One point from todays training 7/25

After class had ended, Sifu gave me a que that was really good to stop my samba tai chi hips from occurring and to generally pull my hips into proper alignment. That was to think of creating as long of a line as possible from your back heel to back hip! Forcing the heel into the ground and really opening the hip up. Hope everyone enjoys the rest of their saterday!
-Anton

Author is Jou, Tsung Hwa (you spelled it correctly)...
"The Dao of Taijiquan-- Way to Rejuvenation" is the title...
It is wonderful that Mitsuko now has a copy; it is the best, most concise book I have ever found on the form and philosophy; recommended to all who study this path.
I will bring my copy to class tomorrow. See you in the morning.
Glad to be back with you all!
—Chris

thank you from Mitsuko

Dear All, Below is a note that Mitsuko sent to me in the hopes I would forward it to all. So here it is. (Please no one needs to contribute towards the book. It wasn't costly. I can't remember the title of the book -- by Jou Tsung Hwa (probably misspelled) -- but will try to remember to bring it to class in case anyone is interested to get a copy. It is a very good one that Sifu has recommended in the past on one of his websites.)

:-) Kate

Sifu Mark Cheng Sensei, Chris, Kate, Anton, Ellen and Roslyn

I do not know how to thank you for the book of "Taijiquan." This is a wonderful book! Explain the meaning and how to do Taijiquan form. I like to study this book, even take time. (Because I have English handicap.) But I understand some Chinese letter. Thank you very much for your thoughtful gift and beautiful card. (I think Roslyn made the card.) All of you help me in the class always. I appreciated. Thank you very much for your thoughtfulness.

Mitsuko

the party's over (before it even started)

Greetings again to all.

It looks like we WON'T be having a party for Mitsuko this weekend after all. I saw her this AM at qigong and casually asked if she'd be coming to class on Saturday. Unfortunately, she had already made plans for that morning from about 8AM on!! When I mentioned that we had hoped to have a small celebration of her birthday, she basically requested that we NOT do this. Ros told me she was making a card, and I already got her a book about Tai Chi. I spoke with Sifu and he suggested we leave it at that and cancel the party. I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience. Perhaps we can celebrate together some other time, and for no particular occasion.

I'll also try sending e-mails to everyone, in case you don't see this.

Video taping section one

Hey all!
Yesterday I spent the afternoon doing section one over and over again while recording myself. For years Sifu had suggested this and I had never actually tried it. After many takes this was my favorite www.youtube.com/watch?v=eX389l11jMk . I thought I knew what I needed to work on, but I was still amazed at the amount of times I saw where I needed to pull my head up, pry my knees out, and tuck my hips! If anyone else would like me to film them doing section one, I can bring the tripod and camera and film you either before or after Mitsukos party and send you the video.

Mitsuko's Birthday

Hi All!

I think some have already heard that our dear fellow student Mitsuko will be turning 85 this Saturday the 11th. I spoke with Sifu about the possibility of celebrating her birthday after class this Saturday. Sifu suggested a pot-luck party at the park right after class. (He thought - and probably rightly - that Mitsuko would be more comfortable with that than with going to a restaurant and making that kind of a fuss.) If we each brought something to eat we'd have a nice feast. I know Ros is the ultimate cardmaker, but if you don't have the time Ros I could pick something up at Papyrus. I could also look for a nice Tai Chi or qigong book...

Please everyone let me know your thoughts on this. Hopefully we can plan something lovely for her.

(I hope other people check this blog more frequently than I have been doing of late!)

Looking forward to another great class and then a party this Saturday... :-)