Break-A-Thon 2024

 This is one of the more memorable years with the break-a-thon for me. Mostly because I spent some time with students and holding the boards for them to break. It was interesting to see the techniques they used, what worked and what needed more work, or a simple tweak. It was fantastic to see the joy on their faces when they broke the board. It was also the first time attempting to break a board post surgery. All in all it went well. Of course there is always room for improvement, but it went better than I was expecting to be honest. 

I was fairly happy with my results. 11 board’s broken, including one wood board, which felt great. I even attempted a double strike. It was not entirely successful, but it felt good, and I received some good feedback, and have some ideas to help make it work for the next attempt. 

My body faired pretty well, which was promising. I only tweaked my knee once, and only ended up with one bruised area from the double strike attempt. Although my bruise wasn’t really picture worthy, I named her Talula. After a couple days she was feeling much better. 

Numbers were a bit low this week due to time constraints at work, with a busy week. 

Push ups- 26,890

Sit ups - 26,890

Form reps - Hand 500 Weapon 460

AOK’s - 1306

Sparring (modified) - 780

KM’s - 1310

Blogs - 41

Wow, that sucks!

 We partnered up to do front thrust kicks, and provide feedback to our partner. While my partners provided valuable feedback, and I thank them for that, as soon as I focused on the left front thrust kick, I saw the turmoil. The front thrust kick. The first kick I learned. The kick I have been doing the longest. In my opinion, the foundational kick. And my left side sucked. Bad. 

How did this happen?? This question has been going through my head since Tuesday. And my hip is sore for the all of the extra kicks I’ve been throwing since lol. I believe I was so focused on bringing my right leg back after surgery, I let the left leg deteriorate - big time. I mean even my toes are lazy!! This is partly due to the strain on my right knee, and twisting effect when kicking the left leg, but still. 

When I had seen the specialist before surgery, he advised the muscles in my right leg were already atrophying due to my knee injury. This scared me, and therefore my mind went full bore to bring those muscles back. And apparently leave the other leg in the dust. 

Oy Vey. Work to do….

Push ups- 26,190

Sit ups - 26,190

Form reps - Hand 485 Weapon 445

AOK’s - 1285

Sparring (modified) - 770

KM’s - 1277

Blogs - 40

Thankful for Struggles

I often get frustrated and stressed when I struggle. I’ve been working on my mindset with this, this year. The year started with surgery and this brought on a whole new set of struggles and frustration that I hadn’t encountered before. I was much younger the last time I had a surgery and didn't affect a major appendage I need to walk with lol. 

Work has been a struggle the last couple of years. 

Instead of letting these major struggles get the best of me this year, I did my best to focus on the positives, and opportunities these situations brought. 

I’ve learned more about myself this year, probably more in this time span than the previous 51 years. Facing adversity and finding a way. When it seems easy, it needs more work. When I don’t feel I have anything left to give, I give a bit more. When I feel like I’ve hit a wall, I find a sledgehammer. And when I cannot rectify a situation, I take the steps to change it. It isn’t always going to be easy, or happen quickly, but the reward at the end is worth it. I’ve grown, and I’ve grown to appreciate more.

I am always grateful and thankful for the obvious things in my life. This year I’ve focused on the things that don’t at first seem to be positive. 

Wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving and I hope for everyone to take some time to dig a bit deeper for what you are thankful for. 

Push ups- 25,390

Sit ups - 25,360

Form reps - Hand 465 Weapon 440

AOK - 1261

Sparring (modified) - 745

KM’s - 1244

Blogs - 39

Habits

 In IHC class this week, I was only able to join online as I was stuck at work for a very long day again. Sifu talked about blogging, the benefits and how to keep us on track, and of course to track our journey. 

This brings me to habits. It takes a bit to form a habit, but once you have it, I feel it is much easier to keep. Of course life is going to throw curveballs but it seems easier to me get back to the habit we have formed. 

There are certain things that I refuse to let myself miss no matter what is happening. Now in saying that, there is of course the one off, but I refuse to let it derail me. I’ve been more focused on myself, healthy recovery, family and Kung Fu this year. I make adjustments as needed, but do my very best to stay focused. It’s not been an easy journey with my work life this year, but is any journey worth making easy? Maybe some, but not most I think. 

As apple season is wrapping up, and nicer weather coming closer to ending,  it’s time to shift focus to indoor projects to be completed. And maybe not such a busy schedule…

Also, if anyone would like some apples, please let us know 🍎

Push ups- 24,500

Sit ups - 24,450

Form reps - Hand 440 Weapon 410

AOK’s - 1233

Sparring (modified) - 715

KM’s - 1210

Blogs - 38