A Fond Farewell

After 7 years I am bidding a fond farewell to the I Ho Chuan team. Not only for myself as I won’t be joining for the year of the Horse, but as the IHC as we knew it. A new Era awaits this years team, and I am excited for them all. Not a goodbye forever, but for now.

I have my goals set for the coming year, and I carry forward with me all of the tools I was gratefully provided in my years on the team. Opportunities that will be benefit me for life. I will definitely miss the team and learning as a team, but I will continue to be as big of a part of the school as I can. 

The Chinese New Year banquet is always my favorite event of the year. Congratulations to all the award winners, the degree promotions, and our two newest black belts. This event always renews my gratitude for being part of such an amazing group of people. I’m so thankful for all of you. 

Some goals were successful this past year, and some will continue to the coming year for a revamp. I’ve posted my final numbers for the year of the Smake, and I look forward to seeing what the year of the Horse has in store. Wishing the team an amazing year ahead.

Push ups- 33,820

Sit ups and equivalent time with plank - 32,725

Form reps - Hand 784 Weapon 505

AOK’s - 1017

Sparring - 615

KM’s - 2077

Blogs - 55

Push up Challenge

 Some of my team at work are taking part in the February Canada wide push up challenge to raise awareness and funds for mental health, and more specifically suicide. 2000 push ups in 23 days. While I’m not taking part in the challenge to raise funds, I’m doing the push ups alongside them. It’s been fun to help support them in their goal, and have some fun team competition. 

The reason I am not in this challenge is I am walking in the coldest night of the year again this year, and raising funds for the Parkland food bank and the homeless in our community. This is my 10th year supporting this great cause, and have raised over $25,000 in those years with our team. The walk is on February 28th and raising funds for these two challenges are too close together to do both for myself. I’m proud to work alongside the team as almost everyone is doing one of the challenges. Both raise funds for great and much needed causes. 

Push ups- 32,330

Sit ups and equivalent time with plank - 31,630

Form reps - Hand 770 Weapon 461

AOK’s - 984

Sparring - 590

KM’s - 2008

Blogs - 54

February Already

 It’s hard to believe a full month has flown by for 2026 already. Time seems to go faster the older I get. 3 weeks until the Chinese New Year banquet. I’ve been focusing on my weapon form for the banquet with timing, vector, stances, and finishing my moves clear and concise. While practicing this time of year is more focused on what is needed for the banquet, I have to remind myself to not forget about everything else. 

I have my goals set for next year, even though I am not on the team. I believe whether on the team or not, this is important for me to keep making positive progress. The goals are a little different than being on the team, but still important to me, and made to align with what I need for specific accomplishments in the next year.

Push ups- 31,410

Sit ups and equivalent time with plank - 31,190

Form reps - Hand 745 Weapon 429

AOK’s - 957

Sparring - 565

KM’s - 1979

Blogs - 53

First Miss

 Last week was the first time this year I missed a blog! It was a busy week getting back to a regular schedule and the days flew by. No excuses just the fact of the week. My numbers in this blog will include the two last weeks instead of one. I’m stil working on getting back to a regular training schedule, but numbers are improving each day. 

It was a fantastic week for Kung Fu. Starting with the black belt ceremony. This day means a lot not only in welcoming the new black belts, but an opportunity to reconfirm my commitment to the school and the martial art of Kung Fu. Black belt class was a wonderful sweat fest with lots going on and back to basics. I was tired after 3 days of classes, but energized. 

It’s hard to believe it’s the end of January and only 3 weeks left in the year of the Snake. I’ve decided not to join the IHC for the year of the Horse. This does not mean there will be less Kung Fu but rather it will look a little different than it has in the last 7 years. I have two major exams to study for over the next 6 months, and it has been many, many years since I’ve had to study in this capacity. It will be a challenge in itself, and will need my upmost focus. It will be a year to reflect and to grow. 

Push ups- 30,940

Sit ups and equivalent time with plank - 30,720

Form reps - Hand 735 Weapon 399

AOK’s - 943

Sparring - 555

KM’s - 1948

Blogs - 52

Vacation Greats

 It has been a packed couple of weeks. Sunshine, sunrises, sunsets, and beautiful warm weather. Amazing places to visit, explore and learn about, and meeting many great people. Not a lot of numbers with exception of kilometers (numbers as of last Sunday to keep with my tracking), but Kung Fu everyday in all we did. A well needed reset. Now back to the grind and getting back on track. 

Push ups- 30,120

Sit ups and equivalent time with plank - 29,960

Form reps - Hand 713 Weapon 371

AOK’s - 916

Sparring - 530

KM’s - 1849

Blogs - 51

Sail Away

 We are about to embark on our first cruise for Don and I, boarding Tuesday morning! I’m quite excited for the trip, and I’m looking forward to warmer weather and no snow!! For a bit of time anyway. This will be my first two week vacation, and although some trepidation comes with that, it is needed. 

See you all in a couple of weeks!

Push ups- 30,120

Sit ups and equivalent time with plank - 29,960

Form reps - Hand 713 Weapon 371

AOK’s - 916

Sparring - 530

KM’s - 1755

Blogs - 50

2025 Coming to a Close

 As I reflect back on 2025, the highs and the lows, the positive and not so great, I have to step back and analyze. I tend to pull out the big moments and forget the small ones. I find myself being disappointed if something wasn’t a big win, or made a big difference. When really what I need to focus on is the small wins, the smaller steps forward, and the small progressions. Why should these be my focus instead of something bigger is what I often need to remind myself of. 

First, I believe the smaller steps turn into the bigger wins. Rome wasn’t built in a day, as they say. I also feel if I celebrate the smaller things it helps to keep me in positive spirits and not so down on myself. Second, I am learning as I age that big wins are not necessarily the important ones. Each week I get to spend with my mom, quiet days with family, new relationships and new friends, and small steps forward in my Kung Fu. These are what I truly treasure to name a few. Life is always changing, and tomorrow is never guaranteed. Live for today, be better for today, and grow each day.

Next year is going to look different for me, as is tomorrow. So I am celebrating today and all the small wins of the day. This doesn’t mean I won’t continue to improve, and won’t celebrate the big wins, it simply means I need to recognize more around me everyday and be more thankful. 

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year 2026

Push ups- 29,540

Sit ups and equivalent time with plank - 29,580

Form reps - Hand 702 Weapon 371

AOK’s - 898

Sparring - 530

KM’s - 1721

Blogs - 49