shield, while the shield-holder occasionally swung a padded bat.
The bat-wielders were instructed that their goal was *not* to hit the
other person with the bat, but to *convince them that keeping their
guard up was a good idea*. In this regard it seemed to be a successful
drill. I wish the twins had been in class, as I had conceived it as a
way to train people with long reach not to drop the guard even when
kicking. The students seemed to have fun with it. We then tried two
rounds at half speed without the body shield, a little more like
sparring, but this was not as successful; I think perhaps the role and
objective of the bat-wielder was not as well-defined as in the
previous drill.
A fun class on, apparently, the first day of 'summer'. I'm looking
forward to training in the coming months!
[aside to Sifu, not necessarily for the website: About halfway through
the class, Chelsea asked if she could be excused from the rest of
class, and I let her bow out after making sure she was feeling
alright. I talked to Colleen about it after – she told me that Chelsea
often gets frustrated with warm ups and basics, and that her favorite
things are SD and sparring. I was disappointed to lose her attention-
it's a reminder to me, of course, to be sure to pace the class for all
the students present, not just those who have been doing Karate for
several years. However, I also think Chelsea should know by now that
we always do conditioning and basics before the more active stuff that
she prefers, and I think if she had stuck it out a few more minutes,
she would have really enjoyed the partner work we did. On the other
hand, perhaps she was just having a low-energy day? It was pretty hot
and sticky. ]
Monday, April 16, 2012
Sifu's Training Journal - Sunday 4.14.12
- Started the day off with qigong warm up, a round of tai chi on the left side, a round of the first yin fu bagua set, arnis form 4 and sunsu
- 45 min walk with the 'crew'
- a couple hour session on Photoshop....very frustrating!!
- 35 min walk with the 'crew'
- 45 min Guitar practice
Tough day dealing with 'stuff' - Bob reminded me this morning about a great quote "Equanimity in the face of confusion leads to insight" I think I'd add frustrating as well as confusion!! I'd even go so far as to say staying equanimity in the face of discomfort leads to insight....easier said that done....Oh and try and keep a sense of humor;^)
- 45 min walk with the 'crew'
- a couple hour session on Photoshop....very frustrating!!
- 35 min walk with the 'crew'
- 45 min Guitar practice
Tough day dealing with 'stuff' - Bob reminded me this morning about a great quote "Equanimity in the face of confusion leads to insight" I think I'd add frustrating as well as confusion!! I'd even go so far as to say staying equanimity in the face of discomfort leads to insight....easier said that done....Oh and try and keep a sense of humor;^)
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Sifu's Training Journal - Saturday 4.14.12
- Started the day off with a round of tai chi to the music with Karen and Pat
- First youth karate class was big with great help from Colleen, Scott and Jack, the '10' with detail, sanching breathing, basics, kata
- Second class was smaller - Colleen led the warm up, I registered a new youth student. (FYI - The main things a beginner needs to understand is that they have to develop the habit of coming to classes regularly and that if they can't make it they should call or email.....that remains the same throughout their tenure at the Studio...the next thing is if/when they discontinue training at the Studio they need to meet with me personally to end their training respectfully.), basics, kata ended with a group round of sanchin and discussion on tech to deal with negative energy.
- Back home a 45 min walk with Paco
- 20 min of cognition training
- Drum and guitar practice (1hour)
Good day with a few bumps along the way...beautiful weather
- First youth karate class was big with great help from Colleen, Scott and Jack, the '10' with detail, sanching breathing, basics, kata
- Second class was smaller - Colleen led the warm up, I registered a new youth student. (FYI - The main things a beginner needs to understand is that they have to develop the habit of coming to classes regularly and that if they can't make it they should call or email.....that remains the same throughout their tenure at the Studio...the next thing is if/when they discontinue training at the Studio they need to meet with me personally to end their training respectfully.), basics, kata ended with a group round of sanchin and discussion on tech to deal with negative energy.
