Boot Camp 2023

 Another fantastic day!! Two new forms with Tai Chi short form (boy I miss Tai Chi class!) and Butterfly Sword form. Both definately need a lot of work, but I am grateful for the opportunity to the introduction of them. The cane defense moves were awesome as well. Amazing to think that this everyday assistant for so many can be such a weapon! I was feeling quite comfortable with the techniques that we learned, and am exited to continue practice, and see what else is to be learned. The Chi Healing was an experience that was not planned, but again very grateful for the opportunity. I practice feeling my Chi, but have never tried on another person. It was pretty mind blowing, and such a great experience. I’m looking forward to learning more on this as well. The wedge - this is a technique that with practice is a game changer! One move that brings many more opportunities, or none at all with a KO! 

Starting the day with our walking and guided meditation is always something I look forward to. In the busyness of life, this is definitely something I need to do more of. Being in the moment and present to feel the world around me is cleansing, and peaceful. 

To think that this day almost didn’t happen is unfortunate to say the least. I am very grateful that it went ahead as planned (with some adjustments due to weather) and hopefully will continue every year. These are opportunities to learn and grow as a martial artist, and a person; that do not always come around. In my opinion there should be a waiting list. 

I have to admit I was a bit apprehensive of joining this year. I didn’t want to sit out and not be able to participate due to injury. I also wasn’t going to pass the opportunity by, as there is always something to learn. We don’t know our limits until we are pushing them, so the decision was easy really. I was sore, swollen and tired by the end of the day, but absolutely no regrets. Thank you to the instructors for your time, and sharing your knowledge with us. And thank you to all that organized and are committed to presenting these opportunities to us. 

Oh, and then there was cheezies… 😂                           One day Todai Ritter you will understand our fear of cheezies, and thus the reaction when offering to share lol. 

This Is Us

 Looking around at the walls, the floors, the windows, the altar. The building as a whole inside and out. I see me here, I see us as a family here. 

The back to school week is always a time of reflection for me. To enjoy the changes and updates, to be involved in the projects going on. 

Today marks 15 years from the first day we walked through the doors at Silent River Kung Fu with our 2 year old in tow to start his very first class. It’s hard to believe that this much time has passed. Feels like a lifetime, but also like yesterday. 

As parents on that first day, we walked in not really knowing what to expect and a little apprehensive of handing our child off to others. Before that very first class was over, we knew the right decision had been made. It took absolutely no time to immerse ourselves in this school and with the people within. 

Fast forward to today, and I see ourselves in this building, in this community. Pieces of each of us from the years gone by. Silent River has become like a second home, even being a lifeline at times. And the people like family. 

I look forward to what the future holds.

Silent River Kung Fu - This Is Us