Keep Calm

In life we face moments that are troubling and stressful. Events occur that cause a pivotal change in our life and put it out of balance. These times push what we can do and test who we really are. It can be hard to keep things together as more and more builds up.

You may be tempted to give up, to take the easy way out and ignore it. This doesn't help, it gets you nowhere. In fact it will only make things worse.

In our curriculum, we are taught right from white belt that the first thing to do in self defence is to remain calm. The need for self defence will more likely to come in other forms than physical confrontation. It can be easily transferred into situations in the real world. Remaining calm and keeping yourself in the present is key. Even if the present seems negative or bleak. Don't look at the future nor the past, neither can help you. When one remains calm, time almost slows down. It is easier to acknowledge what is happening and it allows you to make better decisions in response. Smile, you are alive and breathing. Take life day by day.

Take care everyone.

"Sometimes life is like this dark tunnel, you can’t always see the light at the end of the tunnel, but if you just keep moving, you will come to a better place."
- Iroh (Avatar: The last Air Bender)

Family of Wolves

This past weekend five of us from the I Ho Chuan team travelled to Golden to visit the Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre.  We went there to learn more about the latest addition to our five charities and get a first-hand look at these magnificent animals and how important they are to our ecosystem.

Wolves are a keystone species. This means that they have a very critical purpose in keeping balance in nature. Without wolves the herbivores do not have a natural predator. The vegetation then suffers and the rest of the species relocate.

However, what really spoke to me was just how family oriented wolves are. Every member of the family has a purpose, they all look out for each other. It is quite admirable. They have a set task for everyone. Even the Omegas, the ones in the pack that can't hunt or lead are tasked with watching over the young ones while the rest go out to hunt. This is a very important task!

I thank Sifu Randy Langner for organizing this trip. I had a fantastic time and learned so much.

Take care everyone.

Boot Camp

It's amazing how fast this year is progressing. Another boot camp has come and gone. It was a fantastic and educational day. I'm quite thrilled about what we all had a chance to learn that day.

The limits were pushed, both internally and externally. Getting a first glance at breathing energy through my limbs was quite interesting. I have felt and recognized chi in the past, but never have I been able to apply it. Not that I can yet now anyway, but I at least have a basis to go off of now.

The multiple fitness classes were great, it's always fun to see what you can do and correct accordingly.

I feel fortunate that I was trusted with being the example opponent in the Sanshou seminar. It certainly was good practice for both reaction time and proper break fall technique!

Learning bits and pieces of other styles is always a treat. It's nice to see what else is out there and compare. Bagua walking was quite interesting. Focussing on your hands and letting the world spin around you was pretty unreal. The different stances and concepts as well, definitely cool.

Now for my favorite part, the lion dance drumming. I am just hooked on lion dancing, the history, the technique, the teamwork, everything. When I heard I might have a chance to learn the drum I was ecstatic! To interact from the other side was very interesting, I certainly have a whole new understanding of what it takes. It's not easy, especially when the lion takes forever to throw the lettuce.... (hehe, oops)

The boot camp is by far one of the most important days of the year. Three times I've gone and three times I've come back with a gigantic grin on my face. I can't wait for next year.

Take care everyone.

What I Gotta Do

Let me start off by clarifying something about my last blog. I did not intend for it to be a doom and gloom type of spiel. I think the outcome of my trip was great! Not the desired outcome of course, but the lessons learned and memories made were well worth it! Besides, this gave me a chance to go home early, attend an I Ho Chuan class I thought I would miss and make some employment changes.

I have taken up another job, not one involving my trade sadly yet, but one that will put me in a better position financially. Unfortunately, it comes with a price. I will be working 6 days a week now, long days too. I will be absent from the kwoon on Saturdays from this point on for a while.

Thankfully, I managed to get the next couple of Saturdays off for Boot Camp and the Wolf Walk. I made sure if that!

After that though it's work work work. I'm alright with this actually, I'm not about to start complaining about such a thing, I am grateful that this came about. Besides, it is just a part of our lives that cannot be ignored. Instead it will be embraced! Go with the flow and welcome this as an opportunity to learn something new! Who knows what doors this may open in the future.

I will still be making the evening classes during the week even if I have to rush straight from work to make it in time, I will NOT let this hold back my training, inside the kwoon or out.

Take care everyone.