This is a powerful word ownership. It's a shame that it almost appears to be a discipline that is going extinct...fast. I myself have let the discipline of my own personal ownership slip into an abyss of uncontrolled madness. So many things have happened to me this year. Some of which I have shared openly with the few I trust, other things on a much larger scale, I have shared with no one. It's just the way it had to be and as result many things have suffered but not unrestorable. My passion towards my Kung Fu and work took a back seat to everything else that was going on. However, if those passions weren't as strong as they were, I would have definitely had a tougher time getting through them. Absence from the kwoon is very damaging. You cannot possibly invest that much time into your physical and mental growth and expect to just shut it off and run on reserve. But that's what I did. Never realizing at the time how when I thought I needed to swap around my priorities in order to facilitate my adaptations in order to push through, just how much further I knocked myself off of the path and relaxed the reigns on my ownership. Anger can completely corrupt your mind and lead you astray quite easily. It can turn you into a different person with different beliefs. Mix this emotion with some ego and a severe back stabbing and who knows where you will end up. But if severe enough, it will change you whether you like it or not. I'm not a weak minded person nor do I tolerate any kind of over demanding control in my life by others. But some where along the way, I relaxed my grip on what is mine and what I believe in. At the moment though I couldn't see a damn thing, all I could see was someone needed my time or assistance and because of my ethics of hard work and strong will, I took on everything I possibly could all at the same time.
But you see, if you don't continually maintain your strengths and passions and keep them in front of you, no matter how strong you are, you will fall into areas you don't venture and begin to adopt the mindset you are surrounded by. This will only happen if you let it. But when the exposure is so high and you don't maintain, you can't help but become a part of it. Suddenly your mixed up in a group of people that are judgemental, refuse to take accountability for their actions, lack any sort of standards or pride, and constantly put blame on everything and everyone around them. The exact kind of people that I try to avoid and have disassociated myself from in the past. The kind of people I can't stand to look at and am embarrassed to hell by. Fighting this battle of my own beliefs and morals and being surrounded by this stuff took it's toll for sure, but in the end it worked out. In the end I took back what was mine, I took complete ownership what it is I am and what it is I am about.
The moment of clarity for me was memorizing mastery and the energy I get from the kwoon that wasn't as present on a potent level. Also a class I attended just over two weeks ago on a Wednesday made a huge difference and influence on me. I received three different points of critique on a single form from three different Black Belts and in a matter of an hour, all my problems where balanced. Also the words that were passed onto the class that evening really hit home for me. They were words that shook me to the bone and I will never forget.
I didn't really see the overall importance of memorizing mastery. Running on ignorance, I read it and thought, "Well this is pretty straight forward, thanks king of the obvious! Why should I memorize this?" I understand why now. If you actually take the time to memorize this and recite it before your day begins, this is a tool that will keep you in check on every single thing you do and will remind you why you are doing what you are and what you don't want to be. Mediocre. It's kind of cool really and this alone punched me right square in the face and helped me get back on track. My teachers and mentors are everything to me as is where I train. I didn't want to bring my darkness into the kwoon with me. I didn't want to expose that person to the kwoon or for that matter anyone in it. I needed the time to be alone, an isolation from everything. I am a thinker and I solve my problems before I venture forth. Smaller ones are no big deal, but ones on a much larger scale require time and they must be balanced or else I become unbalanced and this is no good. The fog has finally lifted and I am on the recovery to take back what was mine, to take complete control of my life. To hold myself and others around me accountable. To take full and complete ownership of my Kung Fu, my work, my family and my passions. To embrace my masters and mentors and all of their teachings. Has this all cost me valuable time? Perhaps, but if I run out I'll go look for some. The year isn't over yet and I have a lot to do. See you at the Kwoon.
Tuesday, 15 September 2015
Thursday, 20 August 2015
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.
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.
Saturday, 1 August 2015
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.
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.
Thursday, 30 July 2015
Venturing Off the Path
I'm not really sure how to start this blog or for that matter where it is going to go but it is my responsibility and a requirement that I have not been maintaining and as a result I have installed doubt in my peers and those above me as to whether I am training or not or meeting my requirements. This must be repaired before it is too late, or perhaps it may already be too late. Either way all I can do is tell you what has been going on.
