Attack the Cold


Today when I woke up and felt how cold the floor was, I was tempted to crawl right back in bed. This is the time that the weather can make us want to change our plans around a bit. "Let's not work out today because its raining." It's hard to push yourself to your goal and it's twice as hard when it's raining. But if we have to be at work or school at a certain time, we can still get up and get there. We all push ourselves for financial reasons, job security or a "secure future."
But training is something that is important for the future of our mind and our body. Is our body not as priority as making money? 9 to 5 at a desk and not an hour or two for ourselves.

Well I always view the weather as another opponent. The heat, cold, rain and snow are all additional ways to improve our technique. In fact training when the weather is nice, is also the time when our progress is the slowest. These are some training tips for cold conditions.

When it's cold outside it is very important to do a thorough warm-up. Slowly give your joints enough time to lubricate and adjust. This is especially good for practicing your chi. The cold can give your body more sensitivity to feel where your chi is. Tai Chi or any soft art is great for working with the cold. You can also use the hard style approach which is fast combinations, running, and foot work training. If you are lucky enough to get some snow then take advantage. Snow up to your ankles is a great way to work your stances. Making sure they are deep and stable. If you have any part of your movements that is uncertain, the ice will be your best teacher. For my fellow Bagua practitioners, the ice is a tool for training your circle walking. Practice the whole Pre Heaven form on the ice to find your stability.

As warriors of the new age we must turn every obstacle into our advantage. Look forward to the cold floor, it lets us know we're alive.

Comments

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風船葛 said…
Hi, Warren. I am very excited by finding your blog and youtube link. I learned Bagua twelve years ago with Master Wu, Lai and Lu and am glad that the association has been established so well in Hsinchu. I am now doing my PhD in Scotland and sometimes still practice Bagua. You are doing very well! If possible, can you also send my regards to our teachers? all the best~
Of course I can do that for you Richard. Nice to meet you too.
風船葛 said…
Thanks, Warren. Actually I will be back to Taiwan this March and will see our teachers and brothers. Will you be in Taiwan then?

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