One thing my Bagua instructor warned me about, almost immediately upon my resuming my MA training, was regarding the progress curve. External martial arts, he said, has a pretty slow but steady rate of improvement during which you get steadily better and better over time.
Internal martial arts, he said, are different. You train for ages without really feeling you get anywhere. Then, all of a sudden, WHAM! There's a big(-gish) leap in your understanding and ability. I had one of those epiphanies, I think, during Friday's class.
All of a sudden, something he said (I forget precisely what just now) just resonated with me and I found it much easier to give my stance structure - more strength and structure than I'd had before, to be honest.
I did, however, find that a day out walking around in the cold on the Saturday made me feel like I'd injured myself. Really, I think a combination of an overworked muscle group and the cold weather made me feel a few aches and pains for some days aferward.
That said, I am better now - so back to full training again tonight.
Wednesday 21 November 2012
Friday 16 November 2012
Long live meatspace!
Most mornings, when I am enduring the tram ride to work, I notice that the vast majority of my fellow commuters* are somehow 'tuned out' of what is going on around them. Either they are tickling their smartphones, their ears are plugged into some music device or they are lost in an e-reader.
Somehow, as a people, we seem to have lost the desire or ability to connect to the environment immediately around us. Preferring instead to talk to someone miles away who isn't even a good enough friend to be with them in person. Personally, I would prefer to witness and react appropriately to what is going on around me. The driver's announcement being a convenient case in point this morning. The line was down for a while. Not that most of my fellow passengers would realise, as it was back up again fairly soon.
This doesn't just happen in the mornings, either. At any time of day, the number of people around me either literally or figuratively 'plugged in' to some electronic device, draining their attention, is considerable.
I read something on a lifting site that said, "If you've got time to Facebook, then you've got time to train...". This paraphrasing my earlier sentiments that I would now rather train than watch something I don't particularly like on tv.
What do each of us actually get from spending more time online? The illusion of a social life? How social are you if you hardly ever actually see your friends? If I train, it might not be very rock and roll, repeating the same action again and again ad nauseam. But I do get something at the end of it all - eventually.
That's why I'm shifting more and more of my endeavours into 'meatspace' (and why I'm posting on here less and less - sorry!)
Somehow, as a people, we seem to have lost the desire or ability to connect to the environment immediately around us. Preferring instead to talk to someone miles away who isn't even a good enough friend to be with them in person. Personally, I would prefer to witness and react appropriately to what is going on around me. The driver's announcement being a convenient case in point this morning. The line was down for a while. Not that most of my fellow passengers would realise, as it was back up again fairly soon.
This doesn't just happen in the mornings, either. At any time of day, the number of people around me either literally or figuratively 'plugged in' to some electronic device, draining their attention, is considerable.
I read something on a lifting site that said, "If you've got time to Facebook, then you've got time to train...". This paraphrasing my earlier sentiments that I would now rather train than watch something I don't particularly like on tv.
What do each of us actually get from spending more time online? The illusion of a social life? How social are you if you hardly ever actually see your friends? If I train, it might not be very rock and roll, repeating the same action again and again ad nauseam. But I do get something at the end of it all - eventually.
That's why I'm shifting more and more of my endeavours into 'meatspace' (and why I'm posting on here less and less - sorry!)
Wednesday 17 October 2012
Daily devotions or going through the motions?
I am currently managing, despite a family to look after and a lazy streak a mile wide, to train at home every night. Okay, so I'm not exactly running through all eight big palm changes or completing all the houtien lines in sequence, but I am managing to do a little.
I am concerned that my less than impressive physique is letting me down in class, so I've mostly been working on strengthening. Once I am happy with that, though, I assume the nightly training will have become a habit and then I will simply substitute the strength training for something with a little more emphasis on technique.
Considering I know how adept I am at avoiding committing to anything, disliking exertion as I do, I am quite proud of myself.