Lots has been going on, everyday in regards to my Kung Fu. Just because you haven't seen me, doesn't mean nothing is happening. This doesn't mean I have quit. Yes I have had some issues, lots of them, and I can assure you they are not excuses, they are what's happening, they are life. None of which have stopped me, they slowed me down, but I never quit. I train with passion and heart all the time, there is no sub standard acceptance and I never think anything is good enough. I am no stranger to mastery and what it takes. The sacrifices, the blood, sweat and tears, the mistakes and the triumphs. The drive and the pain and the ability to adapt and overcome. Once this is installed in your life, it never leaves you. It only leaves you if you let it or never welcome it in the first place. Everyone's journey is unique and you are going to run into several perspectives, none of which are golden, except one part, yes or no. Simple right? or it at least it should be.
I sometimes have the tendency to venture off on my own. It's not that I run away from things, I run from nothing. There are times where I like to be by myself, doing what I love to do and be in the moment. This is how I sort things out and stay focused. I am a private person and it's not really that I don't care or I turn my back on commitments. This couldn't be farther from the truth. All that has been told to me, shown to me, and words of encouragment are all something I hold close and respect. I guess ultimately this wouldn't be such a big deal if I just shared what's happening once a week. It wouldn't be so questionable if you seen or heard something from me. I have made several public statements, many of which are or have happened, yet nobody on the I Ho Chuan or the kwoon has seen or heard any action or for that matter anything. Other things have not happened and have come off as lip service, that is something I have to repair and make right. That is some thing that I have to live with. It does leave a sting, as I am the type of person that always folows through on what I say I am going to do. I understand I have let people down as a result, so for the next while that's all you are going to see and hear, exactly what I am doing. I haven't forgotten my goals or what I have set out to do. I haven't forgotten I am on a team and I am needed. I havent forgotten that I am to meet a standard that must be approved by those before me. I haven't forgotten a damn thing. I have always been there, just traveling from a distance. I try to respond to all posts and comment or at least give a +1 to let everyone know I'm out there, I read your stuff, and I support you, instead of just leaving people hanging there like a jerk. I am sorry if I have been a bad team mate and I meant no disrespect to anyone. I will make this right, but actions speak louder than words. So buckle up, watch and learn. I will prove to you all I have what it takes and then some. See you (very soon) at the kwoon.
Lots has been going on, everyday in regards to my Kung Fu. Just because you haven't seen me, doesn't mean nothing is happening. This doesn't mean I have quit. Yes I have had some issues, lots of them, and I can assure you they are not excuses, they are what's happening, they are life. None of which have stopped me, they slowed me down, but I never quit. I train with passion and heart all the time, there is no sub standard acceptance and I never think anything is good enough. I am no stranger to mastery and what it takes. The sacrifices, the blood, sweat and tears, the mistakes and the triumphs. The drive and the pain and the ability to adapt and overcome. Once this is installed in your life, it never leaves you. It only leaves you if you let it or never welcome it in the first place. Everyone's journey is unique and you are going to run into several perspectives, none of which are golden, except one part, yes or no. Simple right? or it at least it should be.
I sometimes have the tendency to venture off on my own. It's not that I run away from things, I run from nothing. There are times where I like to be by myself, doing what I love to do and be in the moment. This is how I sort things out and stay focused. I am a private person and it's not really that I don't care or I turn my back on commitments. This couldn't be farther from the truth. All that has been told to me, shown to me, and words of encouragment are all something I hold close and respect. I guess ultimately this wouldn't be such a big deal if I just shared what's happening once a week. It wouldn't be so questionable if you seen or heard something from me. I have made several public statements, many of which are or have happened, yet nobody on the I Ho Chuan or the kwoon has seen or heard any action or for that matter anything. Other things have not happened and have come off as lip service, that is something I have to repair and make right. That is some thing that I have to live with. It does leave a sting, as I am the type of person that always folows through on what I say I am going to do. I understand I have let people down as a result, so for the next while that's all you are going to see and hear, exactly what I am doing. I haven't forgotten my goals or what I have set out to do. I haven't forgotten I am on a team and I am needed. I havent forgotten that I am to meet a standard that must be approved by those before me. I haven't forgotten a damn thing. I have always been there, just traveling from a distance. I try to respond to all posts and comment or at least give a +1 to let everyone know I'm out there, I read your stuff, and I support you, instead of just leaving people hanging there like a jerk. I am sorry if I have been a bad team mate and I meant no disrespect to anyone. I will make this right, but actions speak louder than words. So buckle up, watch and learn. I will prove to you all I have what it takes and then some. See you (very soon) at the kwoon.
