impromptu training with GM

by Doug Gauld on 2020/09/09

Wed Sept 9, Edmonton, Alberta; approx 8 PM local time
Impromptu training with GM…how to move…

Sept92020 v2

-GM tried showing us advanced skill, isolation of body parts while maintaining musculoskeletal structure with no tension/tightness in surrounding tissues
– a reminder of fact that GM is always teaching, he demonstrated movement, broke down the essential elements then asked us all what he had just shown us; none of us could articulate the lesson
– 4 stages, steps of learning in PM Taijiquan: 1. watch, observe, listen, 2. take chance to experience the feeling of GM body when he is demonstrating, 3. take notes as soon as possible, 4. begin to try to embody the lesson at whatever level you are capable of
– seems to me, as a rank beginner, about 23 mths training in PM, that for this beginner the process of changing my body into a mechanism that can produce skillful Taijiquan, especially Yin Yang separation, is quite challenging
– have already changed my body very significantly, it is looser, more flexible, have a greater range of motion in all joints, less muscular involvement in generating movement
– my flexibility is different than it used to be, it is dynamic, my body is becoming more like an elastic band than like a stiff, tight muscular one
– I have so obviously only begun to change my body in the ways necessary to carry out the movements necessary for correct PM Taijiquan; off to my 2nd practice session

About Doug Gauld

took one two day workshop with Master Chen years ago in Victoria...studied with Gord Muir in Victoria for about 5 yrs, during that time was coping with spinal arthritis (ankylosing spondylitis)...have moved back to Edmonton to be closer to family...trying to learn more about art...it has helped with my arthritis and perhaps if I learn it more completely and make my practice better my health will improve more than it has already...

{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }

Chen Zhonghua September 29, 2020 at 6:55 pm

Doug Gauld notes on Sept. 9, 2020 when I dropped in to an evening class and chatted with students. Thanks, Doug for making the notes.

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