When we started training in last September, we had to build some training structures to build arm strength. We hanged some ropes; we build some dip bars and pull-up bars, etc. Because of our inexperience and lack of tools, what we built was not very beautiful or even stable and safe. Although it was not the best, they still allowed us to train and improve considerably our arms and upper back strength.

Currently, we have here a nice guest that is an “artist”, and who likes to create and build nice stuff. His name is Farai Muchenji and he came here to train Taijiquan with us. His main focus is on Pushing Hands, and we had some nice time training with each other.

Because he also trained some hard body conditioning with us and saw the structures that we built, he decided to help us improve what we had. So, he contributed with some material to build a new training structure. It took us about four afternoons and one morning to build it, and we finished it today. It looks really nice and simple, but it’s far more effective, stable and pretty than the old ones.

When you see the picture you may think it was easy to build, but in reality, it wasn’t. The soil was pretty loose but it had a lot of rocks, and even worst, a lot of roots. Some holes took us forever to dig. It was crazy! After digging the holes, some where not correctly at the right place, so, we dug again; move a little to the right a little to the left. Then, we had to level everything. Move a little more up. Wait! Move a little more down. Move here, move there! Crazy! It took us more time than what was necessary, but it was a learning experience for all of us. On the end, we enjoy it! At least I did! Well, I only didn’t enjoy taking out the mother of all roots that I found in my way today. It was the biggest root that I ever had to dig out. To be honest, Jon was the one taking it out. I started breaking its connections here and there. After almost an hour, Patrick came to help and braked a little more. Then, finally, Jon came in to scene and destroys it. I was so happy when he did it. Thanks Jon!

On Monday were going start using it. Thanks to Farai, we are able to train in better conditions from now on, and we can also offer better training conditions for our visitors. Thanks Farai, we deeply appreciate it.