- Back home a 45 min walk with Paco
- 20 min of cognition training
- Drum and guitar practice (1hour)
Good day with a few bumps along the way...beautiful weather
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Sifu's Training Journal - Friday 4.13.12
- Started the day off with a long hike with my pal Paul C. (AKS Black belt)
- Back at my house we stretched, qigong'd and went through a review of the '10'
- We each did our own 'round' of T'ai Chi, Paul has been studying with Wolf Lowenthal in Amherst for a number of years. We followed our practice with standing meditation and some discussion of principles etc.
- Spent 2 1/2 hours getting my new laptop up to speed....mostly learning the video and photo software and on the phone with verizon getting my internet connection up to speed so I COULD get my laptop up to speed ....
- 1 hour of drum set practice
Light training day...but good day all in all.....
- Back at my house we stretched, qigong'd and went through a review of the '10'
- We each did our own 'round' of T'ai Chi, Paul has been studying with Wolf Lowenthal in Amherst for a number of years. We followed our practice with standing meditation and some discussion of principles etc.
- Spent 2 1/2 hours getting my new laptop up to speed....mostly learning the video and photo software and on the phone with verizon getting my internet connection up to speed so I COULD get my laptop up to speed ....
- 1 hour of drum set practice
Light training day...but good day all in all.....
Friday, April 13, 2012
Sifu's Training Journal - Thursday 4.12.12
- Started the day off with Bob, Lenny, Sandy, Read and Janee with a 25 minute bagua walking using the 'old eight palms', then much discussion about the details and implications of where the power and intention is coming from while doing the 'mud tredding step' - ended with some applications and form review
- Tai chi class - 30 qigong warm ups, single movement training with ward off left and right, part one on the left side with repetitions of downward deflect, parry and punch, ended with a round to the music
- Back home and spent most of the day setting up my new computer....oh what fun.....why so complicated???
-Youth karate class - great help from Colleen and Scott - started with discussion about journal content - worked the 10, basics and kata
- At 5:30 only Colleen and I, she asked to work the tai chi form so we spent the hour on review and detail
- Adult karate class, again started with discussion about journal, the 10 exercises modified, line work concentrating on forward movement, step thru on the forward leg kicks, the 'blitz' and using appropriate techniques in regards to distance and using spinning tech. only when they are already moving back, ended with kata review and questions
Good day all in all....very tired by the end though!
- Tai chi class - 30 qigong warm ups, single movement training with ward off left and right, part one on the left side with repetitions of downward deflect, parry and punch, ended with a round to the music
- Back home and spent most of the day setting up my new computer....oh what fun.....why so complicated???
-Youth karate class - great help from Colleen and Scott - started with discussion about journal content - worked the 10, basics and kata
- At 5:30 only Colleen and I, she asked to work the tai chi form so we spent the hour on review and detail
- Adult karate class, again started with discussion about journal, the 10 exercises modified, line work concentrating on forward movement, step thru on the forward leg kicks, the 'blitz' and using appropriate techniques in regards to distance and using spinning tech. only when they are already moving back, ended with kata review and questions
Good day all in all....very tired by the end though!
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Sifu's Training Journal - Wed. 4.11.12
- Started the day off with Phil, Bob and Read at the Studio for about an hour. We worked on the three hit drill that Sensei Kratz presented last Sat., went on to review the locking counter drill from Roland Rivera
- 35 min walk to the Y, full Nautilus, stretching, round of tai chi, bagua changed 4-8 of the cheng t'ing hwa animal set, arnis form 3 and sunsu
- youth karate class, scott assisting, discussion with Sensei Kratz about upcoming rank eval., kata's with the group
- Tai chi class, 30 qigong warm ups, standing meditation, I worked on the beginning of the form with the beginners
- Arnis class, Justin, Phil, Marcia and Read for his first class, I worked with Read on double zero, 12 angles, abinico double action while Justin and Phil worked mostly on palis palis and tapi tapi - Read left early and I spent some time with Marcia and some time with Phil and Justin on a few tech off of palis palis and then we reviewed the locking counter drill from Rolane Rivera with some detail
A good day all is all....but long and I was a bit tired by late afternoon and was quickly loosing steam after youth karate class.