I am concerned that my less than impressive physique is letting me down in class, so I've mostly been working on strengthening. Once I am happy with that, though, I assume the nightly training will have become a habit and then I will simply substitute the strength training for something with a little more emphasis on technique.
Considering I know how adept I am at avoiding committing to anything, disliking exertion as I do, I am quite proud of myself.
Monday 1 October 2012
Building muscle
[See link to right of the screen, under "Build your Physique!"]
Here's a (kindle) book on the Sandow method of body building which is not only a good guide to building muscle and developing mind-muscle connections/awareness but also an interesting read about how older training methods in body-building and boxing have been unfairly dismissed and discredited.
It is a very good read, informative and could help you develop your physique with just 20-30 minutes training per day. Already, it has amassed a few, very positive reviews. For the cost of a kindle book and the time in which you'd normally watch 'How I Met Your Mother', you could have the statuesque body you've always wanted.
Here's a (kindle) book on the Sandow method of body building which is not only a good guide to building muscle and developing mind-muscle connections/awareness but also an interesting read about how older training methods in body-building and boxing have been unfairly dismissed and discredited.
It is a very good read, informative and could help you develop your physique with just 20-30 minutes training per day. Already, it has amassed a few, very positive reviews. For the cost of a kindle book and the time in which you'd normally watch 'How I Met Your Mother', you could have the statuesque body you've always wanted.
Wednesday 12 September 2012
Better second time around
Back when I was in my twenties (not so very long ago) I used to train in a different martial art. I studied Lau Gar Kung Fu for around five years or so. I really enjoyed it and attained my yellow sash (around 6th kup, if I recall correctly). I still have the certificate.
One thing I found, back then, though, was that I didn't really have the required attitude to be a good fighter. I was too soft. Too much of a hippie, maybe. Or a fragile soul...
Now, some years later I must have grown (or devolved, depending on your viewpoint) as I now feel that I really can enjoy sparring a little more than before. As such, while I am still not, perhaps, in the prime condition I was back in the 90s, I do feel I have a much better attitude this time around.
I think a lot of people focus purely on the physical side of martial arts and give barely a second thought to the mental side - or, at least, to what attitude they have when they train, or when they spar (if, indeed, they do).
I am going to focus more on trying to develop the kind of attitude and discipline that I hope will help me succeed and get more from my martial arts than the all-too limited time my work and fatherhood allow me to spend on training. I don't want to sacrifice my family for my training. Time with them is sacrosanct.
One thing I found, back then, though, was that I didn't really have the required attitude to be a good fighter. I was too soft. Too much of a hippie, maybe. Or a fragile soul...
Now, some years later I must have grown (or devolved, depending on your viewpoint) as I now feel that I really can enjoy sparring a little more than before. As such, while I am still not, perhaps, in the prime condition I was back in the 90s, I do feel I have a much better attitude this time around.
I think a lot of people focus purely on the physical side of martial arts and give barely a second thought to the mental side - or, at least, to what attitude they have when they train, or when they spar (if, indeed, they do).
I am going to focus more on trying to develop the kind of attitude and discipline that I hope will help me succeed and get more from my martial arts than the all-too limited time my work and fatherhood allow me to spend on training. I don't want to sacrifice my family for my training. Time with them is sacrosanct.
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Negativity - my old nemesis...
One of my greatest obstacles to training is my own negativity.
When I have ten minutes, or can only train for a short period, I feel that there is no point training for such a short time and that I might as well not bother.
To combat that train of thought, the following calculation disproves that theory:
10 minutes training, twice a day, six days a week would double the amount of weekly training compared to simply attending one two-hour class each week.
Ten minutes, twice a day - how hard is that?
When I have ten minutes, or can only train for a short period, I feel that there is no point training for such a short time and that I might as well not bother.
To combat that train of thought, the following calculation disproves that theory:
10 minutes training, twice a day, six days a week would double the amount of weekly training compared to simply attending one two-hour class each week.
Ten minutes, twice a day - how hard is that?
