Gleaning’s from Ha Sifu

This weekend is the Ha Sifu workshop for Daoyin Chuan.  Seems to be a feeling of excitement surrounding the workshop this year.  Looking at those attending it appears to be a more intermediate/advanced group.  Some are martial artists from different styles, even external arts.  We are all looking forward to learning from a master this weekend.

Friday Night

First thing Sifu Fong Ha reminded me is that to learn others’ center is to discover my own.  A lesson that he has been teaching me for years.

• It is all about equilibrium (dong jing). 
• Best way to feel/learn equilibrium is to be as you are, especially in stillness. 
• Small and slow is best to maintain awareness of equilibrium. 
• Always touch the equilibrium and never the weight of others. 
• Do not allow other’s to put the weight on you.
• During zhan zhuang be aware of how your body achieves and maintains equilibrium.  How you body doesn’t fall down.

Simple lessons but for me a little challenging in overcoming old habits and maintaining the feeling.

Saturday

• Get really good at the ordinary to become extraordinary.  Meaning standing and walking.
• Some walk with coins on the feet.  Even tea cups full of water.
• In push-hands remain connected, no separation.
• In push-hands, touch is to remain light (like touching an iron-hot steel) and in-touch with equilibrium and not the weight.
• In push-hands, allow both yourself and partner to reach equilibrium before expanding from the center.

Note: This post is organic.  It will be changing and growing over then next few days.