- 35 min walk to the Y, full Nautilus, stretching, round of tai chi, bagua changed 4-8 of the cheng t'ing hwa animal set, arnis form 3 and sunsu
- youth karate class, scott assisting, discussion with Sensei Kratz about upcoming rank eval., kata's with the group
- Tai chi class, 30 qigong warm ups, standing meditation, I worked on the beginning of the form with the beginners
- Arnis class, Justin, Phil, Marcia and Read for his first class, I worked with Read on double zero, 12 angles, abinico double action while Justin and Phil worked mostly on palis palis and tapi tapi - Read left early and I spent some time with Marcia and some time with Phil and Justin on a few tech off of palis palis and then we reviewed the locking counter drill from Rolane Rivera with some detail
A good day all is all....but long and I was a bit tired by late afternoon and was quickly loosing steam after youth karate class.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Sifu's Training Journal - Tuesday 4.10.12
- Started the day off with Bob and Read training the double broadsword form with numerous repetitions and several areas of added detail, notably the hoop in the progressive step and the double knife flowers, ended with punyo passing with single sticks, it was tricky but both of them got the basics
- Tai chi class, qigong warm ups, dance and a round with part one on the left side and parts II and III on the right side
- Video shoot with Angus for a WTCD, public service announcement (PSA) to be aired on GCTV and their radio station too - I've posted the PSA to the Studio YouTube Channel and will link it to Staff Blog too
- Back home for 2 hours of recording a track for a Ryan Cohen song, first laid down a drum track and then a bass guitar track
- Another session with Angus to overlay a music sound track for the WTCD, PSA
- 15 min cognition training
- Tai chi class, qigong warm ups, dance and a round with part one on the left side and parts II and III on the right side
- Video shoot with Angus for a WTCD, public service announcement (PSA) to be aired on GCTV and their radio station too - I've posted the PSA to the Studio YouTube Channel and will link it to Staff Blog too
- Back home for 2 hours of recording a track for a Ryan Cohen song, first laid down a drum track and then a bass guitar track
- Another session with Angus to overlay a music sound track for the WTCD, PSA
- 15 min cognition training
Youth Karate - Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Three students in class today. We did warm ups and conditioning - pushups, then situps with partners. Spent a bit of time working on backwards throw. I worked with Luke since he had never done locking before, and Gianna and Hannah went over several ways to enter into the lock, as well as the first 5 of the locking series.
We went over Nihanchi and Seisan, spending extra time on the end of Seisan, working on the cat stance.
Next, we took the balance boards over to the bar and practiced slow snap kicks on the board then off. We also used them to practice #8 with our partner giving us pressure. This was to work up to off-balancing techniques and some push hands. I worked with Luke in the first round to make sure he had the concepts.
We went over Nihanchi and Seisan, spending extra time on the end of Seisan, working on the cat stance.