Friday 27 April 2012
Three smiles...
Inspired by Luo Dexiu's seminar last weekend, I have determined to take a more fun attitude to my baguazhang practice.
As he suggested, I will "play" with the forms, keep relaxed and smiling, at take notice of what my body is telling me of the movements, my balance and the lines of force.
This weekend, I hope to manage some palm changes when I get time to myself. I'll log what I find, so keep your eyes peeled for my next post!
As he suggested, I will "play" with the forms, keep relaxed and smiling, at take notice of what my body is telling me of the movements, my balance and the lines of force.
This weekend, I hope to manage some palm changes when I get time to myself. I'll log what I find, so keep your eyes peeled for my next post!
Wednesday 18 April 2012
Drink sangria in the park...
...and later, when it gets dark, we'll go home
Managed to spend some time in the park near work yesterday. During my lunch break, I managed to practice some single palm change. Ostensibly in preparation for Luo Dexiu's visit this weekend. But the real reason was to reaccustom myself to training outside in public. Back when I did Lau Gar, I had no qualms about training in the park and could easily shrug of the stares and inevitable attention. Now I am older, practicing bagua in public seems more difficult - I am very conscious of the things I am doing looking..... ...strange, I suppose.
The sooner I get over that the better, as being able to train while at work will help my practice immensely!
Managed to spend some time in the park near work yesterday. During my lunch break, I managed to practice some single palm change. Ostensibly in preparation for Luo Dexiu's visit this weekend. But the real reason was to reaccustom myself to training outside in public. Back when I did Lau Gar, I had no qualms about training in the park and could easily shrug of the stares and inevitable attention. Now I am older, practicing bagua in public seems more difficult - I am very conscious of the things I am doing looking..... ...strange, I suppose.
The sooner I get over that the better, as being able to train while at work will help my practice immensely!
Thursday 22 March 2012
Change of routine
As I am babysitting on Friday, this week I attended the Tuesday night Bagua class. This class is more fighting oriented. I enjoyed it immensely, but I realised just how much improvement I need - for one, my timing is awful.
Ideally, I would like to be able to attend both classes each week. For the time being, two evenings in the week where I get home well after Freyja has gone to bed are just too much. Especially when I am also getting home late one other evening in the week to do overtime at work (gotta pay those nursery fees). Wonder if I can get a National Lottery grant to pursue my Bagua? It is an art, after all...
Still, for now, I will simply attend the Tuesday night class now and then. On top of that, we have Luo Dexiu's seminar soon that I will try to attend as much of as possible. Then later, hopefully, I can eventually devote more of my time to my Bagua.
http://www.manchester-bagua.org/
Ideally, I would like to be able to attend both classes each week. For the time being, two evenings in the week where I get home well after Freyja has gone to bed are just too much. Especially when I am also getting home late one other evening in the week to do overtime at work (gotta pay those nursery fees). Wonder if I can get a National Lottery grant to pursue my Bagua? It is an art, after all...
Still, for now, I will simply attend the Tuesday night class now and then. On top of that, we have Luo Dexiu's seminar soon that I will try to attend as much of as possible. Then later, hopefully, I can eventually devote more of my time to my Bagua.
http://www.manchester-bagua.org/
Friday 9 March 2012
These are the times when it's hard to attend class
Now that my daughter has started nursery, that is a bill of around £175 a week that needs to be paid from somewhere. The place it is being paid from in our case is a load of overtime that I am doing in the callcentre at work. I do an extra shift of 9am - 1pm every Saturday, and an extra two hours, 5.30pm - 7.30pm on a Wednesday evening, after my normal working shift. I may well end up doing more, but even as it is, that all tallies up to quite a bit of time I spend away from home. Away from my daughter and fiancee.
Last night, Manchester Metrolink was kind enough to fail and cause me to get home about 90 minutes later than usual. That pretty much puts a stop to what little interaction I do get with my daughter of an evening. Now, tonight is bagua class. While this is something I do for myself and my own enjoyment - and I do enjoy it a great deal - when I am missing my time at home, another night where I don't get in until around 9.30pm is not something to which I'm looking forward.