Monday, 29 June 2015
The Reset of Engagement
Every since I have been a student at Silent River I have never missed a boot camp with the exception of the last two years due to my work schedule and pre planned vacation. This absence left me feeling like I missed a level of skill advancement and an important tool of personal engagement. I have seen and experienced some epic boot camps and some highly dedicated and skilled Black Belts share their time and knowledge so others could become better martial artists. I have also witnessed many students evolve and leave at the end of the day with a glow and a mind set that they didn't have when they first arrived in the morning. At the end of the day, when we are all together, the presence of energy that you can feel amongst everyone is just simply indescribable. Boot camp for me has been, and probably will continue to be, one of the most important school events. Every time I leave, I leave with new found knowledge, goals, and a strong feeling of accomplishment. This is why I am extremely grateful and excited that I was able to attend this year.
This Boot Camp for me was the best one I have ever attended. The mix of seminars was awesome. The Six Harmonies and Chi cultivation absolutely blew my mind straight out of my skull. Since I have been practicing Qi Gong Five animal form, I can usually feel my Chi very quickly during the opening sequence and from there it just becomes stronger. I feel incredible after I do that form. However, I have never took my Chi to the level that I did on Saturday. Externally with Nye Gong (spelling??) I felt like I could literally smash the wall out of the school with my Chi alone. (Sifu Vantuil, if your reading this I am coming your way. I want to learn more and start to practice Tai Chi from your guidance.) It was almost scary the amount of power I felt and how in touch I was with it. The depth of my thoughts and the awareness of what is going on in my body and thoughts was pretty wild. I could see the negative energies and toxins. I could also see incredible detail to happiness and just how far I have come and how I got there from the beginning of my life. I went off some where deep, almost to the point where I could feel all parts of the earth. Wild. Then when Sifu Brinker asked us to envision an apple's life from the beginning to reaching us, I could see the roots in the ground, feel the sun, feel the apple growing, being part of it's trip to me. It was incredible.
Shaolin Fitness led by Sifu Masterson will always keep you honest. Sifu always has a great variety, leaves you with something to work on, and keeps it a lot of fun. The Striking seminar taught by Sifu Masterson and Sifu R Langner taught me the importance of the partnership when you are working with the shields. I liked how it was demonstrated and explained as to the guy with the shields being the coach. It made a lot of sense and left me with a better understanding of training with a partner.
I really enjoyed this weapon seminar led by Sifu B. Beckett. I think I have found another weapon that I would like to work with in the future. Sifu did such a good job demonstrating the Broad Sword and it was a privilege to be part of her shared expertise. This weapon felt really good and I started to feel quite comfortable with it. I found the most important advice of keeping the left hand part of the mechanics but clear of removal an eye opener. When you haven't trained with a sword, you don't even think of that really, but it wouldn't take much to remove your own hand that's for sure.
Learning strategies led by Sifu Rybak opened up my eyes as to how far I have let my eye for detail slip. I really liked Sifu's approach to this. It made me think about the positions I have taken in my classes and how complacent some of my passions and engagements have become in certain aspects and areas of my training. I learned a lot from Sifu about leaving your experience in the back of your mind and starting each class and lesson as it is the very first time you have ever set foot in the kwoon. Maybe Sifu didn't say that directly, but that is how I deciphered it and that is how I am going to approach my Kung Fu.
The Wing Chun seminar was awesome. I was really excited to try some of the very same discipline as Bruce Lee's beginning. Way cool! The fist position, the blocks, the stance, the speed and efficiency, the similar circular mechanics was a nice taste of something different. Sifu Pyrozko was a pretty cool cat, as was his assistant. I also felt very proud to be a student of Silent River after Sifu Pyrozko's kind words of how he was impressed with the students abilities. To me it say's a lot about our teachers and a lot about the students dedication and respect to the art and the skill set that is practiced at our school.
The flying kick seminar led by Sifu M. Playter was an opportunity that I took a lot of things from. Sifu basically broke down the mechanics and showed us the tools to perfect our flying kicks. I think with some serious dedication and practice to the techniques that we where taught, they would help in several aspects of spinning techniques. To achieve height, maintain centering, timing, landing etc. Not only that, but what I learned during this seminar can also be applied to my weapon form that I am working on. Cool stuff.
