Back to School!

Tomorrow is the first day back to school for many of our students, and I am sure it wrought with both anxiety and excitement. It’s nice that the kwoon is closed this week for the kids (and their parents) to prepare. Not to mention our annual renos.

The Advanced Black Dragons had their last class of the summer outside at Rotary Park. It was fantastic weather wise, and the kids had a blast. I did too. I do it for the kids, and for myself - as both an end to summer, and a kick off to the new year.

This week is a nice break as an instructor in two ways. One, to regroup and refresh myself. And two, to be able to put some sweat and blood into the kwoon.

So, until classes start in September - Don’t forget to keep practicing!!!!!!!

Tai Chi

I had something else written and when I went to post, it just didn't feel quite right. I guess I should have posted it anyway and carried on. Oh well.

Something that has been really good for me, is learning Tai Chi. The process of it relaxes me, and the movements bring me peace. It has helped me through some injuries by giving me strength, both mental and physical. I truly believe that while it will show you every injury you didn't know you had, it also strengthens all of the little muscles.

I also find it really resets me after the Lil Leopard class. Whoever planned that was really thinking! I love the Lil Leopards and the energy they bring, but I need a break after all that cute chaos. It's like I get all pumped up, and then that energy is quieted and spread out within me in the Tai Chi class.

I also feel, that for anyone who needs to work on flow, this is the class to take. It forces you to slow down, and really feel your body and what it is doing. (And the atmosphere is wonderful) (Was that subtle?)

Reno's

The annual renovations at the kwoon are an important part of our training. We become more accountable for our training, and our spirit becomes embodied in our kwoon. It is the process of putting our sweat and blood that makes the school what it is, and it bonds us to the other students as well.

Every time I step into the school, I am taken with the efforts that are constantly being put into it. Some of us are more visible in the school with what we do, and others operate quietly in the background. It is all those efforts combined that make our Kung Fu school what it is.

Sometimes being a leader is what you do quietly in the background while things are buzzing around you. Sometimes it is rallying those around you for a common cause, such as tiling. A lot of effort is going into our place of training right now, and I hope that those leading that transformation are aware of how much their efforts are appreciated, and that those offering their sweat and blood are also appreciated.

No, I am not at the school today. But my heart and soul is with those students there. I am proud to be a part of Silent River Kung Fu.

Forms

I have been thinking about the progression of my Kung Fu. Where it has come from, and how it has developed over time. What are my favourite things nows, are not necessarily my favourites from the past.

I love forms, Tai Chi included. I love how they feel, and the flow that comes with them. I have been working on them lately in slow motion, so that I can focus on how each stance feels, and how they connect to the next technique. My biggest challenge has been the Hung Gar forms, as my hips just don’t seem to want to cooperate. However, by slowing them down, I think they are coming. Nowhere near perfect yet, but slowly getting better.

I am also aware that I have to by mindful of how much I slow my forms down to pick them apart, as something that has always eluded me is speed and power. In the past, (and probably still now to a degree) always look like Tai Chi. Too much flow. I guess the balance comes in practicing forms slow, and then going full out to make sure that whatever changes I have made will continue to be present when speed and realism are added.

The other challenge, is how to express my passion for forms to my students. How can I make them excited, and want to practice them? Hopefully, that one will be a continuous one, that will keep my passion sparked.