On June 30th 2001 Sifu was initiated as a 7th Generation Disciple in Grand Master T. T. Liang’s Yang Style T’ai Chi Ch’uan lineage.I made a pact with myself that day, that I would do a minimum daily practice of at least a ’round’ of T’ai-Chi Ch’uan with warm ups, Standing Meditation and Qigong. Today will make 8 years (2,922 days) that I have been blessed to be physically, mentally and emotionally able to do that practice daily without fail. I am so grateful to my teachers and the knowledge and wisdom that they have shared with me. I’m grateful to them for giving me these truly marvelous health maintenance practices and all of their multifaceted parts; Warm ups, Standing, Qigong, Solo Forms, Weapons Forms, Two Person Sensitivity Exercises, Two Person Weapons training….etc. etc.My main teachers in the chronological order that I met them:Sensei Steve McCabeMaster Paul GallagherMaster Ray HaywardGrand Master Remy PresasAnd all the other teachers that I have trained with over the years that have had a serious impact on my life and my art:Master Ken CohenMaster Leung Key-ChiMaster Zhang JieSifu Jimmy MorrisSifu Paul AbdellaMaster Duan ZhiliangAnd of course many thanks to Grand Master T. T. Liang for the way he handed down the ‘complete system’ and his words of encouragement for my daily practice. The music and Grand Master Liang counting one, two……assists me everyday I encounter difficulty in my daily practice of T’ai Chi Ch’uan…as soon as the music starts and the Master starts to count….It’s like domino’s falling or like flipping a series of internal switches. Inside of me everything slows down and emotionally and spiritually things start to fall into place and I become more peaceful and tranquil inside. The Master helps me to ‘arrive’ at my practice.Over these past 8 years, the daily practice of T’ai Chi Ch’uan has greatly contributed to my “Joi de Vivre”.To all of my teachers ………….[Bow] I show my respect for you is in my daily actions, as I practice and research what you have taught me and reflect and meditate on what you’ve told me. I’m so fortunate to have been blessed with such wonderful teachers and I feel truly grateful. Thank you all! [Bow]J. R. Roy Sifu
Tag: T’ai Chi Ch’uan Solo Form
T’ai Chi Ch’uan – solo form – part 5
Sifu and the morning class practice the solo form. This is what I’m calling Part Five of the solo form from the second Wave Hands Like Clouds to the third Wave Hands Like Clouds.Again this clip uses the music and Grand Master T. T. Liang counting as a training aid.
T’ai Chi Ch’uan – solo form – part 4
The morning class and Sifu practice our daily round of the solo form. This is what I’m calling Part Four. From the second Cross Hands to the second Wave Hands Like Clouds. This demonstration, like the earlier Solo Form posts, is to the music, with Grand Master T. T. Liang counting. The music and the counting are meant as training and practice aids They are for intermediate levels of training The highest levels are practiced to the rhythm’s of nature and ones own internal beat.In classes we practice several ways:1. With music and counting 2. Just the music3. To a metronome (with beats and half beats sounding out 4. Without music or counting, using our own internal beat. Lesson 1:Practicing to the music will verify your meditation. If you space out and miss a movement….you will know it at the end of the round….because you’ll have more beats left than you should!!Otherwise, you might think you did all the movesBut ..really…there is NO verification that you actually did!!Thank you Grand Master Laing!Lesson 2:The other purpose I use the music and counting for are for those day’s that I need a little ‘help and support’ for my personal practice….I can always count on Grand Master Liang being there for me …and counting ….One..Two…The sound of his voice alone sets the tone for the meditation…and is inspiring and supportive……. Grand Master Liang never fails to help me jump start my practice…even if I’m struggling…even if I’m feeling down and out!!Thank You Grand Master Liang!!!