But at the moment I am noticing more and more the benefits I am reaping from what little training I am able to do. My balance is seemingly infinitely better. My stamina is much improved, I even run for the tram now and then (when they are working!) and this is something I never did before. Add to that the exercises I had difficulty with a year ago being much easier (or less difficult, might be a better way to put it!) and I see that, long term, attending my bagua class (at least) once a week is a sacrifice well worth making.
My daughter is 8 months old and will soon be running around. Being fit enough to play with her and keep up will pay its own dividends soon enough.
Last night, Manchester Metrolink was kind enough to fail and cause me to get home about 90 minutes later than usual. That pretty much puts a stop to what little interaction I do get with my daughter of an evening. Now, tonight is bagua class. While this is something I do for myself and my own enjoyment - and I do enjoy it a great deal - when I am missing my time at home, another night where I don't get in until around 9.30pm is not something to which I'm looking forward.
But at the moment I am noticing more and more the benefits I am reaping from what little training I am able to do. My balance is seemingly infinitely better. My stamina is much improved, I even run for the tram now and then (when they are working!) and this is something I never did before. Add to that the exercises I had difficulty with a year ago being much easier (or less difficult, might be a better way to put it!) and I see that, long term, attending my bagua class (at least) once a week is a sacrifice well worth making.
My daughter is 8 months old and will soon be running around. Being fit enough to play with her and keep up will pay its own dividends soon enough.
Tuesday 6 March 2012
Nappies Before NeiGong II: The Training Montage
Okay, so my '100 days of Bagua' is taking a really beating as often I find myself doing little more than some basic leg-strengthening or even ten minutes of stancework as my daily practice.
When you have a baby (8 months old and already into everything), there are simply many more pressing issues than perfecting your crashing palm that have to be attend. Even once they have been attended to, often exhaustion means the last thing you feel like doing is racking up an hour of stance work.
But here are a few ways I have managed to combine training into my daily routine/babycare regimen.
When you have a baby (8 months old and already into everything), there are simply many more pressing issues than perfecting your crashing palm that have to be attend. Even once they have been attended to, often exhaustion means the last thing you feel like doing is racking up an hour of stance work.
But here are a few ways I have managed to combine training into my daily routine/babycare regimen.
- Chickenstep whenever pushing baby's pram.
- Engaging calf muscles whenever walking or pushing pram.
- Practicing Jiben shou fa in toilet cubicles at work (not ideal, and strive for the cleanest cubicle possible, but saves embarrassment and awkward questions).
- Squatting rather than bending down to pick things up/access low shelves.
- Holding various (innocuous) stances on tram to and from work.
- Sitting down and getting up from chairs using one leg at a time.
- Standing on one leg whenever motionless for a while.
- Lying with kwa open while watching tv.
Monday 27 February 2012
Forthcoming seminar
http://www.yizong.org/uk/classes-seminars-information.htm
The above is a link to the english language version of Luo Dexiu's website, detailing his itinerary for this year's seminars.
Just as last year, he will be giving seminars in both Manchester and London, though earlier this time, due to the timing of the Olympics.
Please note that the Manchester seminar will be closed-door, so only Yi Zong school students and instructors will be allowed to attend. The London dates, however, are open to all.
I was lucky enough to attend last year and found Luo Laoshi to be a very gifted and yet amazingly accessible teacher. Despite my being a newcomer (at that time, training at the Manchester classes for less than a year), I found him happy to demonstrate techniques to/on me and he took great pains to communicate some very valuable tips and concepts to both myself individually and the class as a whole.
Anyone interested should use the contact details on the site to contact the instructors/organisers of the classes to arrange either a class or attendance at one or more of the seminar sessions.
The above is a link to the english language version of Luo Dexiu's website, detailing his itinerary for this year's seminars.
