Fitness Level

Last fitness class we practiced outside of the kwoon. Being outside - sun, fresh air - brings something different to my training. It is fun, refreshing, different and did I mention fun?

I find that most of us are lacking the physical strength to go the extra mile (i.e. to be able to spar for 3 minutes without gasping out of air). I know I am constantly struggling with my cardio. What is missing? I'm practicing lots. Is it over training? Could be as my body is fatigue at times but that is still not the reason why I cannot be full force active for more than few minutes without needing a break.

I assume there are many contributes to this. Lack of sleep, lack of water, bad nutrition, muscle strain, and maybe there are more I cannot think of right now.

I want to change something and to be able to push my self further. Not sure what I'm going to do yet (any suggestions will be welcomed).

If your lifer were a book and you were the author how would you want your story to go?

We all struggle one way or another. The question is what we decide to do with our obstacles, with our barriers. We can give up or we can make something better of ourselves. Trying to use our disabilities to enable us to grow and achieve our goals.

Here's an inspiring TED Talk I watched the other day - https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_purdy_living_beyond_limits?language=en

Disconnect

Usually I have few ideas for a blog throughout the week. I know my blogs are not the longest or deepest ones out there but I have been consistent with putting one out every week for the last 3 years.

This week is different. I did not have any idea for a blog. I was trying to think about it this morning and blank. Nothing.

Do I want to write about the pressure I'm in right now, mostly due to work? already done it. Do I want to write about the form presentation this Thursday? not again. Do I want to write about my back being bad again? old news.

Well maybe not old news as I still struggle with it. It started hurting again last week and I know it completely changes my mood. It is not just mobility issue. It hurts. Not all the time but there is a constant pain. Sometimes more and sometimes less. The worst is that I'm not sleeping well. It is hard to practice my forms, it is hard to run and do all the rest of my exercises. I've struggled this week at the gym and at the kwoon but the hardest class was Tai-Chi. I was OK doing all the moves but I felt complete disconnect between my lower body and my upper body.

Just like my blogging effort - complete disconnect. Nothing to write about...

Down (and up?)

It has been pretty hard for me in the last couple weeks to stay engaged and to prepare my version 1 form. I found it hard to practice -  hard to find the space and time. I am OK with what I've got but not happy. I wish I was able to get few more moves into this.

I am very tired lately. Work has been hectic and will probably continue to be so for the next foreseen months. On the other hand, my girls advanced to the next kid's class and now I have another 2 hours per week (woohoo).

Winter Warrior

I can feel energy. When people around me have bad thoughts, judgement, hate - I can feel it in my bones. When people around me have good attitude, compassion, happiness - I can feel the positive energy.

This is why I love being at the kwoon as for the most part, I am surrounded with positive minded people. People who want to be better, to do better.

Another good example are trail run races. I do not like to run. Unlike my better half, I do not enjoy long distance running. However, I love to participate in trail races as the atmosphere there is up lifting. I'm surrounded with people who want to be healthy and want to have fun.

Next weekend I'm hoping to enjoy both worlds. I'm going to participate in a running race - winter warrior - with some of my Kung Fu friends. This is going to be a blast!!! Can't wait...

No room with the Monkeys

First mandatory class was last Thursday. The kwoon was packed with weapons and it was very hard for me to train with my weapons. It is great to have so many people in class but until it is warm outside, I will have to do my weapon training elsewhere.

With the banquet happening last week, I'm late starting the year of the monkey and I'm actually going to officially start tomorrow. New schedule planned out and renewed motivation and goals. Work has been very demanding lately and I am trying to continue the balance between work, the kwoon and home.

Excited and nervous about the new weapon forms. I started to feel comfortable with the bokken. Now going into new weapons. New adventure...

Good Morning Sihing, Goodnight Sifu.

Good Morning Sihing, Goodnight Sifu. This simplifies the day yesterday...

One day he is 3 years old. Lil-Leopards. Too scared to go on the mats. Then learning kicks and punches. Tiny Tiger. Building confidence. Learning forms. Competing in Tiger Challenge (again and again). Learning empathy. Black Dragons. Team Work. Receiving the Leadership Award. Learning New Techniques. Kids Tiger Challenge Award. Sihing Level. I Ho Chuan. Adults Tiger Challenge Award. Grading. And then he is a Black Belt.

Last night was full with emotions. In between the Dragon demo, the Advanced Black Dragons demo, the I Ho Chuan demo - I still found time to be there for him, to share the experience with him and to make sure he knows how much I love him and how much I will be willing to do for him.

Our journey is now going to be shared even more and I'm so happy about that.

Kobe - I'm sooooo PROUD of you!