As is typical of Sigong’s seminars, students zoom in from all parts of the world. White Crane is no exception and while in New Zealand it is our summer months and late at night, I could see that participants in England were wrapped up warm for their morning seminar. It doesn’t take long before we’re warmed up and once again, watching Sigong demonstrate the form. We then to move to our break out rooms to practise and polish what it is we have previously learned. Towards the end of the seminar, Sigong introduces the new movement.
In one of these breakout rooms, Siba described the control of the tassel and the importance of maintaining the flow and rhythm. This is something I am particularly keen to work on over the next few months.
As we work our way through this very long form, it reminded me of something I always say about my farming profession and working with the animals (every year, there is always something new or something I have never seen before). As Sigong demonstrates new moves, I often think, ‘wow’, that’s new! That was especially the case for the previous seminar when we were tossing the tassle over the wrist from a forward and back motion of the hand. I was quite bamboozled by this move but as tends to happen, after practicing between the seminars to get an idea of the shape of the move, with the following seminar I start to see the details and one day, I very much hope the flow will be there.
I can’t help feeling this is a form “that keeps on giving”….there will always be something new to challenge us.
A big thanks to Sigong and everyone in the break out rooms.
by Belinda Hadfield
Student Comments
Feels good to do two seminars quickly after one another compared to having a long break. There is a certain momentum which carries through. I remember during the pandemic we had seminars almost every weekend – it was intense but I also felt my level improving all round. Of course with little else to do other than work and train, this was an opportune time to have a lot of seminars.
Thank you for a great seminar, Sigong.
Paul Hogg
Was great to do the White Crane on this chilly but bright blue sky morning. Watching Sigong demonstrate the form effortlessly is inspiring to improve our flow and command of the tassel. Seen some details confirmed, others corrected and some missing and trying to add them in. Thank you Sigong for teaching this complex and beautiful form. Christine
My battery died in the last breakout room but I think I got the gist! Great tip from Yun Ki about thinking of the tassel over the wrist like the one handed staff warm up, and I could do with seeing the feet at the end one more time but I’ll have to keep my eyes open next seminar. Thanks Sigong for a lovely morning in the sunshine!
Lee Baylis
So glad to be able to join White Crâne Sword today! These skills can help keep us young because they require physical and mental agility to process and execute them. They can help keep us young, that is, … so long as we can maintain patience with ourselves in the learning process! Thanks ever so much, Sigong! -Kay
Another great episode in the White Crane Sword seminar actually a great start to the day. A good mind and body discipline each time you further the knowledge and understanding my own coordination brilliant advice in the breakout rooms in truth I am always happy not only when Sigong corrects me but also the group leaders who watch and help you through step by step thank Sigong and the group leaders that help us through all the complications. Love it.
Earl