We had a fun saber class today down by the water. I really enjoy the comradery of the gang that comes out to play every Sunday. I like the mix of learning and sharing mixed with quite a bit of joking and laughter. Learning and laughing, what a concept!

Today I heard what every teacher likes to hear, "It's all starting to makes sense". One student says "Ah, the neutralization we do with the saber is just like in the open hand form!" and yet another said "Learning the application sure helps my movement during the form".

I have also made it a point to introduce partner practice in order for everyone to start to really learn swordsmanship. It is one thing to be able to do forms yet it is quite another thing to be able to interact with incoming energy and apply your techinque. It's just like open hands forms without push hands... you are only getting half the teachings. We need to be able to interact and participate fluidly with another's energy. That's Taiji!

We have about six weeks left of saber in the park and I hope to finish off the 32 form set. That will be a great accomplishment in itself, but it's really the skill level of the swordsmanship that the new members are showing that I am most proud of.

Way to go everyone! Keep up the great work!

Peace

Rod