Post #1

Post your experience in practicing Session 1.

Post #2

Feedback on 1st session

“IT’S THE REAL THING”….(as in coke ad)

In addition, Si Suk Rock provides the formula for ingredient X….well most of it anyway..:)

The reading materials were pithy and to the point…easy to read and understand. The video cam tutorial (VCT) was outstanding…like in real training only better as we had Si Suk’s full attention and focus for the hour or so. It was not like a Master student conversation..but really like a college tutorial with productive dialog.

Guess, I jumped the gun a bit and incorporated all the exercises into the 108 form and PH. Even at the basic level, the results was fantastic…..

Really quite EXCITING stuff, especially if u are a Martial Arts or Taiji connoisseur

Post #3

I found Session 1 to be exciting and nicely paced. For those who question whether 21st century technology can do justice in transmitting what is ordinarily a face-to-face effort, the answer is, "yes, it can." Of course the most critical part of the equation is Rock's assistance in understanding and resolving each of our individual problems. He provided each of us with one on one attention via Skype and instant feedback was available via webcam. He also helped clarify our misconceptions via our online group discussions. Each of us could literally talk with him everyday if we wanted.

The lessons were logically organized with regular homework and evaluations (if you were a slacker in school, this is not for you!). Since we were all studying and practicing the same material, the online discussions were fruitful and insightful.

I, and I'm sure all the others, can't wait to see what is up next!

Post #4

This is intense and can be a bit intimidating when reading what some of the more experienced students are feeling, experiencing. With Rock's guidance, we are all put on the path to feeling something we have not felt before . . . to at least get a little taste. The rest is up to each of us to do what we are instructed to do, no more and no less. It is easy to do more and we are reminded to only do what we are told and that gets us back on track.
The pace does not permit a leisurely approach or procrastination. One needs to put in the time daily with the utmost of thought as to what one is doing.

Post #5

I find it had to separate old practice, going back 25 years or more from new.

I'm focusing on seated execution so as to exclude as much as possible the old triggers. Also, I'm trying to not add any intent to what I'm doing.

Post #6

I agree with the comments posted here. The Session 1 material has been thoroughly fascinating, and tangible. With Rock's guidance, we are led through the exercises in such a way as to challenge us to think and feel our way to the end point. Great instruction and insight is provided. The feedback from my fellow 'students' on the discussion board has also been invalueable. The Skype and video feedback has been much better than I had expected. It is in fact better than most in person classroom sessions. Obviously, having Rock in person to help correct and demonstrate things is the ideal, but in lieu of that, this format has been the next best thing. Rock is able to devote concentrated attention to each of the participants and give each person specific feedback - something not easily achieved in the course of a 'classroom' session. This material is golden. No free lunches though -- you have to study, practice, think, feel, digest, practice, practice, practice to achieve results.

Post #7

The material provided has been presented in a very scientific manner. There is something that we do get from this format that I don't believe we get as readily in a traditional class and that is the open forum and feedback shared by other students, which has really helped in my progression. At times it makes me anxious because I feel as if I'm falling way behind. On the other hand, this is a strong motivator. The guidance from Rock is enlightening. I believe the quick pace, challenge to accomplish the assignment, tracking our progress and experience, guidance along the way, and then explanation of why we are doing movements a certain way is very effective.

Post #8

Concerning Skepticism:

I think that, instead of merely positive recommendations here, we might as well be open with the fact that many here have not joined up with GYF due to skepticism about what's being offered, especially since this is all done over the internet without a face-to-face experience or video footage.

The skepticism has been exacerbated by the more philosophical nature of GYF statements and the commitment financials. I had held on for the ride because I had an inkling that there would be something here, and at my level of learning, I will learn from anywhere and everywhere, and I've found value in many places, though some places more so than others.

GYF is surely one of those 'others'. After acceptance into GYF Friends, we received the first study materials. Once I read them, and especially after I practiced them, I knew there was something special here.

GYF takes Taiji and breaks it down into the most basic bite-sized pieces for the beginner. I've had a number of questions circling in my head for a long time in regard to what internal arts was about. The material, though simple, gave me a few of my answers.

I'd imagine future material to be neatly progressive. This is unlike much other training I've experienced, where more complex movements are introduced from the get-go.

I also second the opinions here in regard to clarity of instruction and the efforts made to communicate the teaching.

Post #9

If you are like me, practicing taiji for years, no problem believing that proficiency in it will bring all kinds of wonders such as 4 ounces overcoming thousand pounds; and yet often wondering why "it" is not happening yet to me? This course of study might just be it. We are only into Session I and already it is beginning to make a difference to my regular practice.

Post #10

Unlike some of you I have learned from Rock in the past, I expect 'miracles' ;-}

The specifics work just fine, as I expect them to, the challenge for me is to stop thinking and theorizing and just 'do it', but, I'm getting there.