Just as last year, he will be giving seminars in both Manchester and London, though earlier this time, due to the timing of the Olympics.
Please note that the Manchester seminar will be closed-door, so only Yi Zong school students and instructors will be allowed to attend. The London dates, however, are open to all.
I was lucky enough to attend last year and found Luo Laoshi to be a very gifted and yet amazingly accessible teacher. Despite my being a newcomer (at that time, training at the Manchester classes for less than a year), I found him happy to demonstrate techniques to/on me and he took great pains to communicate some very valuable tips and concepts to both myself individually and the class as a whole.
Anyone interested should use the contact details on the site to contact the instructors/organisers of the classes to arrange either a class or attendance at one or more of the seminar sessions.
Sunday 26 February 2012
Pandiculation's what you need...
Covered the topic of 'pandiculation'in bagua class on Friday.
http://gravitywerks.com/pandiculate-your-way-to-health/
One of the things I like about our class at http://www.manchester-bagua.org/, is that our instructor discusses training tips and matters of interest, not just in martial arts terms, chinese medicine & folklore terms, sports terms or even through physical activity, but also using science and, especially anatomical concepts.
More class-related news, too - will have to work a lot harder from now to keep my training on track.
http://gravitywerks.com/pandiculate-your-way-to-health/
One of the things I like about our class at http://www.manchester-bagua.org/, is that our instructor discusses training tips and matters of interest, not just in martial arts terms, chinese medicine & folklore terms, sports terms or even through physical activity, but also using science and, especially anatomical concepts.
More class-related news, too - will have to work a lot harder from now to keep my training on track.
Friday 17 February 2012
Progress
Baguazhang was great tonight. It is slowly starting to feel like some of the concepts, body skills and techniques are beginning to stick in my head - well, body would be a better way to describe it. Can't wait til next week's lesson now - might go to the one on Tuesday just to get my fix a few days earlier.
Friday 10 February 2012
Tonight
Baguazhang class again tonight and I am very much looking forward to it.
Even better, I have all of next week booked off work which should, simultaneously, allow me to attend both bagua classes that week and work some more training into my day. I say should as nothing is certain when you have a baby in the house.
Surprisingly, though, even with Freyja to take care of, I still have sufficient opportunities to train daily. I really need to step up the intensity, though. That shouldn't be too hard, but will require some discipline from me and plenty of hard work.
I am thinking jiben shou fa practice in the mornings, before getting ready for work. Then tian gan and/or maybe some palm changes before bed.
Even better, I have all of next week booked off work which should, simultaneously, allow me to attend both bagua classes that week and work some more training into my day. I say should as nothing is certain when you have a baby in the house.
Surprisingly, though, even with Freyja to take care of, I still have sufficient opportunities to train daily. I really need to step up the intensity, though. That shouldn't be too hard, but will require some discipline from me and plenty of hard work.
I am thinking jiben shou fa practice in the mornings, before getting ready for work. Then tian gan and/or maybe some palm changes before bed.
Friday 3 February 2012
Ah, Tian Gan, my nemesis!
Class tonight was great. First back after a haitus but easily got back into the swing of things.
Did a lot of strength training and such. Found that things are starting to come together for me (my 'ban' is much better than before, but I still need to work on my legs).
Now I know what I need, all that is required is practice!
Did a lot of strength training and such. Found that things are starting to come together for me (my 'ban' is much better than before, but I still need to work on my legs).
Now I know what I need, all that is required is practice!
Tuesday 31 January 2012
Intermission
Had to miss a couple of weeks of classes this month. Still practiced at home, but missing the classes alot - including the social side - not seeing (bagua) friends is a pain.
Gonna attend class again this Friday. Will update you when I get home.
Gonna attend class again this Friday. Will update you when I get home.
Saturday 14 January 2012
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes!
Proud of myself tonight. I discovered that I have managed to forcibly change my attitude.
