Chinese Straight Sword

My straight sword form has been progressing very slowly these last 2 months and my goal is to learn all 32 combinations of movements by the end of the year. I had found a great video, but then ran into a section that was hard to make sense of all the transitions involved in completing a 360 degree change in direction. 1 step forward, 2 steps back and some self inflicted stuck in one place issues.

What I have learned is I need to commit to more time to learning the form and pushing through when I encounter challenging sections. It feels all consuming at times and there is the probability for other things to be dropped as a result. Maybe that is what needs to happen until I get a flow going and then I can figure out some sort of balance.

There are numerous videos to choose and learn from and I’ve narrowed down my resources to 3. I have moved on from the initial video I had been learning from and am using a second video with better angles and footwork to follow. There are also some minor variances throughout the 2nd video which I found frustrating at first. I quickly realized this is to be expected. 

The Yang style 32 short form was developed in the 1950's and over the years personal style and interpretation has created variations in the form. At the core there is a foundation of concepts, techniques and patterns to learn. My intent is to stay true to the integrity of the form as it was originally developed as best as I can. I feel the weight of responsibility in staying true to the form and excitement as I learn and grow with the form, finding my own art/style within the form.

Totals

Push ups & Sit ups: 1100/23110
Hand form: 3//308
Weapon form: 13/338
KM: 34/762
AOK: 28/749
Sparring: 0/130
Blogs: 2/28
Yoga: 30/11.5hrs
Tai Chi: 15/443
MM:22/562