Next, we took the balance boards over to the bar and practiced slow snap kicks on the board then off. We also used them to practice #8 with our partner giving us pressure. This was to work up to off-balancing techniques and some push hands. I worked with Luke in the first round to make sure he had the concepts.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Tai Chi class notes - Saturday 4.7.12 - Sandy
Saturday morning Tai Chi Class was fun. There were 7 of us, we began with our warm ups proceeded to a nice meditation and finished with the Grand Circulation Qi Gong exercise. After that Read worked with Mike at the end of part 3 solo form, Marty worked with Gretchen in the middle of part two solo form and I worked with Wes and Karen on the dance. I did a round robin starting with part one up to part seven with both of them. Read assisted me showing them just a bit further in part seven for their viewing. We ended with the solo form. Thank you, take care, Sandy
Sifu's Training Journal - Monday 4.9.12
- Started the day off answering emails and writing a JRRMAS News email
- Went to the Y and did a full Nautilus workout and the gravitron, 20 min cardio on elliptical machine and 10 minutes rowing for cardio and to help strengthen my shoulder, a round of tai chi, bagua mud tredding step walking for meditation, followed by changes 1-4 from the Chen Ting-Hwa animal set, arnis empty hand form 2 and sunsu
- Back home 1/2 hour of drum set practice followed by 1/2 hour reading/study
- 1/2 hour guitar practice
- Arnis class for 45 min, worked on 1-4 cane forms, 1-3 empty hand forms for detail, block, check, counter
- 1 hour operating camera #1 for Valley Homegrown, helped with audio set up and tear down
- Went to the Y and did a full Nautilus workout and the gravitron, 20 min cardio on elliptical machine and 10 minutes rowing for cardio and to help strengthen my shoulder, a round of tai chi, bagua mud tredding step walking for meditation, followed by changes 1-4 from the Chen Ting-Hwa animal set, arnis empty hand form 2 and sunsu
- Back home 1/2 hour of drum set practice followed by 1/2 hour reading/study
- 1/2 hour guitar practice
- Arnis class for 45 min, worked on 1-4 cane forms, 1-3 empty hand forms for detail, block, check, counter
- 1 hour operating camera #1 for Valley Homegrown, helped with audio set up and tear down
Sifu's Training Journal - Sunday 4.8.12
- Started the day with 20 min cognition training
- wobble board and free weight routine for shoulder then sit ups on big blue ball
- Qigong warm up, round of tai chi, bagua "accordion" walking, standing meditation
- 45 min walk with the 'crew'
- wobble board and free weight routine for shoulder then sit ups on big blue ball
- Qigong warm up, round of tai chi, bagua "accordion" walking, standing meditation
- 45 min walk with the 'crew'
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Sifu's Training Journal - Saturday 4.7.12
Started the day off with balance board and dumb bell training and then sit ups on the big blue ball
- Went to Studio and did a round of tai chi with the class
- Youth Karate class concentrated on hips involved with vertical punches followed by retracting and balance work using front snap kicks, worked on sanchin breathing with middle blocks, went on to Kata review with those basics in mind
- Sensei Kratz led the second class - I worked on tai chi Jian Sword form, double stick twirling and drum rudiments, came back into class towards the end and helped Chelsea with Seisan Kata
- back home 1/2 hour read/study
- 45 min walk with arnis stick twirling
- another session of balance board
- 1/2 hour cognition training
- Went to Studio and did a round of tai chi with the class
- Youth Karate class concentrated on hips involved with vertical punches followed by retracting and balance work using front snap kicks, worked on sanchin breathing with middle blocks, went on to Kata review with those basics in mind
- Sensei Kratz led the second class - I worked on tai chi Jian Sword form, double stick twirling and drum rudiments, came back into class towards the end and helped Chelsea with Seisan Kata
- back home 1/2 hour read/study
- 45 min walk with arnis stick twirling
- another session of balance board
- 1/2 hour cognition training
Adult Karate class notes - Monday 4.2.12 - Ron
On last night's class:
Eight students total. Jack, Angus, Chelsea, Colleen, Dylan, Simon, Thomas, and me. We began with working on forms for detail and warm up. We three black belts watched folks do their rank form and a couple do their "favorite form". The black belts, and Thomas, did a "improv form" "seeing what comes out form". We moved to stretching and some conditioning exercises. Then did some forms together. Made sure to do the weapons forms also. After a break, I wanted to pass on the need for explosiveness, in point sparring, and often, for real self defense. We first practiced off a line, on my count, everyone facing in the same direction, exploding forward (most pushed off one side forward, there are off course other ways do this: do a blitz, or do a leading kick combination. However, I did not want to complicate stuff just then). This worked shockingly well. We put on gear, and lined up with partners, on my command, one set side would explode off the line....worked amazingly well. Then as final preview to free sparring I showed the "turning the corner" or "opening the gate" as a response to a straight line attack.Worked surprisingly well. Then did, I think, four or five, 2 minute rounds. Great intensity. I could have talked more here, given more systematic instruction, but I spent time with everyone one on one, which is possible with a small class. Lastly, we did holding the moon position standing meditation. Really great moment. Everyone had big mental and physical extension! And with a full strong feeling, seemed that there was real letting go of the frantic, churned up emotions and energy. I thought this was real organic to the class. Nice.
