This past Wednesday, the advanced black dragons took sir class to Rotary Park as our last class before school starts up again. It was a lot of fun. They ran laps around the pond, had 3 legged races, and a few games of tug of war. It was great being out in the sun, and doing a bit of Kung fu outside.
(Sorry it isn't the best picture, but I took it with my phone against the sun).
Yesterday was the forms seminar, and I learned a lot. No, I was not a student, but an instructor. Still, there is a lot to be said about breaking a form down, and tweaking it. Everyone is different - they all learn differently, and interpret differently. One thing I learned, is that sometimes, a single word can change a perspective and to see it differently.
I was also surprised to see two of my black dragon students take part. I am so proud of everyone, but it really touched me to see them there. (Also one was a graduate of the black dragon program). They are also my "kids". It was a great time...
Flow is not easy to teach, and finding the right tools for each student to improve is not an easy task. We all have strengths and weaknesses and the key to improving is to recognize where you are. We just got through boot camp, and are now coming up to our forms seminar. I conquered my fear of teaching a seminar at boot camp this year. I have been wanting to for a few years, but always chickened out because flow is hard to teach. Tai Chi is the best tool for that, in my opinion, but it can take years to get there. So my intent this year was first, sign up, second make a plan of sorts, and third, follow through. It was challenging, and of course I didn't follow my plan exactly but it felt like it went ok. I haven't wanted to post about teaching at boot camp, as it feels like a weakness to admit that I had incredible anxiety over it. Funny though, give me a room full of kids, and I can do anything, but give me grown ups and the fear sets in fast and furious. Oh well, it's over and I learned a lot. I do enjoy teaching at the forms seminar, however. Forms are my strength, and I feel quite confident with them. Not only do get to share my knowledge, I get to learn something from the students.
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