Working The Eyes...

Sometimes, many students have a tendency to look down or turn their heads too much when looking in one direction or another. Shifu was explaining that classically Kung Fu fighters were well versed in being able to keep one's head relatively stable, while the eyes would move, left or right, up or down, or at a diagonal. Shifu told us that it was a good idea to cultivate a habit of training our eyes in such a fashion in order that we had a more appropriate gaze during training and practice and develop a broader vision capability that would also enhance our awareness of our periphery. I believe that is worthwhile information.
J

Always be careful to Ward Off

The above was another move that we practiced in isolation. We worked from one side of the body to the other side. Key points were the correct weight shift, turning points, and proper positioning of the hands as we went from one side to the other. Shifu made sure we understood that the motion did NOT go straight from one side to the other, but that we had to appropriately position our hands as we moved in order that we NOT be trapped by an opponent pressing or pushing on us as we shifted positions. At all times we have to maintain appropriate ward off.

This was a tough exercise, very demanding on the legs and endurance.

Shifu also demonstrated where in the motion, we had to be aware of how the opponent could try to counter us with a press or push, or body weight shift and bumping.

I enjoyed that part of the session a lot, and clearly I need more work on the all principles Shifu shares with us.
J

Basics

This past Sunday's class we focused on this particular move from Lao Jia Yi Lu, going over the appropriate footwork, and reviewing a number of applications off a punch, grab, push, etc..

It actually was very enlightening to see Shifu do a wide variety of applications using this movement.

Following that we did a review of some Kung Fu basics on parrying, adjusting footwork with a forward shuffle step and reverse punching, leading into a had grab and pull down into knee smash.
J

Positive Gain

As you all know, it had been quite a while since I had practiced Chen in class. Yesterday was my first day back,I was very clearly rusty. My timing was all off, I wasn't as centered and I had a couple of glitches. On the positive side, clearly, the jogging has very certainly helped me! When we started class and we did Lao Jia Yi Lu, I was able to complete it and NOT be as strained nor as tired as before when I was training regularly 3x a week in class, not counting my work at home, too!

That certainly gives me more motivation to continue and keep up with my jogging program as I feel I'm definitely on the right track for me.

It was also truly great to see Shifu and everyone in class, too. I was also very proud to see that folks who started last month, have continued to attend and have made very positive growth and gain! It really makes me happy to see people enjoy their training and improve.
J

Basics of Stance Training

Class was very challenging today. Shifu took us through a series of stance training. He believes that if our Kung Fu fundamentals and basics are better, our overall performance of Chen will be much improved.

We worked on a progression of 6 stances.
Horse Stance - Ma Bu
Bow Stance - Gong Bu
Cat Stance - Shie Bu (empty)
Single Leg Stance - Du Li
Low Stance - Pu Bu
Snake/coiling Stance - Share Bu

Shifu strongly encourages us to practice these stances daily, gradually progressive in duration up to 10 minutes each stance.

On the Road...

Thank you all for thinking of me, over this past 2 weeks, I appreciate the calls and emails. No, I have NOT quit Tai Chi training, honestly. I have been in the process of taking my body back from the physical ordeal I endured following doctors' advice; the past couple of weeks, I have started the couch to 5K program, today concluding week 2 day 3 training.

I have mentioned before a very clear goal of being able to do Lao Jia well. As a physical therapist, I clearly saw a need for me to have greater stamina and endurance, and the only practical method for me was more cardio training.

So, i've done the biking, using it several times now, I have been following the C to 5K program regularly, and finally, this coming Sunday, will be back at class! I'll be resuming sharing more Chen training insights and vid clips and stuff very soon. Thanks for bearing with me and looking out!
J

Body Soreness

Perhaps some of you are wondering where I am these days, I am still here! I have started the couch to 5K program as promised, completing week 1 days 1 and 2 workouts, and I also have gotten onto the bicycle and did some riding yesterday after getting out late from work.

The antibiotics are done! My gastroenterologist's office called me yesterday, and I refused to do my 2nd colonoscopy for maybe another month or two. I'm taking my body back, the heck with his paycheck! All these damn meds and tests have screwed with my body long enough.

The bottoms of my feet are very tender, but tomorrow morning, will try to complete the day 3 workout.

All of these efforts are directed towards improving my stamina and condition to perform Lao Jia Yi Lu with greater ease.
Wish me luck!
J

It's July 1st, I only have 3 days left of that killer medication that has been doing me in. Despite the stomach issues, I gained weight and the last couple of weeks have been a wash in terms of my regular planned workouts, and my weight is back up. Ashamed to say, 287. Ugh.

So, it is time to get back on track. I'm intending to get to class on Sunday. Tomorrow I start the couch to 5K program, and I simply have to do it, knowing that the stupid meds are almost done, and I am NOT going to do my second colonoscopy for at least a month (my choice, I truly am tired of the doctors and what they have done to my system.)

Please keep your fingers crossed for me and have a wonderful July 4th weekend.
J