Life in a Form

 I have been pretty laser focused on my forms as of late. Not that I haven’t always focused on them, but they are a priority on top of everything else. 

I let myself, and my instructors down by not learning a foundational form of our school. Nobody was more disappointed in this than me. No excuses. I’ve reflected, and come up with excuses, but that is all they are. So I decided to move it to the top of my list, as it should have been long ago. 

One practice I am not losing focus on is the rest of my forms, and my training. I am doing more reps of one form, but also going through the rest of my forms as well. I have done this in the past, where I focus on one, and then lose parts of others. That is not consistent, or sustainable training. It will not serve me well. My plan and outlook is to make this sustainable, not a quick fix. 

I stated in my previous blog that I was proud of my failures. I have also reflected on that statement quite a bit. It sounds silly, I know. But without failure, what would success be? I think the only real failure is not trying again. Not finding a way to make a failure a success. I look forward to celebrating my successes, and also in my failures in reaching that success. 

8:11pm September 22, 2021

 Why is this time and date important?

I did the best Lou Gar I have ever done at this exact time! Why? I got through the entire form completely on my own. I focused. I knew my intent. 

Is there work to do? There is always work to do to improve in the very next minute. 

It may seem weird that I am writing about this, and saying these things at the belt level I am at. I am proud that I recognize  my failures. I am proud that I can say I need to improve. Lou Gar has been a struggle for me. A big struggle. I did it. I did it on my own. I recognize and celebrate this as well. 

8:11pm September 22, 2021 - a great progression in my journey. 

Boot Camp 2021

 Another Fantastic Boot Camp! 

I think the feeling I was most aware and appreciative of for this boot camp was the sense of normalcy it brought for me. In the world of chaos and constant change we currently live in, this just felt normal. (Intermittent mask wearing aside) Being outside for the day, with people I very much enjoy being around, just doing Kung Fu. No chaos to worry about for a short while.

The learning opportunities provided, a different perspective on what we have already learned, diiferent partners and team mates to work with, and a whole lot of fun added in, amounted to a perfect day. We couldn’t have asked for nicer weather, and having great speakers to add to our lunch break, was the perfect mid day treat. 

And then the fitness test. I was happy with the improvements I have made, but disappointed with some  as well. I wasn’t feeling great leading up to boot camp, and the fitness test proved to be a bit much for me near the end. I believe I have heard a few times, if nobody throws up, then we’re not working you hard enough. So - your welcome?? Lol. I am still very happy with how the day went, but wish I could have finished it off better. 

It is opportunities such as these that I am so thankful I can be a part of. Thank you to all of our great leaders who provide such valuable tools for our journey in this martial art. Thank you for your planning, and execution of a day to never forget. 

Back to School

 I realized I missed my blog last week! It wasn’t the first time, but I didn’t even realize it, for the first time. Back to school week was a great week, but extremely busy. I always enjoy this week for a few reasons. Getting to know my fellow teammates and students is always a positive. Putting my own touch to the kwoon, and seeing the end result is amazing. The potato bake that follows is always a fantastic night as well. Seeing everyone come out, and sit and relax, and simply enjoy. This is one of the best parts of our school in my opinion. 

Not realizing I missed my blog surprised me a little, as I always stress myself out when I know I haven’t blogged. But it was so much fun to be there every night, I didn’t get the chance to sit and write my blog - I know, no excuse! 

My reps also suffered last week, but I agree with Miss Ward, that is why we get extra reps in when we can. I don’t feel like I missed out, or fell behind, but rather experienced a different opportunity that I am grateful for.