Whereas normally, I would put off my bagua practice til later - sometimes even bargaining with an offer of twice as much practice tomorrow in exchange for less practice today - tonight I felt the compulsion to do some bagua, was about to put it off til later, then got up and did 40 of each jiben shou fa exercise.
I'm on the right track, at least...
Whereas normally, I would put off my bagua practice til later - sometimes even bargaining with an offer of twice as much practice tomorrow in exchange for less practice today - tonight I felt the compulsion to do some bagua, was about to put it off til later, then got up and did 40 of each jiben shou fa exercise.
I'm on the right track, at least...
Wednesday 11 January 2012
In it to win it
Though I am carrying a lot of 'holiday weight', to put it in the most abstractly polite way possible, I still can see the rewards of my bagua practice. I am carrying considerably more muscle mass than at perhaps any other time of my life. Add to that my improved balance, cardiovascular stamina and general attitude, I can see that even the relatively small amount of work I've put in thus far has been worthwhile.
I do wish I could arrange more free time, so that I could train formally, rather than having to fit in the odd exercise in amongst my working day and home life. Still, that will have to wait until I win the lottery.
...Which, in turn, will have to wait until I start playing the lottery.
I do wish I could arrange more free time, so that I could train formally, rather than having to fit in the odd exercise in amongst my working day and home life. Still, that will have to wait until I win the lottery.
...Which, in turn, will have to wait until I start playing the lottery.
Monday 9 January 2012
One fine day I'm gonna be the one...
My thigh muscles still ache quite a bit. Probably down as much to squatting in a swimming pool on Saturday with my daughter, rather than through any tian gan strengthening exercises.
Currently watching District 13 on Film 4. A good French movie that we saw a while ago. Lots of free running and some pretty decent martial arts. To be frank, it is the free running that impresses most in this movie, but the plot is suprisingly bearable, too. How cool it would be to be fit, athletic and agile enough to perform some of the feats seen in the film. Then again, my fitness is gradually improving and I am gradually finding that more and more things I thought were beyond me are actually doable.
On the subject of film, I have a pretty healthy world cinema section in amongst my DVDs, so I have seen more than my share of foreign movies - many not even from Hong Kong! ;) Hollywood rarely does anything for me, these days, so I tend to keep my eye out for foreign movies with potential...
I need to think of what present I want for my birthday- something bagua-related would be cool. Hmmm...
Currently watching District 13 on Film 4. A good French movie that we saw a while ago. Lots of free running and some pretty decent martial arts. To be frank, it is the free running that impresses most in this movie, but the plot is suprisingly bearable, too. How cool it would be to be fit, athletic and agile enough to perform some of the feats seen in the film. Then again, my fitness is gradually improving and I am gradually finding that more and more things I thought were beyond me are actually doable.
On the subject of film, I have a pretty healthy world cinema section in amongst my DVDs, so I have seen more than my share of foreign movies - many not even from Hong Kong! ;) Hollywood rarely does anything for me, these days, so I tend to keep my eye out for foreign movies with potential...
I need to think of what present I want for my birthday- something bagua-related would be cool. Hmmm...
Sunday 8 January 2012
"I can eat more scran than Kevin Keegan can..."
Started the day with a large bowl of Sainsbury's High Fibre bran breakfast, with just a few sultanas added to taste. This is the dietary part of my health kick. Normally, I would skip breakfast. But that is why my sugar level crashes mid-morning and I end up eating crap, or having my lunch early, forcing another crash later in the day. Today, the bowl was huge and kept me really full all morning.
That morning included taking my six month old daughter to 'Puddleducks'. She isn't exactly learning to swim there yet, but getting used to the water and accustoming herself to a swimming-like environment and learning important skills and body techniques for when she does start swimming.
The similarity between her Puddleducks/swimming and my Bagua/self defence is not lost on me. ;)
Early afternoon saw us home before north Manchester erupted due to the football derby. I made lamb shank in a very healthy casserole which we had with kale. Normally, we would have (lots of) rice or pasta with most of our meals. However, we realise now that such a lot of carbs are unnecessary, and even a mistake, considering how sedentary our lifestyle can be.