Ron
Eight students total. Jack, Angus, Chelsea, Colleen, Dylan, Simon, Thomas, and me. We began with working on forms for detail and warm up. We three black belts watched folks do their rank form and a couple do their "favorite form". The black belts, and Thomas, did a "improv form" "seeing what comes out form". We moved to stretching and some conditioning exercises. Then did some forms together. Made sure to do the weapons forms also. After a break, I wanted to pass on the need for explosiveness, in point sparring, and often, for real self defense. We first practiced off a line, on my count, everyone facing in the same direction, exploding forward (most pushed off one side forward, there are off course other ways do this: do a blitz, or do a leading kick combination. However, I did not want to complicate stuff just then). This worked shockingly well. We put on gear, and lined up with partners, on my command, one set side would explode off the line....worked amazingly well. Then as final preview to free sparring I showed the "turning the corner" or "opening the gate" as a response to a straight line attack.Worked surprisingly well. Then did, I think, four or five, 2 minute rounds. Great intensity. I could have talked more here, given more systematic instruction, but I spent time with everyone one on one, which is possible with a small class. Lastly, we did holding the moon position standing meditation. Really great moment. Everyone had big mental and physical extension! And with a full strong feeling, seemed that there was real letting go of the frantic, churned up emotions and energy. I thought this was real organic to the class. Nice.
Ron
Friday, April 6, 2012
Sifu's Training Journal - Friday - 4.6.12
Started the day off with a 10 min walk, basic qigong warm up, modified 10exc., round of tai chi, short standing meditation, bagua 'accordian' walking, arnis from 8 and sunsu
- 30 min guitar practice
- late morning walk in Turners Falls for 30 min
-20 min drum set practice
- cognitive training
- 1/2 hour reading / study
- late afternoon walk at home with Paco for 45 min
- tai chi Jian Sword form
- 30 min guitar practice
- late morning walk in Turners Falls for 30 min
-20 min drum set practice
- cognitive training
- 1/2 hour reading / study
- late afternoon walk at home with Paco for 45 min
- tai chi Jian Sword form
Thursday, April 5, 2012
New Double Broadsword Moves by Lu Zijian
Here are some new moves for the double broadsword form, particularly starting after 1:10 into this video.
Sifu's Training Journal - Thursday 4.5.12
Started the day off with 15-20 min round of the Old 8 Palms with Bagua classs....really great round - moved on to Change #6 of the second Yin Fu set followed by application with partner of the change
- Tai chi class started with the 30 Qigong warm ups, went on to brush knee twist up and down the room with corrections - did independent rounds...I did the left side
- Went for 20 min walk in town
- 1/2 hour drum set practice
- 40 min walk at home (w/ Paco)
- Youth Karate class
- 5:30 worked Lo Family Staff with Ron and Colleen
- Adult Karate class - worked staff basics concentration on stance work - worked solo lazy D with Jian Sword, went on to partner work with lazy D, translated it to empty hand, finished off with some free-style pushing with Jack and Thomas
My legs were really tired this afternoon and evening.....really tired.....but was a good day of training...time to rest!
Sifu
- Tai chi class started with the 30 Qigong warm ups, went on to brush knee twist up and down the room with corrections - did independent rounds...I did the left side
- Went for 20 min walk in town
- 1/2 hour drum set practice
- 40 min walk at home (w/ Paco)
- Youth Karate class
- 5:30 worked Lo Family Staff with Ron and Colleen
- Adult Karate class - worked staff basics concentration on stance work - worked solo lazy D with Jian Sword, went on to partner work with lazy D, translated it to empty hand, finished off with some free-style pushing with Jack and Thomas
My legs were really tired this afternoon and evening.....really tired.....but was a good day of training...time to rest!
