Never Give Up

I can't lie. I'm scared. Nervous. Exited. Terrified. Doubting my self. But not ready to stop, to give up.

I've been training for 6 years and yes, if I had to do it again I would probably do a better job, but I think I did my best. Dedicated myself (especially in the last year) to Kung Fu.

I've got my injuries. And weaknesses. Some days I feel tired -  from work, from life. But there is a good reason why I do what I do. Actually there are few reasons. FAMILY, HEALTH, SUCCESS, FRIENDS and HAPPINESS.

I was watching this short video today. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX9FSZJu448 And if this guy was able to do what he did. Regardless of all the obstacles he faced. Anyone can. At least anyone can do their best and never give up. I know I'm going to.

Happy Birthday

My sister had her birthday today. Now with technology it is easier to stay in touch. Phone, Skype, etc. it is all making our connection better even if there is an ocean separating us.

What would have happened 50 years back. Phones were available but I would probably have to get a mortgage just to cover my phone bills.

Now also think what will happen 50 years from now. Teleporting? visual phones?

Anyway - Happy Birthday to my sister and to everyone who had a  birthday today!
(now assuming there are 7 billion people, and on average 19 millions were born today, I just wished happy birthday to 19 million people!!!)

One Month

One month till grading (REALLY????) and I'm trying to be very careful not to get injured. Or should I say not to aggravate my existing injuries. I'm working hard at class and at the Tri-Leisure but I feel like I'm not doing enough. I want to do more but my body is tired and aching. I think it is telling me to take a vacation and I'm telling it to keep going for few more months... My chiropractor on the other hand is probably planning his vacation with all the money I'm paying him :-)

One more month. I need to push my self and practice practice practice for the next 4 weeks. If you see me blaring at the ceiling, please ask me to stop and do a form.

 

Eye for details

Eye for details is one of the qualities of a black belt. We learn a form and then we perfect it, paying attention to all the details that make this form shine. We learn a technique and then we practice and make it our instinctive moves.

Today I was learning Lao Gar step by step. I know the form but not the fine details. Today's class was great for that. We only covered the beginning of the form but I felt I learnt so much.

How is your eye for details? How many differences do you see between the 2 pictures?

Motivation, Commitment, Discipline and all that is in between

We all struggle with motivation from time to time. How can we keep our commitments? How can we do what we signed up for? How can we be disciplined and practice every day?

It is not easy and I find it harder now that it is so dark early in the morning. Who wants to get out of bed at 5:30 am? When it is so cold and dark outside? Not me!

When you have a goal in mind, it keeps you motivated. Your commitment is greater. This is where a tournament like the Tiger Challenge comes into play. We need to realize the value of this event and set a goal of competing at the event. We have less than a month to practice and prepare for it. Commitment. Discipline. Motivation. That all it takes.

When Sifu Brinker asks us in class - where are you/ and what are you doing? I also ask my-self: "why am I doing it?". We all have our reasons for being in Kung Fu. When you are feeling down and unmotivated, think about the WHY. It helps me to re-engage in my training.

I hope to see lots of students at the Tiger Challenge this year. I hope to see YOU there too!