I will soon be entering my 45th year of practice in the Asian martial arts and have been involved lately in more than my fair share of reverie. I find that there are many treasured memories tucked away upstairs that come alive when a little mental focus is applied in their direction. Like any memories they are only as rich as the life I am able to give them. Today is another time, though, and if my art is to be good and if the past is to be of any value I must apply my own lessons to the present, and I recommend the same to you. A living art is the just reward for past efforts. Don't ride on the past ...live the present, refine your knowledge and don't be afraid to change when necessary.

Over the past ten weeks we covered the following areas:

• Basic stances, sweeping into position, breathing, grounding, posture, and implementing weapons to energy.
• Self-defense with Chin Na and 5-Star.
• Butterfly Technique.
• Chin NA Review.
• Broadsword.

As a review you should be practicing moving in the basic stances using the sweeping techniques and be feeling the transitions from one to another using the circle of the sweep. Practice spontaneous self-defense using circles and butterfly ending in chin NA locks. Also, practice using Chin Wo for first line defense in combination with body shift and mechanics. Review all positions of butterfly and apply against attacks from different directions. Finally, with the broadsword remember as many of the techniques and combinations as you can and see if you, primarily get the feel and momentum of this weapon, if nothing else.

I will move quickly through these techniques on August 9th to see how you have comprehended them. We will then discuss the material for my next session this Fall. Practice well!

Yours in the Art,
TAO