How's that for a kicker?

I've read several blogs over the past few weeks, and there seem to be injuries abound. Some are new, and some are recurring, almost like an old friend. Obviously not a friend, more like a foe.

I have had tendinitis in my wrists for many years now, but mostly it comes and goes. It creates challenges, and I am glad that I have started to work with my weapon for next year. It's frustrating though, as I want to play, but have to take a step back from everything. My wrist pain feels more sinister this time, so I am really trying to be good to them, but it isn't easy.

But there is a bright side. I can work on being the best kicker out there!

 

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"it's a small world" 50th Anniversary Global Chorus | Disney Parks

I found this the other day, and it really touched me.  It is a project that involves Matt Harding (note: dancing around the world - where the hell is Matt?).

I love it.

Har, Har Matey!

No, it isn't International Talk Like a Pirate Day. Sorry, but this is where my brain went while I was formulating this blog. However as I was writing, I decided that I need to write something on a different note, so my apologies to all closet pirates out there. I received a wonderful gift today. Actually, the Lil Leopards kids instructors did, including some that no longer teach with us. One of the mom's has taken pictures of the class over the past couple of years, and today she gave us all pictures of ourselves in the midst of it all. She took the time to sort them, and give each instructor pictures of themselves with the kids. I really loved this, as I don't think we ever really see ourselves when we teach. In all the pictures, I saw grownups totally in the moment with the kids. I was reminded of why I teach the kids, and the gift that I receive from being with them.

Thank you so much Mrs. Werbicki.

Something different

We tried something different this week - we went to the Royal Alberta Museum. Parts of it haven't changed much over the years, but they have this exhibit called "Chop Suey" and it is on the history of Chinese restaurants in Alberta. I have never noticed, but almost every town in Alberta has at least one Chinese restaurant! When we first entered the exhibit, they have a timeline displayed starting with when the Chinese first arrived. It started with the gold rush, which then moved into the railway. I was surprised and ashamed to see the awful treatment the Chinese received. They were charged a head tax, and were monitored very closely. Immigration was very tight, and only men were allowed in initially. First to allow for the railroad to be completed, and after that, they ended up working traditional "women's" jobs - mainly cooking.
The men (who had families back home in China) started to open restaurants, as that was something they could do. And over the last 125 years, these restaurants have endured and have become a part of our culture. Funny though, most of what we consider "Chinese Food" isn't very traditional at all. Our tastes are different, and so are the flavours here. There is much more to this though, and if it still open, I highly recommend it!

Now, the coolest thing ever! In this exhibit, we discovered our very own Sihing William Choy! Bing's is a staple here in Stony Plain and Spruce Grove, and it was such a treat to see him, and to hear about how they used to grow bean sprouts in the basement of their restaurant. I feel so very proud!!! Many high fives to you Sihing!

This was an awesome day... (they even had an interactive Koi pond).

Spring Break

The kids are off school this week and there aren't any kids classes this week either, except for Saturday. So it will be nice not to have to rush to the school after work to be there for 5:30, but we will be there for the teen/adult classes.

This coming Saturday is our first public benevolent meeting. It'll be great to share what we do with the whole school and to answer any questions that come up.

 

Have a great week!

 

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Weapons

 

It may seem premature, but I have been putting a lot of thought into what weapon I should study for next year's I Ho Chuan. I have had several injuries over the years that still haunt me to one degree or another, but the one that seems to be holding me back the most is chronic wrist tendinitis. It's quite manageable for the most part, but any prolonged usage leaves me in discomfort. And with 1000 repetitions, I need to be careful.

 

So what weapon? Most require a fair degree of wrist rotation and flexibility, which I lack. I thought about a double dagger, which is still an option. However, through a conversation with Sifu Brinker, he suggested a Kwan dao. I know, right? Obviously a traditional one is out. I don't have the strength to swing one of them bad boys for sure. But Sifu Brinker had a light one - wood handle and an aluminum blade. Kind of feels like a toy, but it's perfect for me. It will use more of my whole body and less wrist (thus far) so I am excited to start practicing with it and to see if it's a viable weapon for me.

 

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Respect and compassion

This week proved to be a learning experience. As I listened to my friend and empathized with her situation, I found myself in the middle. I had also taken on her problems and ended up being reminded that the solution starts with respect. I needed to take a step back and look at the situation with compassion and while I may not respect a persons actions, I still we'd to remain compassionate. There must be underlying seeds that have grown into something unkind, but if I also take that approach, I am not going to help anyone.

 

Kung Fu teaches respect and discipline. Respect for ourselves, respect for others, and respect for all living things. Without respect, I will not have discipline.

 

This week reminded me the importance of compassion and empathy. It's always good to step back and reevaluate things with this perspective. I can't control how others will act, but I can control how I react. And it starts with me using compassion and empathy.

 

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