I enjoyed the grappling seminar led by Sifu Lietz for a few reasons. For one, he is a great teacher and made it a lot of fun. But the main reason is this is an area in my training that I haven't practiced a whole lot and in some ways I have kept a bit of a closed mind to it. But after this seminar I have a new found interest in grappling and appreciate and respect all that is involved. That and to me it was cool to work with someone as highly skilled as Sifu Lietz. Also it was great to not only see Sifu Lindstrom but I appreciate all of the help he gave me and my partner.
Psychology of defence was a boat load of information and awareness in some areas that I never really think of. I've never heard such a detail of the different levels of predators all around us and a lot of Sifu Brinkers words hit home for me. Such as awareness and knowledge to apply to my own well being as well as my girls. I have a pretty good sense on people and what to look out for. But to have it broken down to the levels we were taught and the whole mental aspect of it left me with a better understanding and how to not only pick up on these situations from other aspects, but just how far am I willing to go to enforce the well being of myself or my family. It's easy to think and say what you would do, but in a real life situation, What would you do? Good Seminar.
Last but not least, the knife offense techniques we learned from Sifu Frietag gave me another level of respect towards knives and just how dangerous and completely devastating they can be. These simple but deadly techniques were highly effective and would immediately immobilize someone very quickly. I really enjoyed this knowledge that was passed on because there was also some demonstrations of proper handling and what some of the risks are as a handler of the knife. Such as the possibility of actually snapping the blade off and completely disarming yourself. All in all, good stuff. I wasn't sure though which was scarier, the knife or Sifu's giggles while she demonstrated these techniques?
It was a real shame that we couldn't do the fitness test. This is a very straight approach to exposing your strengths and weaknesses. This gives you a very detailed tool that will help give you a format to lay out a training discipline for the year and to help you prepare for your grading. That and the pain and stiffness you feel the next day let's you know just how awesome of a day you had and the accomplishment you achieved.
Well if your still awake or chose to read all of this, I can assure you once again I have left another boot camp with knowledge, new found interests and discoveries, challenges and goals for the future that I am going to pursue. It completely reset my engagement. I apologize for the length of this blog but I couldn't just put this all in a nutshell... it was just that influential and that exciting and I hope it turns more students in this direction because it will be one of the better day's anyone could be a part of.
Thanks again to all of the Sifu's that took the time out of their day to make an incredible boot camp, it's really appreciated. Also thanks to all of the people that I had the privilege to share the day with, you guy's are awesome! See you at the kwoon.
This Boot Camp for me was the best one I have ever attended. The mix of seminars was awesome. The Six Harmonies and Chi cultivation absolutely blew my mind straight out of my skull. Since I have been practicing Qi Gong Five animal form, I can usually feel my Chi very quickly during the opening sequence and from there it just becomes stronger. I feel incredible after I do that form. However, I have never took my Chi to the level that I did on Saturday. Externally with Nye Gong (spelling??) I felt like I could literally smash the wall out of the school with my Chi alone. (Sifu Vantuil, if your reading this I am coming your way. I want to learn more and start to practice Tai Chi from your guidance.) It was almost scary the amount of power I felt and how in touch I was with it. The depth of my thoughts and the awareness of what is going on in my body and thoughts was pretty wild. I could see the negative energies and toxins. I could also see incredible detail to happiness and just how far I have come and how I got there from the beginning of my life. I went off some where deep, almost to the point where I could feel all parts of the earth. Wild. Then when Sifu Brinker asked us to envision an apple's life from the beginning to reaching us, I could see the roots in the ground, feel the sun, feel the apple growing, being part of it's trip to me. It was incredible.
Shaolin Fitness led by Sifu Masterson will always keep you honest. Sifu always has a great variety, leaves you with something to work on, and keeps it a lot of fun. The Striking seminar taught by Sifu Masterson and Sifu R Langner taught me the importance of the partnership when you are working with the shields. I liked how it was demonstrated and explained as to the guy with the shields being the coach. It made a lot of sense and left me with a better understanding of training with a partner.
I really enjoyed this weapon seminar led by Sifu B. Beckett. I think I have found another weapon that I would like to work with in the future. Sifu did such a good job demonstrating the Broad Sword and it was a privilege to be part of her shared expertise. This weapon felt really good and I started to feel quite comfortable with it. I found the most important advice of keeping the left hand part of the mechanics but clear of removal an eye opener. When you haven't trained with a sword, you don't even think of that really, but it wouldn't take much to remove your own hand that's for sure.
Learning strategies led by Sifu Rybak opened up my eyes as to how far I have let my eye for detail slip. I really liked Sifu's approach to this. It made me think about the positions I have taken in my classes and how complacent some of my passions and engagements have become in certain aspects and areas of my training. I learned a lot from Sifu about leaving your experience in the back of your mind and starting each class and lesson as it is the very first time you have ever set foot in the kwoon. Maybe Sifu didn't say that directly, but that is how I deciphered it and that is how I am going to approach my Kung Fu.
The Wing Chun seminar was awesome. I was really excited to try some of the very same discipline as Bruce Lee's beginning. Way cool! The fist position, the blocks, the stance, the speed and efficiency, the similar circular mechanics was a nice taste of something different. Sifu Pyrozko was a pretty cool cat, as was his assistant. I also felt very proud to be a student of Silent River after Sifu Pyrozko's kind words of how he was impressed with the students abilities. To me it say's a lot about our teachers and a lot about the students dedication and respect to the art and the skill set that is practiced at our school.
The flying kick seminar led by Sifu M. Playter was an opportunity that I took a lot of things from. Sifu basically broke down the mechanics and showed us the tools to perfect our flying kicks. I think with some serious dedication and practice to the techniques that we where taught, they would help in several aspects of spinning techniques. To achieve height, maintain centering, timing, landing etc. Not only that, but what I learned during this seminar can also be applied to my weapon form that I am working on. Cool stuff.
I enjoyed the grappling seminar led by Sifu Lietz for a few reasons. For one, he is a great teacher and made it a lot of fun. But the main reason is this is an area in my training that I haven't practiced a whole lot and in some ways I have kept a bit of a closed mind to it. But after this seminar I have a new found interest in grappling and appreciate and respect all that is involved. That and to me it was cool to work with someone as highly skilled as Sifu Lietz. Also it was great to not only see Sifu Lindstrom but I appreciate all of the help he gave me and my partner.
Psychology of defence was a boat load of information and awareness in some areas that I never really think of. I've never heard such a detail of the different levels of predators all around us and a lot of Sifu Brinkers words hit home for me. Such as awareness and knowledge to apply to my own well being as well as my girls. I have a pretty good sense on people and what to look out for. But to have it broken down to the levels we were taught and the whole mental aspect of it left me with a better understanding and how to not only pick up on these situations from other aspects, but just how far am I willing to go to enforce the well being of myself or my family. It's easy to think and say what you would do, but in a real life situation, What would you do? Good Seminar.
Last but not least, the knife offense techniques we learned from Sifu Frietag gave me another level of respect towards knives and just how dangerous and completely devastating they can be. These simple but deadly techniques were highly effective and would immediately immobilize someone very quickly. I really enjoyed this knowledge that was passed on because there was also some demonstrations of proper handling and what some of the risks are as a handler of the knife. Such as the possibility of actually snapping the blade off and completely disarming yourself. All in all, good stuff. I wasn't sure though which was scarier, the knife or Sifu's giggles while she demonstrated these techniques?
It was a real shame that we couldn't do the fitness test. This is a very straight approach to exposing your strengths and weaknesses. This gives you a very detailed tool that will help give you a format to lay out a training discipline for the year and to help you prepare for your grading. That and the pain and stiffness you feel the next day let's you know just how awesome of a day you had and the accomplishment you achieved.
Well if your still awake or chose to read all of this, I can assure you once again I have left another boot camp with knowledge, new found interests and discoveries, challenges and goals for the future that I am going to pursue. It completely reset my engagement. I apologize for the length of this blog but I couldn't just put this all in a nutshell... it was just that influential and that exciting and I hope it turns more students in this direction because it will be one of the better day's anyone could be a part of.
Thanks again to all of the Sifu's that took the time out of their day to make an incredible boot camp, it's really appreciated. Also thanks to all of the people that I had the privilege to share the day with, you guy's are awesome! See you at the kwoon.