After those very filling meals, I don't really feel the need to snack (though that wouldn't normally stop me), so we have enjoyed a cup of tea, and I now have a small glass of mead to congratulate myself on a good weekend.
Tian gan exercises will be conducted before bed. My teacher showed me another one that I took a particular shine to, as I could do it but immediately felt it working several important muscle groups.
Similar breakfast again tomorrow, with probably a chicken salad sandwich (no dressing) and plenty of fruit for lunch. I am determined to make this healthy lifestyle reap benefits. Though my weight doesn't exactly impinge negatively on my bagua a whole lot. Having a bit of gravity to instill in my punches is a boon when my technique is still a little sub-par.
That morning included taking my six month old daughter to 'Puddleducks'. She isn't exactly learning to swim there yet, but getting used to the water and accustoming herself to a swimming-like environment and learning important skills and body techniques for when she does start swimming.
The similarity between her Puddleducks/swimming and my Bagua/self defence is not lost on me. ;)
Early afternoon saw us home before north Manchester erupted due to the football derby. I made lamb shank in a very healthy casserole which we had with kale. Normally, we would have (lots of) rice or pasta with most of our meals. However, we realise now that such a lot of carbs are unnecessary, and even a mistake, considering how sedentary our lifestyle can be.
After those very filling meals, I don't really feel the need to snack (though that wouldn't normally stop me), so we have enjoyed a cup of tea, and I now have a small glass of mead to congratulate myself on a good weekend.
Tian gan exercises will be conducted before bed. My teacher showed me another one that I took a particular shine to, as I could do it but immediately felt it working several important muscle groups.
Similar breakfast again tomorrow, with probably a chicken salad sandwich (no dressing) and plenty of fruit for lunch. I am determined to make this healthy lifestyle reap benefits. Though my weight doesn't exactly impinge negatively on my bagua a whole lot. Having a bit of gravity to instill in my punches is a boon when my technique is still a little sub-par.
Saturday 7 January 2012
Pre-Heaven Soundtrack
To my mind, the music of Ennio Morricone (above) makes an excellent accompaniment to baguazhang training, especially pre-heaven practice, such as circlewalking.
To anyone who doesn't recognise this composer by name, they will undoubtedly have heard his work from films such as "Fist Full of Dollars" and "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly".
Even for those who do not train bagua, any of the many CDs available make excellent chillout soundtrack. The tracks range from relaxing to inspirational. Definately worth the mere few pounds for which most of his discs sell.
Post-class ache in effect
Had a great first class back last night. Lots of heavenly stem (just as I hoped/feared), some houtien and two man drills.
http://www.manchester-bagua.org/
On the way to class, I was discussing with my 'kung fu brother' background music appropriate for bagua practice. I tend to think that, for circlewalking and pre-heaven practice, you can't do much better than Ennio Morricone.
Pre-heaven Soundtrack
It is ambient and laid back enough not to steal focus from your practice, but still has a certain amiunt of gravitas - which I findalways helps prolong my enthusiasm.
http://www.manchester-bagua.org/
On the way to class, I was discussing with my 'kung fu brother' background music appropriate for bagua practice. I tend to think that, for circlewalking and pre-heaven practice, you can't do much better than Ennio Morricone.
Pre-heaven Soundtrack
It is ambient and laid back enough not to steal focus from your practice, but still has a certain amiunt of gravitas - which I findalways helps prolong my enthusiasm.
Friday 6 January 2012
Friday, I'm in love
Class tonight. First lesson back after the xmas break. Gonna be a hard one.
My teacher is going to be starting up a second class on a Tuesday. Before the holidays, the plan was for the Tuesday class to be more self defence/sparring and hotien oriented and the Fridays to be more circle walking, tian gan and palm changes.
