Originally posted by hubris
Here's another issue - wet grass and sneakers. The other night before tai chi class, my teacher was talking to another student about how it is starting to get cold, and it is harder to do tai chi outside. ... Anyhoo, my teacher said that in the form he does, you do spins (what form is that?) and that shoes + wet grass + spins = trouble. So you see? My topic is not so lame after all!
In our training group here in Washington, we have the fortune to be able to practice in a semi-secluded park area... Nice and open, even ground (for the most part, though there are sections that make you have to pay attention, which overall makes it a wonderful training selection). However, since we get together in the early AM, the dew on the grass can be quite heavy. I soaked my shoes within the first 5 minutes the first day I joined the group!
However.
Wet grass, uneven ground, etc., are all wonderful training tools if you know what to look for... If your stances are done properly, wet grass or not, you
will not slip or slide. Period. That is why we have particular stances in the first place - to provide stability and power when performing a given technique. If your stance is done improperly, prepare to do a Nancy Kerrigan across the training area...
can do tai chi in shoes, sandals, bare feet , socks, you name it! What a man!
You are easily impressed! You would
really like training in our group then! At a recent seminar taught by our teacher, I went barefoot in my black judogi (just to be different). In normal training, I wear my black Chinese tennies... When I train at home, I wear flip flop sandals, heavier walking shoes... whatever.
Good Training!
Gambarimasu.
:asian:
