day 158: evaluating forms

concepts:

• short and long
• continuity
  

forms:

• bagua 64 palms

this Saturday proved to be an evaluation day. Sifu spent some time at the start discussing his intentions regarding the sifu/disciple ceremony (which is apparently a pretty big deal, and is planned for the Labor Day after the Las Vegas tournament), as well as his plans to formalize Wutan Los Angeles as an institution (so that it exists as an institution even in his absence). following this, he reminded us that we were making a group trip to get martial arts equipment (for today, it was going to be to Golden Tiger Martial Arts, which has a store in Koreatown).

bagua 64 palms

we warmed up by reviewing 64 palms, sides A and B. following this, Sifu asked to see each of us doing 64 palms solo in front of the group, so that he could evaluate and make comments.

i won't go into detail about all the comments he made for everyone, but i'll note what he said about me:

• short. apparently my movements are too short, and i need to go long in terms of extending into turns and reaching with the arms and legs.
• continuity. my progression through the form still functions like a series of steps going from one checkpoint to another. Sifu said this is okay at a beginner level, but that i should progress in the form by becoming more continuous in my movements.
  

we weren't the only ones being evaluated. after we had finished, Sifu gathered the baji students together and had them present their forms solo in front of the class as well.

all this took the bulk of class time, although we finished slightly early so as to make the trip to Koreatown for lunch and then going to get equipment.