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Fong Ha’s Workshop

It was a beautiful Friday afternoon (Halloween) as the Minnesota contingent left for Des Moines, Iowa. Keith, Mark, Tom and Jay were loaded into Tom’s SUV. Kelli would be leaving later with her own troop. Fong’s workshop would start the next morning and all were filled with anticipation. It began as usual; a little talking and then some sitting and standing, ruler, walking and Yichuan. The weather was gorgeous and we were able to practice outdoors. I took notes; writing things down I had heard before but failed to grasp. Fong seemed to be stressing the basics; even more than usual. Cultivation – the filtering process whereby we transform our mind/body connection into something crudely resembling a “natural” human being. Manifestation – the process whereby we put into motion the stillness we have cultivated. Utilization – the ability to use this stillness/motion with a partner.

Sunday was dedicated to the tai chi chuan aspect of things; more sitting, standing, ruler, walking and Taichi. It has been a while since I have visited the commencement of the form. Fong brought us back to it We spent at least an hour on the basics of the opening of the form. Raising and lowering our arms, paying particular attention to the breathing, tucking the pelvis etc. And then grasp bird’s tail to both sides- affectionately known as “hotel tai chi”.

I can’t wait for my next Fong fix.