Party Time!!

The end of the semester is coming so time to finish up forms, but also time to get together and celebrate.  So last week all we had was end of the semester eatfest in my Taiji Classes. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday.........marking the end of my noncredit free Taiji Classes....Saturday Class especially has become quite popular with over 50 students in the class..........there is literally only standing room available for a practice space.  The party's are great for developing a sense of community......which has been found in recent studies is what a lot of people are looking for in a Taiji Class.........we are afterall social animals and need to be around people.......this also helps to slow down the aging process inside us........other than excercise this one of the most important factors in slowing aging.  You can always practice by yourself.......but with a group is always rewarding....it's good to be doing what you like with friends.  Master Zhao said that he does not teach fighting rather how to live and past the day doing something pleasant and enjoyable, and at the same time improving your health.  Too often students in the United States study Taiji not just for health but to learn some secret of pushing hands or some secret fighting technique........this is however very secondary..........Sun Lu Tang use to say if you want to fight, get a gun.....you want to improve your health practice Taiji...................or as Master Zhao also reiterates fighting requires very little......Wushu is the practice of preventing fighting.

My Wednesday Class has always had great food for it's end of the year party.  This class has been together the longest, many of them have taken the class for over ten years.  This year though we added many new students to this class.

Before we start eating Mike is giving some last minute tips on the Sun Taiji Form, as we just completed the 45 move short form.

Sally and Alma hanging out....Alma is my oldest instructor teaching Taiji classes at the young age of 80!

It was a nice spread with Chinese, Vietnamese, and Japanese food...and lots of snacks.

Thanks all for another great semester...hope you all practice during the break!!  After, the party I went over to the Japantown Peace Plaza, to watch the Mochi Pounding as it is time for the Winter Festival..........Chinese also do this but we have Tang Yuen.........if you are from Taishan you have it with broth, vegetables,and chicken......if you are from Chungshan you have it sweet with red bean paste inside....I like it both ways!!

Mochi Pounding has to be accompanied by Taiko Drums...in old days to rally villagers together to take part in marking the coming of Winter.  You can see the mochi pounding sticks in the foreground.

Nice steady beat is played to set the pace.

Mochi was being made on the side.

Then everyone takes turns to pound the Mochi...it'll make the anticipation of eating it even more fun.  The Japanese way of eating this is much more of a community event.

All right , see ya all....Happy Winter Festival!!