Form Focus

 I’ve been working on my forms in different ways. I’ve been breaking down certain parts and working on connecting my 6 harmonies. It was a great, sweaty class on Tuesday focused on forms as well. I believe I’m starting to see some positive progress, and its definitely helping my mindset. 

Although my knee still swells and is tired after doing forms, its moving more to simply tired than painful or sore, so I’m hoping that is positive progress as well. I’m trying to focus on rebuilding and working through the pain spots. 

Push ups- 20,365

Sit ups and equivalent time with plank - 20,885

Form reps - Hand 532 Weapon 290

AOK’s - 578

Sparring - 405

KM’s - 1049

Blogs - 30

Momentary Memory Blip

 Last week, after a particularly stressful day/week trying to catch up from vacation I had a memory blip. I’m not going to call it memory loss, as that just plain scares me, so it was a blip. 

Getting ready for class I went to put on my belt and I completely couldn’t remember how to tie it properly. The more I tried, the more frustrated I became. I’ve been tying this belt for 12 years - what the heck is wrong with me!!?? I gave up and had Don tie it for when I got to class. 

It may to some not be a big deal, but this bothered me. A lot. I didn’t sleep well for 3 days. Part of the stress I believe is due to my moms (and grandma’s) dementia. But I also believe I overthought it, and once I was able to calm down and think rationally about it, I do realize it was more brain overload than anything. I still find it hard to believe that happened with such a basic thing I have been doing for so long. 

Belt was tied with no issues today…. And I’ve stopped overthinking it. 

Push ups- 19,690

Sit ups and equivalent time with plank - 20,210

Form reps - Hand 517 Weapon 285

AOK’s - 556

Sparring - 405

KM’s - 1015

Blogs - 29

Progression

 I had provided a quick update mid week as I missed my weekly blog last Sunday. I had a great week with my cousin and her husband that I haven’t seen in over 10 years. Although it was a busy week, it was much needed, special time spent together, and new memories made. As a young child I was very close to all of my cousins and we spent all of our time together, so these special times in adulthood are precious to me. Being in separate provinces also doesn’t help, so we make the most of our time together. 

In last weeks IHC class Sifu Rybak asked us to choose 3 goals to specifically work on. Two of the three I chose came very easily as I was already working on them thanks to great feedback from other instructors previously. The 3rd took a bit of thought, but I believe they all tie in together to help my progression. 

My goals chosen were connecting my top half and bottom half, timing in my technique’s to finish together, and breathing with my technique’s, and through my forms. Six harmonies is a large part of this. My harmonies and connecting everything has been off since my surgery. I am so used to favoring one side it has become comfortable and feels ‘right’. Outside eyes and feedback has shown me how off I still am, and I am working on correcting, and trying to get my true forms back again. 

While I realize there is a new normal now, and my limits have changed, I still need to work on connecting my harmonies consistently. It is always a work in progress and I need to renind myself that I need the check ins to see if I am actually progressing. 

Push ups- 19,220

Sit ups and equivalent time with plank - 19,740

Form reps - Hand 512 Weapon 280

AOK’s - 539

Sparring - 405

KM’s - 981

Blogs - 28

Quick Update

 I have family visiting that I haven’t seen for over 10 years the last few days. It has been great visiting and catching up, but busy. They are only here until tomorrow. I’ll post a better blog on the weekend! Numbers as of this past Saturday.

Push ups- 18,415

Sit ups and equivalent time with plank - 19,020

Form reps - Hand 484 Weapon 262

AOK’s - 516

Sparring - 405

KM’s - 942

Blogs - 27

Adaptability

 We participated in the Cultural Campfire with a Dragon and Lion dance this week, and it was another fun day. It also showed how we need to be adaptable to our surroundings. We had a plan of how we were going to perform the dragon dance, and then upon arrival realized there were some added obstacles to our plan. As we didn’t get a chance to rehearse before our demo, we needed to be adaptable in the moment. I believe it went really well, with only one little hiccup which we quickly sorted out due to space. It is such a beautiful little ‘park’ in the middle of town, and it always feels special to be a part of it. I’m thankful we are a part of such a great community and able to participate in such events. 

Push ups- 17,750

Sit ups and equivalent time with plank - 18,425

Form reps - Hand 471 Weapon 248

AOK’s - 498

Sparring - 405

KM’s - 911

Blogs - 26

Insight and Perspective

 I was able to receive some great and appreciated feedback this week. First in our class on Tuesday, we worked on different sections of Mlong Kuen which really helped me gain some perspective and knowledge about the form in those pieces. I’ll admit I was a bit overwhelmed at some points trying to take it all in, but it was a great class. I am about halfway (??) through the form, but behind where I would like to be. Then in class on Thursday I received some great feedback on my weapon form, and also had a great discussion with Sifu Hayes about rebuilding. 

I won’t get into too much detail, but this is exactly what I needed to help propel me forward and get my butt in another gear. I learned a lot about rebuilding from my surgery, and ways to proceed. I’ve been feeling stuck and frustrated with my progress and how my knee still feels. With the great insight about the personal journey from another person, I believe it will help me greatly. 

Now to get to work on making a plan to make it happen! Thank you Sifu Hayes and Sihing Y Csillag. Your insight and time mean a great deal to me! 

Push ups- 17,100

Sit ups and equivalent time with plank - 17,875

Form reps - Hand 459 Weapon 242

AOK’s - 481

Sparring - 385

KM’s - 872

Blogs - 25

Better Week

 It was a better week, and I’m happy with my progress. After the last 3 weeks it almost felt like a vacation lol. I was able to get back to a mostly normal routine, and it felt good to actually make some positive progress. 

Canada Day was a busy one, but it was a lot of fun. Having a table at the event was a great way to connect with the community. Our table was very intreractive, with a lot of positive feedback from all who stopped by. I hope we see some interest from it at the school. 

Everyone did a great job with their demos! Well done A team, and the rest at Rotary park as well. I managed to stay on my feet when I stepped on a piece of plastic on an already slippery floor when doing the dragon dance, so that was a plus. A terrifying flash went through my head of taking the whole dragon down and everyone with it! Crisis averted thankfully lol. 

Push ups- 16,550

Sit ups and equivalent time with plank - 17,050

Form reps - Hand 448 Weapon 230

AOK’s - 459

Sparring - 375

KM’s - 834

Blogs - 24