In a Nut Shell

I have been having a very difficult time trying to get something out there in regards to a blog. So much going on, so much to do, and of course the multitude and unexpected events or occurrences that you don't see coming. So a basic blanket of all that is happening will have to do at this time.

I have been working on several different areas in my forms that I have found to be trouble areas if you will. Your practicing a form and it feels good, your mind is in the moment and then you reach a certain area that just doesn't seem right. Perhaps it's a disruption in flow, center, skipping a technique or technique incompletion, bad kicks, stances, etc. Whatever it may be, it's messing with your head or displaying an obvious glitch. It takes along time to fix some of these things because you have installed muscle memory and your body wants to naturally perform that way because that's what your brain is telling it to do. This never ends which continues to make forms fun, challenging, and a great way to show how you are evolving as a martial artist. I really need to take my own advice here, but my mistakes are a lesson for others. Whenever possible it's good practice to do your forms at the school as much as you can so your teachers can see what you are doing and offer critique or give you a different perspective that will help you along the way. Plus you also have the opportunity to ask somebody that can help, which in turn helps your instructors. I have mentioned this point in another blog. By practicing my forms at the Kwoon this week I received critique and several answers to many questions. At the present moment I am working on about six different areas that need work. These areas are what I am aware of anyways. They are starting to improve quite a bit but no where near where I want them. Practice, consult with teachers, and practice more.

I have been doing multiple kick reps and will continue to do them until I can loosen up my hips and increase muscle areas that need to be stronger. I have very stiff hips and as a result when I throw different kicks I getting knocked off center and the overall technique and speed is being heavily affected. I am struggling at the moment with them but with more practice and way more stretching I am confident I can get them back to where they once were.

I am continuing to polish and modify my personal techniques whenever I get the chance to work with my partner or another Sihing. I am really enjoying this part of my journey and I am having fun learning and working with others. The neat part about it is the more you practice them, the more you learn the mechanics of yourself and others. It's a continuous game changer that in the end, I hope it turns out as awesome as I had envisioned them in the first place.

My axe form is on version 1.14. I have my very first form, the demo version  that I have changed up so it will be slightly different than what I have been doing, and finally my second form that is not quite together yet. More work, more destruction.

Finally, a few things I want to say.  I would like to mention how much fun I had at last weeks demo and I can't thank those of you that showed up enough. It was a good atmosphere and great people to hang out with, plus the cars were cool. I just want to let Sihing Krebbs know that you are missed and I am looking forward to seeing you whenever you can get back to the Kwoon. It's been a great week seeing my teachers, working with Sihing Fuhr and other students. But mostly just being there in general has done me a lot of good. My blog may seem a little scattered but that's how things can be sometimes, moving forward though is key. See you at the kwoon.

Once in a Blue Moon

I just found out recently that a blue moon only comes around every couple of years. It just so happens this past Friday was a blue moon. It is when you have two full moon cycles in a month. I thought maybe I would see the moon actually looking, well, blue. Ripped off, it wasn't blue at all. So to make the best of it I did some form reps out on the grass under the moonlight. It was kind of cool actually. I've never done forms under the moon. However, wandering campers didn't really appreciate it so much. It was almost like the same looks I get doing forms in my sea turtle swimsuit just with more intensity. Whatever.

Cracked heels suck in the worst way. Especially when they are so bad every step hurts on both feet, and you practice Kung Fu on the beach and you drive sand into the cracks that are about an 1/8 of an inch deep. You kind of walk like you soiled yourself. More looks, could be the sea turtle swimsuit though. Fortunately we went into town today and there was a farmers market. At one of the stands was a whole pile of home made lotions, creams and soaps. Cool, I found one that handles badly dried/cracked skin. No it didn't magically close up all the damage, but at least I can walk normal now.  Another great moment of triumph was there was a reflexologist in the house that did some amazing work on me. I feel great, not so tight in the shoulders, neck, and lower back. I am actually walking like the world is not at a tilt and my hips feel great during form work.
The town we were visiting had their weekend event going on, Medieval Days. The whole town is dressed up like Kings and Queens and everything else that was around at that time. A few miles out of town they had a whole pile of tents displaying the true old skool way of doing things. But the neatest part was a replicated battle of that era. Helmets, armour, the whole gear on. All of their weapons were padded, swords, clubs, battle axes, spears, etc. They even had cross bow arrows with largely padded tips. It all started out slow, shooting arrows at each other, bunch of yelling. It got to the point where it was kind of like this sucks. But then they went into full on battle, like really beating the crap out of each other with these padded weapons, it was awesome. I was like, "GO BLUE!, man I should have brought my axe!" Again the looks, and I didn't even have on my sea turtle swimsuit. Whatever. Then it was over and the advancing army took the bridge. One last thing, after shooting a few arrows off at the range, I think I have found another weapon, this awesomely hand crafted Long Bow. I spoke with the guy who makes them and I am saving my pennies, it was just that cool.

Still progressing ahead with my training goals and really enjoying time with my girls. It really doesn't get much better than this. Mountains and Kung Fu and family. I am having trouble with a few parts of different forms and stance transitions in my Tia Chi homework but I am starting to lose the hulk smash approach...... slowly. Glad to hear the demo was a great success and it sounds like the Death Race crew is killing it up there. See you at the kwoon.