Sunday, 14 June 2015
Sustainability
This is an area over the last year that has been a huge challenge for me. If you picture three columns, one representing Kung Fu, one representing work, and finally family/personal life, it would be a site to behold. Two of the three fluctuate between 6-8 ft. but one you would see towering above at about 50 ft. and rising, that is a huge imbalance. An imbalance that has been reeving havoc on me and making it very difficult to try to maintain. Things left behind, demanded priorities out of my control that have taken my full attention and focus or have been either hog tied and thrown into a corner or pinned to my back and multiplying at an accelerating rate. I am no stranger to this and have fought and scratched my way through it all and remained standing.
This last while I had to even up the imbalance, it had to be done. I have no issues adapting to whatever falls into my path, but you can only carry on this way for so long before you have to fix it and make it right. You can either have a serious meltdown and do something stupid out of purely irrational thoughts or make some temporary sacrifices to make it right. I chose the latter. I took a hold of an opportunity and ran with it. My job finished recently and my family priorities have settled, it was time to knock down over 100 items that have been on hold, am I am not overly exaggerating on this. I closed the door on everything and everybody this last while in order to regain the control of my situation that has been slipping for sometime now. Without going into fine details about it all, I can confidently say I have left a pile of carnage behind me and feel good about everything. Those three columns at the moment are fluctuating in unison and I am in a good place. I am ready for just about anything or if I'm not, I have the space to adjust, adapt and overcome. Just like it is supposed to be. Positive thoughts and restoration of complete control over my life is in motion. I am not constantly fighting and being pulled around by events and situations because I have cleared the clutter and my mind, and most importantly my closest and dearest friend, my wife, is healing very well. That has been my first and foremost priority. The smoke is cleared so it's back on the path full speed ahead.
I have received news of two tragedies that have occurred recently and rather than think about how this will effect me, I looked at how this is going to effect them and others around them and just how I am going to help. Never take anything for granted, because you could blink and it will be gone, that and there are people with far more issues than anybody is this country would ever see or understand. Stopping and looking at what you have and being grateful for it is key and that's where I am at.
Finally, I want you guys on the team to understand I am well aware that I have been carried by you for sometime now. I don't think I am special or my life is way harder than yours, or I am entitled to a break because of my situations. I struggle with asking for help and I am a private person, my problems are my problems and I will deal with them, that's it. However I do realize the selfishness and the effects of some of my actions on the team and have no problem being accountable to them. That's easy to say but doing something about it through action is just as important. So I will do just that. My contributions have been minimal as has been my presence. I have sacrificed my integrity on a few fronts and have probably installed question to as where I am at, and what the hell I am doing. I get that. Some of you may understand, some of you may not. I get that too. This will all change very soon. I am on a fresh start with new direction, rebuilt focus and determination, a new job that is going to be awesome, and some killer training on the rise. I have achieved something that I didn't think I was going to see for sometime, but continuing to fight, adapt and prioritize and restore control of my life and direction has lead me to sustainability. See you at the kwoon.
This last while I had to even up the imbalance, it had to be done. I have no issues adapting to whatever falls into my path, but you can only carry on this way for so long before you have to fix it and make it right. You can either have a serious meltdown and do something stupid out of purely irrational thoughts or make some temporary sacrifices to make it right. I chose the latter. I took a hold of an opportunity and ran with it. My job finished recently and my family priorities have settled, it was time to knock down over 100 items that have been on hold, am I am not overly exaggerating on this. I closed the door on everything and everybody this last while in order to regain the control of my situation that has been slipping for sometime now. Without going into fine details about it all, I can confidently say I have left a pile of carnage behind me and feel good about everything. Those three columns at the moment are fluctuating in unison and I am in a good place. I am ready for just about anything or if I'm not, I have the space to adjust, adapt and overcome. Just like it is supposed to be. Positive thoughts and restoration of complete control over my life is in motion. I am not constantly fighting and being pulled around by events and situations because I have cleared the clutter and my mind, and most importantly my closest and dearest friend, my wife, is healing very well. That has been my first and foremost priority. The smoke is cleared so it's back on the path full speed ahead.
I have received news of two tragedies that have occurred recently and rather than think about how this will effect me, I looked at how this is going to effect them and others around them and just how I am going to help. Never take anything for granted, because you could blink and it will be gone, that and there are people with far more issues than anybody is this country would ever see or understand. Stopping and looking at what you have and being grateful for it is key and that's where I am at.
