More Baguazhang

Saturday today was really nice...first day we saw some blue skies..... but hot day...up in the 90's.  So it was good we practiced indoors.......in previous years at the Shichahai Sports Academy we practiced on the roof of the school.......it was a killer place to practice.....no shade and very hot....!! Master Yang Shi Ming discussed the historical development of the 64 Palms......Liu De Kun expert in the spear and many other arts created the form by combining the essence of many arts with the techniques of Bagua to create this unique form......later passed it on to Guo gu Min and Li Zi Ming.......originally this was unique to Li Zi Ming Bagua.....later other styles of Bagua added it to their styles....tho the intention and applications might be different.  Eyes and posture are key.....proper balance and focus are necessary to express the essence of each posture or form. Also, correctly naming the movement is important....tells you how the movement is to be used.....eg. Cloud dragon test its Claws......students think often this is a Chieh Zhang......strike using the edge of the hand......but this actually a Ma GaiZhang......which is a wiping pressing palm....a completely different technique ........... its application is different....and in 64 Palms no technique repeats itself...there is only one!    Since, Ben is number one.....he got worked over really well....first his wrist, then elbows and ribs......then in Fair Lady works shuttles.....he got thrown sideways.........and the diao Sao left a bruise on his wrist....but he and Michael having a good time applying each of the techniques.  Master Yang likes to teach first form  then to break down how to use the technique in the form, then how to use the technique in free fighting, and return to learning each palms flavor and rhythm...and reintegrate the techniques into the form. Sunday, we will go to Di Tan Park to meet Master Chen Xiang and work on Qigong and power development...should be a good session.  Our wushu kids getting to train with Madame Zhu are doing well......but even inside the Wushu Kuan..its still too hot.....they have been working on fast short combos to build up their focus and speed.  Emphasis on clear distinct sharp movement with good head movement.........interestingly essential in traditional Baguazhang as well.Was good to see the Mars and Coach Patti Lee....and Mark is arriving next week too.....so should be fun getting together and doing some catchup to see what everyone is doing.Time to catch some Z's...cya all!