Sounds good, and if it can be combined with getting some more students into class, that would be cool.
Update tomorrow as to how the class went.
http://www.manchester-bagua.org/
My teacher is going to be starting up a second class on a Tuesday. Before the holidays, the plan was for the Tuesday class to be more self defence/sparring and hotien oriented and the Fridays to be more circle walking, tian gan and palm changes.
Sounds good, and if it can be combined with getting some more students into class, that would be cool.
Update tomorrow as to how the class went.
http://www.manchester-bagua.org/
Thursday 5 January 2012
Nappies before Neigong
I appear to be stretching the bounds of this '100 days of bagua' already as the only training possible last night was some chicken-step while I attempted to sing my daughter to sleep.
This just reiterates what I have said in previous posts about training that I can do in concert with my daily chores being better for me as things stand.
Hopefully, some Tian Gan wil be in effect tonight. Added to my usual leg strengthening (I started bagua just over a year ago with really weedy legs for a guy of 6'3"!)
This just reiterates what I have said in previous posts about training that I can do in concert with my daily chores being better for me as things stand.
Hopefully, some Tian Gan wil be in effect tonight. Added to my usual leg strengthening (I started bagua just over a year ago with really weedy legs for a guy of 6'3"!)
Wednesday 4 January 2012
Living on a razor's edge...
No bagua so far today. A restless six-month old will do wonders to raise the priorty of a lie in at six in the morning, trust me.
The chinese have a phrase 'heavenly stem' (tian gan), which sounds really wonderful and pleasant. However, if you train in bagua, then the phrase calls to mind only pain. It refers to a series of strengthening exercises that put the body through its paces.
These were what I was intending to train today. Perhaps they are better to complete this evening. That way, if I am knackered then I can go straight to bed. Or the sofa. Whichever is closer.
The chinese have a phrase 'heavenly stem' (tian gan), which sounds really wonderful and pleasant. However, if you train in bagua, then the phrase calls to mind only pain. It refers to a series of strengthening exercises that put the body through its paces.
These were what I was intending to train today. Perhaps they are better to complete this evening. That way, if I am knackered then I can go straight to bed. Or the sofa. Whichever is closer.
Tuesday 3 January 2012
Back to normal(-ish)
Got up at 06:30 this morning to do some bagua. Not actually that much of a feat when you have a six month old.
Jiben shou fa were the focus again. The basic hand movements are most convenient for a flat with limited space like ours. At the weekends and/or when the weather improves, trips to the park will be possible to enable me to practice the more space-intensive stuff like the palm changes and houtien lines.
Then, of course, I also have my friend and bagua classmate, Jim, living down the road. We may manage some two-man drills and throwing practice - if the whim takes us.
Jiben shou fa were the focus again. The basic hand movements are most convenient for a flat with limited space like ours. At the weekends and/or when the weather improves, trips to the park will be possible to enable me to practice the more space-intensive stuff like the palm changes and houtien lines.
Then, of course, I also have my friend and bagua classmate, Jim, living down the road. We may manage some two-man drills and throwing practice - if the whim takes us.
Monday 2 January 2012
100 Days of Bagua - The early days
My 100 days of Bagua kicked off yesterday while I was still at my parents' place in Lincolnshire, celebrating the new year. My training was pretty minimal, but I did some jiben shou fa. Piercing palm, chopping palm and crashing palm were performed in front of a large mirror - which I found to be a great help. This may be worth noting for the future - if I can do some of my practice in front of a similar large mirror, maybe this can help me with my forms?
Tonight, I will probably do some more jiben shou fa and maybe some leg-strengthening exercises. Don't want to do too much as I have overdone the festitivities a little of late, we only got back to the flat a few hours ago and I am back at work tomorrow morning.
Tonight, I will probably do some more jiben shou fa and maybe some leg-strengthening exercises. Don't want to do too much as I have overdone the festitivities a little of late, we only got back to the flat a few hours ago and I am back at work tomorrow morning.
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