Sifu
Bagua Videos
Here are some interesting Baqua YouTube videos about baqua walking with the mud treading step:
Bagua Zhang: How to Create a Walking Concertina by Paul Cavel
Bagua Walking Techniques for Health + Fitness by Paul Cavel
Bagua Zhang: How to Create a Walking Concertina by Paul Cavel
Bagua Walking Techniques for Health + Fitness by Paul Cavel
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Sifu's Training Journal - Tuesday - 4.4.12
Started with a 40 min walk - short qigong warm up - round of tai chi - first four changes of second yin fu baguazhang set - arnis empty hand for 7 - sunsu
- Another 15 min walk
- youth karate class, worked Bagua Knife form with Scott, Bo Staff basics and free style twirling, SD free sparring with Thomas (went pretty hard, both of us winded, sweaty)
-tai chi class, did the 30 qigong warm ups, short standing, 45 and 90 degree stepping, part one of the form, worked on single whip with detail,and repulse monkey, broke up for independent practice, Marcia and I helped individuals
- arnis class Marcia and Phil after warm up we worked on single sinawalli 2 on 1 for peripheral vision (very cool) and 6/8/10 count drill extensively - Great workout
Good day!!
- Another 15 min walk
- youth karate class, worked Bagua Knife form with Scott, Bo Staff basics and free style twirling, SD free sparring with Thomas (went pretty hard, both of us winded, sweaty)
-tai chi class, did the 30 qigong warm ups, short standing, 45 and 90 degree stepping, part one of the form, worked on single whip with detail,and repulse monkey, broke up for independent practice, Marcia and I helped individuals
- arnis class Marcia and Phil after warm up we worked on single sinawalli 2 on 1 for peripheral vision (very cool) and 6/8/10 count drill extensively - Great workout
Good day!!
2 Person Work Class Notes 04.04.2012
Bob, Read, Phil
Reviewed unfriendly handshake series once. Round robin of the dance, chop and receive right side. Some misc staff work. Repetition and conversation on the Rolland Rivera counter/counter locking series.
fun practice as always.
-Phil
Reviewed unfriendly handshake series once. Round robin of the dance, chop and receive right side. Some misc staff work. Repetition and conversation on the Rolland Rivera counter/counter locking series.
fun practice as always.
-Phil
Something Sifu Hayward shared in his newletter
"In the period of the three months of spring is the time of birth and spread. Grasses
and trees are becoming vivid and all living things in the world become flourishing
with a new dynamic atmosphere. Since a human is one of the living things in the
universe, they can by no means be excluded. In order to keep in accordance with the
law of the variation of the seasonal sequence, one should go to bed when the night
comes and get up early in the morning. In the morning, one should breathe the fresh
air while walking in the yard to exercise their tendons and bones and loosen their
hair to make the whole body comfortable along with the generating of spring energy."
-Yellow Emperor’s Classic
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Youth Karate - Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Private lesson with Gianna today. I saw her name on the list, but didn't know if there is an official date yet, so I didn't mention anything. In any case, we ran through all the stuff for a testing, so she would see where her strong and weak points are in the event of a test.
I had her lead through the 10, so she could get some practice with the mirroring and a leading voice. We ran through some basics, slow kicks, and also some linework.
We did the self-defense in the new list order. The first ten were really solid, and the last five just needed a little refreshing to clear up. Overhead club attack was probably the least practiced - I definitely don't go over that one as much as I should.
Ended the class off with a little harmony sparring and even some single sinawalli (which the coordination looks great on!)
I had her lead through the 10, so she could get some practice with the mirroring and a leading voice. We ran through some basics, slow kicks, and also some linework.
We did the self-defense in the new list order. The first ten were really solid, and the last five just needed a little refreshing to clear up. Overhead club attack was probably the least practiced - I definitely don't go over that one as much as I should.
Ended the class off with a little harmony sparring and even some single sinawalli (which the coordination looks great on!)
