One Step Forward….

 Seems like one step forward and a step back, sort of. I was getting some good momentum with regular training, classes, and strengthening my knee. I was knocked back a bit this last week with another chest cold. It knocked me pretty hard. 

The good thing about being sick this week, I didn’t have to miss any classes. The bad, I didn’t get extra time to train as was planned. My numbers suffered as with any physical activity a coughing fit was brought on. I’m on the mend, getting a normal voice back slowly, and coughing less. 

Another point in case to reap the benefits of being healthy and padding our numbers. Injury, sickness, unavoidable variables can always sneak up. We were able to get to the kwoon today and do some spring spruce up cleaning, and do some form reps, so that felt great. 

Hope everyone has a great Easter 🐣 

Push ups- 5580

Sit ups - 5400

Form reps - Hand 49, weapon 25

AOK’s - 432

Sparring (modified) - 55

KM’s - 240

Blogs - 10

Stressful Week

 It has been a stessful week at work. I had a situation with a client last week, which I obviously can’t get into too much detail about. I had a walk in appointment with this client and during our interaction they decided to make a few disrespectful comments. I immediately advised I would not tolerate the untruths they were stating. 

This has escalated through the week where this client has decided to go into other branches and make statements to other team members. Continuous attempts to contact me, and other team members in my branch. It has come to the point where I am looking over my shoulder, and watching vehicles around me when leaving work and driving home. I very much dislike feeling like this, and it is causing stress. This situation is not only affecting me personally, but could have negative professional impacts as well. We have a code of conduct policy, and spoken to the wrong person not aware of the situation, could have an impact professionally. 

And the worst thing about this situation is the original issue had nothing to do with me, or even the department I work in. I was the one who was trying to help resolve the issue! 

I’ve been advised that if this continues to escalate, next steps could be a call to the police, a possible restraining order, and a defamation of character charge to this individual. Unfortunately in my profession the risk of threat, harm, or robbery is always an underlying factor. We will see how everything plays out, but hopefully it comes to an end soon. In my experience, individuals acting out in this manner often do not escalate physically, and only spew anger to anyone that will listen.

You may wonder what this has to do with my Kung Fu journey? Kung Fu has provided the following qualities (but not limited to) through my training - 

1. I have my classes to get out of my head.                                  2. I have the confidence to de-escalate a situation.                       3. In a worst case scenario I have self defense training.              4. I have a blog to write about it to de-escalate it in my head, and release some of the stress.  

The good news this week - there has been lots of push ups and sit ups to physically rest my mind! Lol

Push ups- 4985

Sit ups - 4775

Form reps - Hand 41, weapon 19

AOK’s - 377

Sparring (modified) - 50

KM’s - 219

Blogs - 9

Beta Beffudlement

 I’m not sure why? Nerves, brain blockage, excitement? It very well is a mix of all of these. 

I presented my weapon Beta form 3 days after being back on the mats after 8 weeks post surgery. It did not go well. And the not so funny thing is I ran through the entire form more than once the Saturday before. And 1000 times in my head over the last 8 weeks. And this was the form I learned last year for IHC. Why then did I get 5 or 6 moves in, and start to repeat the same move 3 times? Your guess is as good as mine. All of the above, and a hundred more excuses. Yes, excuses. Be better. And like Todai Thelwall stated 999 more times. And more. 

Push ups- 4135

Sit ups - 4025

Form reps - Hand 35, weapon 16

AOK’s - 312

Sparring (modified) - 50

KM’s - 201

Blogs - 8

3 days in…

 Back on the mats 3 days, and presenting my beta forms. Diamond in the rough is the understatement of the year. After pretty much 2 months of mental forms, I am trying to find my legs again - literally lol. 

I chose familiar school forms as I feel I need to relearn, refocus, and retrain my body. So for 3 days back I am fairly happy, but wish I could be rid of the nerves after all these years! 

Push ups- 3810

Sit ups - 3750

Form reps - Hand 33, weapon 13

AOK’s - 275

Sparring (modified) - 48

KM’s - 163

Blogs - 7

I’m Back !!

 With some restrictions, and a stern warning lol.

I had my 8 week follow up appointment with my surgeon today. His first question was about Kung Fu, and my training schedule. His next words were to give it another month or so. Apparently I couldn’t hide the look on my face of disappointment? discouragement? pleading? I can’t say as I felt them all, and immediately opened my mouth to defend my thoughts, in which I got a finger to let him finish. 

He advised he would leave it up to me, but also warned no running, jumping, or twisting. I am not yet fully healed, and can easily injure and tear again, until I am more healed. If it hurts - stop, heat/ice for swelling, and try to minimize pushing myself too much and causing a lot of swelling. I am able to start doing some time on the elliptical to get my muscles loosened, and build strength without the twisting, or jarring of running. 

I was also given some answers on why I have 3 incisions, and losing about 20% of the meniscus that he had to trim. 

I am very excited to be back on the mats again, even if still limited for a bit. That was expected, and I will be diligent in listening to what my body is telling me. See you all soon!

Push ups- 3310

Sit ups - 2950

Form reps - Hand 30, weapon 7

AOK’s - 255

Sparring (modified) - 45

KM’s - 137

Blogs - 6

Open Training - Shhh

 I decided to take the opportunity and go to open training yesterday!! No, I haven’t been cleared yet (hopefully tomorrow though!), but it was so Great! 

It was so awesome to do forms in their entirety, and to have some space to do them. I ran through most forms, and was pleased that I did remember them. I’ve practiced them all in my head over the last couple of months, but was worried about my body physically doing them all again. Practicing pieces here and there was all I’ve been able to do for a while. I practiced some new forms with some help, and got some reps in for my weapon form. 

Being on the mats is a special place, and I don’t think we realize that until we are unable to be there. For the people that work or school abroad, I definitely feel for you, and understand your excitement of when you are home. 

My knee held out okay for the most part, for about an hour and a half. Sore, but able to push that limit a bit. I was back to heat/ice last night, but that was expected. Today feels okay, so that is good. Incremental progression! I did try to kneel, and that was a hard, fast no go. So that will definitely be something I will slowly try to work on. All in all a great day, and felt so good to be back! My hope is to be on the mats for the next class!!

Push ups- 3010

Sit ups - 2650

Form reps - Hand 30, weapon 7

AOK’s - 234

Sparring (modified) - 45

KM’s - 129

Blogs - 5

Why Am I Here?

 Tonight’s discussion resonated a great deal with me, both on a personal level, and a professional one. 

To sum up one of the things Master Brinker and Master Rybak were talking about, in the fact that they can provide the information, advice, training, knowledge, and opportunities, but it is up to us in what we do with it. They can not force us to take it home with us, out of the Kwoon and into our lives. These were not the exact words, but how they resonated with me. 

We choose to be there, to learn and grow. We choose what we do with it. I have this conversation everyday in my job as well. People come to me for financial advice, and sometimes help. I can provide everything I have to give, but it is ultimately up to them on what they do with it. I can attest first hand in the positive changes I have seen in people’s lives when they choose to make their lives better, and healthier. 

Kung Fu has done that for me in so many ways. Yes, I struggle, I fail and I fall. But I don’t give up, and I find a way the best way I know how to. I want to be better than yesterday,  especially when things are going well. But it means more sometimes when I am struggling, and come out the other side stronger. That is why I am here. 

Push ups- 2710

Sit ups - 2350

Form reps - Hand 15, weapon 2

AOK’s - 212

Sparring (modified) - 45

KM’s - 117

Blogs - 4