Tiger Challenge 2024

 Another great day!! The plan for the day was very busy, and back to back for our family. TC was first on the schedule, then the first football game of the year, and to finish the day was the Oilers playoff game. The TC ended up to be a longer day than expected, so we didn’t make the football game, but cheered on the Oilers with some friends after. It was a busy eventful day, and a great one with family and friends. Even though a long one, the TC is always a day to look forward to for me. The challenge on myself, being with all of my teammates and students, and always learning new things. 

A good portion of the day was scorekeeping for me which began with a few challenges with a new (great) program to navigate, but I always enjoy being able to watch the students perform and compete. This year seemed to be one of the best turnouts for students participating in all levels, which is amazing to see. I love to see the growth from year to year, and.the fun had by all. One thing I realized that made me reflect was how many new students that have now moved up to the teen/adult class. It’s been a while since I’ve helped in those classes, and it makes me sad that I haven’t been there. I know that I am away for my own healing, but still makes me sad. Hopefully very soon I will be back. 

Overall I was pretty happy with how I performed in the events I was in. I am still challenged with my knee healing, swelling and aching, but I was quite happy overall. I was able to perform both my weapon and hand form chosen in there entirety. Even though I know the forms well, when performing and being judged, I usually choke and forget half my form. Other than a few moves in my sword form, I got through them both. I also received some positive feedback, which was wonderful to get. I feel I am progressing and that is the important part of continuing to challenge myself. 

With another great Tiger Challenge behind us, it’s now time to focus on the parade next weekend, and then Canada day. 

Push ups- 10,400

Sit ups - 11,300

Form reps - Hand 157 weapon 155

AOK’s - 674

Sparring (modified) - 145

KM’s - 498

Blogs - 19

Tournament Training

 In past years when a school tournament, special occasion, or demo are coming up, I tend to put myself in a silo for that specific training. I practice specifically with the forms, or activities I am participating in, and tend to laser focus only on those. The remainder of my usual routine tends to fall to the wayside until the performance is completed. 

This year, while there is of course more time spent with the forms I will be performing, I am doing my best to also keep up with my regular routine and round out all of it. I also find that if I do one thing too much it is quite hard on my knee. While this is pushing limits, it is also not greatly beneficial as I need more rest periods, and have more swelling. Adding in my regular stretching routine, other forms, and other areas of my training is helping to elevate that somewhat. 

My favorite category is always a team one. I am having so much fun, learning a lot not only about myself and my current limitations, but also about my fellow teammates and the intricacies of coming together as one. We all have different limits, and styles of training, and I learn from them, and get great joy out of it. We’ve brought a form together with input from all us, and all worked through difficulties together. 

Performing always brings some nerves and stress, but I am very much looking forward to it. Learning how to be on the other side of the tournament with judging, score keeping and helping to keep the day running smooth is also something I look forward to. 

I hope to see you all on the mats for the Tiger Challenge next weekend! And thank you Todai Bauer for the challenge and bump in PU and SU #s this week! 

Push ups- 10,640

Sit ups - 10,560

Form reps - Hand 142, weapon 135

AOK’s - 635

Sparring (modified) - 125

KM’s - 440

Blogs - 18

Updates

 Back to work, back to reality. It’s funny how much I can be thrown for a loop when I actually take time off. This week being back has been busy, and exhausting. Maybe it’s getting older, I’m not sure, but it definately takes more time to recover lol. I’m still recovering from the ‘Mexican stomach flu’, this one really threw me for a loop. I usually am affected in the first couple of days, but this time it hit me late Thursday the week we were there, and I’m still feeling the effects. 

I certainly stretched some limits with my knee as well. Lots of walking, and the hard pull of the tide there walking along the beach certainly proved to be limitation pushing. I’ve being dealing with more swelling this week, and having to stretch more often. 

It’s good to be back in classes, it was tough there as the WiFi was not very good. It always helps to have that structure I find. 

I’m looking forward to the Tiger Challenge, and having a great time practicing with my partners, and figuring out a team form. I’ve been practicing my weapon and hand forms, and struggling with my weapon form a bit again. Practice, practice, practice should bring it all back. 

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms today 💐 They even put a pretty flower in my moms hair today 🌸 I cherish the moments spent with her and the memories we share 💜

 

Push ups- 9400

Sit ups - 9320

Form reps - Hand 127, weapon 111

AOK’s - 612

Sparring (modified) - 110

KM’s - 414

Blogs - 17

Back to Reality

 It has been a great week in the sun and warm weather. We celebrated Don’s birthday with a check on his bucket list of 31 years! Heading home tomorrow, and back to reality. 

This blog will mostly be a numbers update, which weren’t great this week (except for the km’s lol). It was still a week full of Kung Fu though! 

Push ups- 8750

Sit ups - 8670

Form reps - Hand 115, weapon 104

AOK’s - 589

Sparring (modified) - 105

KM’s - 397

Blogs - 16