Paralympics Closing

I have been busy getting our students prepared for their promotional tests.....and then organizing the event itself.........I think , while perhaps the students don't, that this has been a very positive experience.......I know people don't like tests....but it is a way of pushing the students to practice harder and try to reach the next level.  In the beginning it's just about learning the form itself.....then, trying to figure out the Qi flow........and the specific flavor of each form......this is often the most difficult thing to understand....this comes from understanding the intent of the form and then expressing it as you perform.......you must imagine an opponent and both respond to and avoid him......and learning how to pace a technique........a form must have a rhythm and and not be monotone.  All the students who tested showed progress in their training.......and some have mastered the Qi flow........others have good form but need to find their Qi...........overall, they looked like they are doing Taiji.............which you may wonder how long it takes........that is different for each student.......but a minimum of 4-5 years to show basic mastery...........and in our society with our busy schedules.........make take substancially longer.

Hope many of you have had a chance to follow the Paralympics...it closes tomorrow officially ending the Olympic competition.......................China has done very well winning the majority of the medals....they have definitely pulled out all stops to develop both Olympic as well as Paralympic athletes.  The Paralympic athletes while not getting much coverage....are just as amazing, able to compete at world level but often with a handicap or more incredible with prosthetics that allow them to compete.

South Africa's Oscar Pisstorius....is known as the Blade Runner........or just the fastest Man without feet....... he runs on two carbon fiber "feet" ............almost qualified for the Olympics.......was simply the best in the 100m, 200m, and 400m........winning the gold medal in each.  In his first two races he was at the back of the pack....then literally exploded by everyone in the last 30m!

Wheelchair Rugby....has been called Murderball........where everything goes.  This is no delicate wheelchair sport......was exciting and hard fought. Wheelchair Basketball was equally challenging......the US Women won the gold medal in this event

How about wheelchair fencing....it's hard enogh the regular way.....but here you must manipulate both sword and chair......China won the gold medal in this event.

Yet another, wheelchair sport.........Ping Pong!!

There was competition in Archery....some in wheelchairs......but how about drawing the bow with your teeth?

Wheelchair racing a very competitive sport...these wheelchairs are very hi tech and very sturdy and light so they can go very fast.

Erin Popovich.........an amazing american woman swimmer.....seeking 5 gold medals......amazing because she is a dwarf.......and you would think she would be at a huge disadvantage......yet she beat all of her bigger rivals........!

Some more Murderball!!

Australian Women took the Bronze in Basketball.

All this just shows that sports can bring out the best in everyone........where there is a will there is a way.........whatever you do whether it be wheel chair sports or Taiji ...go out do the best you can!!  Don't let your own doubts get in the way and slow you down.......these athletes have found ways to overcome their handicaps........often times we who have all our limbs hold our selves back...........there is no limit other than your own mind.

OK, time to get some shut eye.........got another long taiji day tomorrow.  Cya!