Sifu's Training Journal Tuesday April 3, 2012
- Started with Read and Sandy and some discussion about Training Journal, google.docs and logistics around sharing information on the web
- Then we worked on basics with two broadswords and the double broadsword form
- Had a new student (Danda) for the tai chi class - started with Wuji Posture, went into an abbreviated version of the 30 Qigong warm ups with lot's of detail and explanation - I worked the Introduction with Danda while Read worked with the rest of the small group on the dance -we finished with a round of tai chi to the music
- After class Read and I worked on several points in the Jian Sword form
- Late morning I practiced drums and bass for 2 hours
- Later in the afternoon I had a 2 hour private lesson on photoshop from Prof. Brown
The day went too fast.....
Sifu
- Then we worked on basics with two broadswords and the double broadsword form
- Had a new student (Danda) for the tai chi class - started with Wuji Posture, went into an abbreviated version of the 30 Qigong warm ups with lot's of detail and explanation - I worked the Introduction with Danda while Read worked with the rest of the small group on the dance -we finished with a round of tai chi to the music
- After class Read and I worked on several points in the Jian Sword form
- Late morning I practiced drums and bass for 2 hours
- Later in the afternoon I had a 2 hour private lesson on photoshop from Prof. Brown
The day went too fast.....
Sifu
Monday, April 2, 2012
Modern Arnis Class Notes 04.02.2012
Small class (Luke, Dave, Colleen, Jack) short cameo by Officer Kratz.
Quick warm up, and mention of the training journal and the sheets by the door.
Review of the stick forms. Some extra repetitions on 3 & 4. Went through the cane form, first line several times. sometimes just with folks following, and a couple times while speaking about the stance work and weight shifts. Ran the second line of the form twice.
Moved on to pallace'pallace with emphasis on stance work, distancing and timing. Started low, went to high, then added in some flow drill.
Ended with the 5, 6, slash, 7 slash disarm knife drill. Added a finsher technique at the end that involved just grabbing the knife hand securely, a kick as a softener and then using the grabbed knife hand as a reverse armbar and walking the knifer to the ground.
Time went by to fast.
-Phil
Quick warm up, and mention of the training journal and the sheets by the door.
Review of the stick forms. Some extra repetitions on 3 & 4. Went through the cane form, first line several times. sometimes just with folks following, and a couple times while speaking about the stance work and weight shifts. Ran the second line of the form twice.
Moved on to pallace'pallace with emphasis on stance work, distancing and timing. Started low, went to high, then added in some flow drill.
Ended with the 5, 6, slash, 7 slash disarm knife drill. Added a finsher technique at the end that involved just grabbing the knife hand securely, a kick as a softener and then using the grabbed knife hand as a reverse armbar and walking the knifer to the ground.
Time went by to fast.
-Phil
Sifu's Training Journal - Monday 4.2.12
Started my practice with hands up and down on the toes (#1) and #8 from the 10 then segued to the 10exc. - a round of tai chi - standing meditation using the 9 breath method - arnis form 6 - sunsu - went to Y for a round of Nautilus and 1/2 hour walk in town - 1/2 hour of drum set and 1/2 hour guitar - cognitive training (Lumosity) - 40 minutes reading/study and finished with a 40 min walk before supper
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Sifu's Training Journal Sunday 4.1.12
First I started with a 45 min walk around the block:
Followed it by 10 minutes of Qigong and stretching (10 exc.) then a 'round' of Tai Chi, some standing meditation, then on to some improvisational Baguazhang, Arnis form 5 and finished with Sunsu.
Tried to get creative with my journalism with this time-lapse photography clip of my walk. Took it with a GoPro camera on a vest harness.....I love time-lapse and super slow motion video.
Other peripheral training that I did was 45min-1hour of musical practice and a round of Lumosity (cognitive training) and worked on my photographs and videos (2-3hours)
Tried to get creative with my journalism with this time-lapse photography clip of my walk. Took it with a GoPro camera on a vest harness.....I love time-lapse and super slow motion video.
Other peripheral training that I did was 45min-1hour of musical practice and a round of Lumosity (cognitive training) and worked on my photographs and videos (2-3hours)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)