I had another blog...

I had written something else today, but am feeling like I am repeating myself so I have decided not to post it yet.

Instead, I want to take a moment to reflect on our Kung Fu family. I am surrounded by people who are passionate about similar things, and give me strength just by being there. It is always encouraging to see someone in the Kwoon, pushing themselves, challenging themselves, and feeling good about it. Sweating together, is somehow a bonding experience, that only a fellow martial artist can understand. Ok, workout junkies probably feel a similar way...

I love knowing that I can count on the support of everyone at the Kwoon, whether they know they are giving it or not. I love knowing I can push myself there and not be judged. Our Kung Fu family is made up of a lot of families, and individuals that are all unique, and all bring a strength and continuity. There is comradeship, friendship, healthy competition, and a sort of glue that seems to hold us all together.

Together, we make a difference every day. That evidence is in our local community, and the way we tend to band together.

Here is a quote I like - it doesn’t quite fit with the blog, but whatever, that’s cool. Enjoy.

I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind.
Some come from ahead and some come from behind.
But I’ve bought a big bat. I’m all ready you see.
Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!
~Dr. Seuss

Everything I need to know, I learned through Kung Fu...(In no particular order)

1. There is nothing like a good workout
2. There is comfort in being around like minded individuals
3. Pushing yourself to your limits is truly rewarding
4. A badge of honour has nothing to do with rank
5. A badge of honour usually involves a spectacular bruise or blood
6. Actually, every injury incurred during training is pretty much a badge of honour
7. Maybe I am a little twisted about my badges of honour, but it proves to me that I pushed myself.
8. I have learned to listen to my body - most of the time. Sometimes my brain thinks it knows better.
9. Progressing wisely is very much a mental task, which involves a Kung Fu collective to keep it in front of me.
10. My Kung Fu family is one you can always count on.
11. Lion Dance practices can be really, really fun.
12. And really taxing.
13. Did I mention the laughs?
14. While chaotic, there is a certain peace when in a scrunched up circle of 3 and 4 year olds, with their small enticing faces in yours.
15. And in that chaos, I can also find the child in me.
16. You are never too old to play dodgeball.
17. Learning never stops.
18. You can learn from anyone, from any rank, from any age.
19. Dedication will get you far.
20. As will passion.
21. Kung Fu has opened up my eyes to my community, and to the world.
22. Empathy and compassion are values that everyone should develop.
23. Being humble and egoless, are things that all of humanity needs to strive for.
24. Self defense is more than kicking and punching.
25. It starts within - and involves making the world a better place for everyone.
26. We are all the same inside.
27. You are also never too old to play tag.
28. It is never too late to start something new, or to find a new challenge.
29. Self improvement is a lifelong journey.
30. There is always a way to make a positive difference.

There is more, but I will save it for another post, another day...

There’s something fantastic about that...

I love Lion Dancing. The process of coming up with a dance for the Chinese New Year is an interesting one, and it is constantly evolving, dissolving, and evolving again. I am thrilled to be a part of it this year as well. I am enjoying the challenge, the sweat and the friendly bantering. It is amazing how much work goes into creating a dance, as is the practice. But it is so rewarding to be a part of it. Not to mention it’s a lot fun.

What happens when you get Kwan Kung, two buddha’s, a bench and a bottle of fake alcohol? You’ll find out February 20th... It will be something fantastic!

Where am I and what am I doing?

That is a question I have begun to ask myself fairly regularly. It does serve a purpose, and it usually brings me to the moment, and I can appreciate it more. It is a question that helps keep things in perspective, and keeps me aware of my emotions.

I have been getting somewhat overwhelmed at work lately, and it is due to working on projects that I either don’t agree with, or don’t correspond with the work I am supposed to be doing. It is during these times, that I can ask that question, and am happy with the answer. I am doing a job that the powers that be believe I can do well, and I am doing something that allows me to take care of my family. I am lucky to have a job. Don’t get me wrong, as it doesn’t always make me appreciate it, but it usually does help to keep things in perspective.

I have to admit, that I didn’t apply this to my teaching this week, and I got overwhelmed with, and lost sight (however briefly) of what my purpose was. So I asked myself this morning over a cup of coffee, and the answer was right there. Where am I and what am I doing? Okay, so I was sitting at home, drinking coffee, and thinking about Kung Fu. Pondering my classes, and what I am accomplishing there. Is it the demo in February? Or is it more? It is most definitely more for me. The demo is important, but so is empowering the kids with confidence, giving them tools to succeed, and passing on Kung Fu. I felt a little lost last week, but am feeling much more at ease now.

I have a purpose. I have a goal. And I appreciate the little things that make teaching so rewarding.

Asking this question while learning in a class is just as important as using it during everyday life. Without it, we can easily go through the class, and miss a huge opportunity. The opportunity to truly appreciate the moment we are blessed with. When you can stop, and put that front thrust kick into perspective - Where am I and what am I doing? - then we can be aware of the details of it, and it’s true purpose. Am I just throwing my leg out to get through the warmup? Or am I in a crane stance, waiting to thrust through my opponent with my foot? Have I given a sense of purpose to everything I am doing? What may seem a mundane drill, is actually giving me a different way of learning, or applying a technique.

I find the question - Where am I and what am I doing, a great way to remove my ego, and remain humble and open to criticism. It keeps me in the moment, and appreciative of my opportunity to learn and pass on an ancient art.

2009

A new year is upon us. Time for new challenges, new experiences, and new opportunities.

Looking back on the past year for me, has been full of disappointment, but also proved to be a great time for learning.

2009 began with a triumph for me, but was somewhat hampered with a significant injury. After training for 6 years, and after many sacrifices, I earned my blackbelt. It is a moment that I will never forget, and if I can keep it in front of me, then I believe that I can remain humble about my training and the constant learning it involves.

It seems that for every step forward, I take at least one step backwards, but each time I learn. Even if it’s for a short time. Meeting Master McNeill was a truly amazing experience. And the chance to train under him for the two days was something I will never forget. And his cane curriculum gave me something to train hard at without injuring my ankle further. It kept me going, when my spirit didn’t want to.

Over the past year, I have started to learn to train smarter. Not to say that I always do, but I am working on it. I have adjusted my approach, and it works for me most of the time. It has also helped having my “conscience” being my peers at the kwoon speaking up when I push too hard. I am thankful for that.

Personally, this also hasn’t been my healthiest year. I have had the swine flu, suffered from very low potassium, and have had some emotional obstacles to conquer. On a positive note, my migraines have been less frequent and less severe. Wahoo!

But at the same time, I paid off a good chunk of debt, and while I dinged up my one car, I also have a new one. I have also watched my children grow, and am in awe their innocence.

It has been a year of disappointment, but also a year of triumph. I am excited, and maybe a little apprehensive of the year to come.

My thanks to my Kung Fu family for the support and encouragement. I wish you all the best in the coming year.