Oh, it's happening alright

I am going to compete in the tournament. There, it's out in the open and I will now have to follow through or eat dirt. Well, maybe I won't have to eat dirt, but....

 

I am actually going to compete for two reasons, and they aren't really for myself, although in the long run, it will do me a whole lot of good. Reason 1. My youngest had a huge anxiety attack at last years tournament, so when she said she wanted to try again, I thought it best that we do it together. Maybe she can do it this time, or maybe not, but I will be there with her. And 2. I need to inspire the Advanced Black Dragons. I feel I do anyway, so I am going to walk the walk and talk the talk. It is so happening.

 

Am I nervous? You betcha. But it will feel amazing when I get throug it, this I know.

 

See you all there!

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Family

I missed writing my blog last week. I haven't been in the best place mentally lately, so I am not sure how positive this one will be. But it needs to be done.

This weekend I went on a mini family vacation. A cousin was getting married in Fort MacLeod, so we took a 2 day trip. I have never met any of my cousin's on my mom's side. This particular set of cousin's/ Aunt/ Uncle live in Michigan, and my cousin happened to be marrying a girl from here. I decided we had to go, as I will probably never have the chance to meet them again, and they were practically in my back yard. The last time I saw my aunt was last year, just before my mom passed away, so it was nice to see her again under better circumstances. It was an interesting trip, as my dad came with us, and the last time I went on vacation with him was 22 years ago. We did have fun though. I had a fair bit of anxiety leading up to this trip, for multiple reasons, but I came out okay. Seeing the similarities in my Aunt that I saw in my mom was hard. But it also made me appreciate the family that I do have. While my family here in Alberta is small, I also have a Kung Fu family. One I hope to cherish for a long time.

(The picture is of my aunt, uncle dad, and oldest daughter. My youngest was off being bored somewhere.)

And we're back

To school that is. I find it hard to believe that school starts up again this week. It seems like the kids just got out of school and here we are heading back again. But it will be good to back into that routine.

I did miss kung fu this week, but it was good to be surrounded by other students while we freshened up the kwoon. Good job guys.

 

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That was fun

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).

 

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Not just teaching

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...

 

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Quality of Motion

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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This is a tough one

I have one thing to say.....

 

Baaah!

 

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