Finally, I want you guys on the team to understand I am well aware that I have been carried by you for sometime now. I don't think I am special or my life is way harder than yours, or I am entitled to a break because of my situations. I struggle with asking for help and I am a private person, my problems are my problems and I will deal with them, that's it. However I do realize the selfishness and the effects of some of my actions on the team and have no problem being accountable to them. That's easy to say but doing something about it through action is just as important. So I will do just that. My contributions have been minimal as has been my presence. I have sacrificed my integrity on a few fronts and have probably installed question to as where I am at, and what the hell I am doing. I get that. Some of you may understand, some of you may not. I get that too. This will all change very soon. I am on a fresh start with new direction, rebuilt focus and determination, a new job that is going to be awesome, and some killer training on the rise. I have achieved something that I didn't think I was going to see for sometime, but continuing to fight, adapt and prioritize and restore control of my life and direction has lead me to sustainability. See you at the kwoon.
Friday, 5 June 2015
Disrupting the Circle
I'll be the first to admit I struggle with asking others for help. I don't like to impose burden on others and therefore I have always chose to find my own way for the most part. I have taken many a long roads with this approach and many bouts of frustration. I have always thought that's how you learn and that is how you become highly skilled. Don't get me wrong, a lot of people have shared their knowledge with me but for the most part, I was approached more than I asked for help, either way I am grateful for all of them. To me the mindset was you educate yourself and never take the easy way by going straight to the answer. However some of my most influential teachers and mentors didn't take this approach. Someone that really wants to see you excel will share many ways to accomplish or find the answer to a problem without giving you the solution because they recognize we are all different and we all think and act different and no one has the right to take that experience from you. This is why several avenues shown will be the most beneficial to whatever it is you are trying to accomplish at a high skill set. Not asking for help has struck a thought with me tonight at the school and made me look at the big picture and just how damaging of a ripple effect you can cause with this mindset because I believe also no one has the right to keep others from excelling out of shear stubbornness or not using the opportunity that is right in front of you.
I have had a major realization of how me not asking for help is preventing others above me and around me to advance and become better martial artists. If you take a good look at all of our Black Belts in the school, they are all skilled, but each and everyone has a strong point that at the drop of a hat, they want to share that knowledge. They are passionate about the art, but not only that, they are all trying to advance themselves. So when you don't ask questions or you don't ask for help or advice, you are putting a stall on everything, you are pouring super glue on the gears of excellence. All skill advancement for everyone becomes slow and stagnant. Kung Fu works in a circle, as does the lineage and skill level of the school. Every time someone helps another, the circle continues and advancement and skill potency continues to evolve. You learn something, others learn something, and sometimes new discoveries are made that help and improve everyone's skills at all levels. Your problems or struggles can help so many others, all you have to do is ask for help or advice. An important factor to remember is at some point someone has been there or knows someone that has and they want to help. So instead of making jerks out of them or myself, my mission is to use the help that is right in front of me and help others including myself along the way. It won't be easy, but it's not all about me, it's about us as martial artists. Maybe I am talking straight out of butt on this but either way, see you at the kwoon.
I have had a major realization of how me not asking for help is preventing others above me and around me to advance and become better martial artists. If you take a good look at all of our Black Belts in the school, they are all skilled, but each and everyone has a strong point that at the drop of a hat, they want to share that knowledge. They are passionate about the art, but not only that, they are all trying to advance themselves. So when you don't ask questions or you don't ask for help or advice, you are putting a stall on everything, you are pouring super glue on the gears of excellence. All skill advancement for everyone becomes slow and stagnant. Kung Fu works in a circle, as does the lineage and skill level of the school. Every time someone helps another, the circle continues and advancement and skill potency continues to evolve. You learn something, others learn something, and sometimes new discoveries are made that help and improve everyone's skills at all levels. Your problems or struggles can help so many others, all you have to do is ask for help or advice. An important factor to remember is at some point someone has been there or knows someone that has and they want to help. So instead of making jerks out of them or myself, my mission is to use the help that is right in front of me and help others including myself along the way. It won't be easy, but it's not all about me, it's about us as martial artists. Maybe I am talking straight out of butt on this but either way, see you at the kwoon.
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