Habits reinvented

Since the beginning of COVID19 isolation, all my routines were broken. I've managed to get some new routines in place like morning workouts and working on the Kung Fu videos added a different kind of routine as well.

There are 2 things I want to get back into. One is better diet. Working from home makes it hard to control my diet. The pantry is just few steps away... But I'm going to try to get into the habit of preparing some better choices to be able to pick from. The second is running. I am not a good runner but I got into a routine of running when I was able to go to the gym. Now I wait for the weather to get warmer and to be able to go for a daily run. Maybe in a couple of weeks...

What's in a number?

We set goal or requirements and we quantify them to make sure we can measure progress and success. But why are we choosing a specific number as our goal? Why for some things we set the target at a thousand where for others it might be 50,000?

When we set a target number we want to set a number that is achievable but at the same time a number that will challenge us. If it is too easy (e.g. 100 push-ups in a year) then it is not advancing us. If it is too hard then we will most likely get discouraged and stop.

So when picking a target it should be the right number for you. Challenging but achievable.

Destruction of Structure

I’ve been challenged with lots of travel in the first few months of the year. Every time I travel it takes me out of my routine. I started to develop a new routine while I’m travelling but the last trip was hectic and I was not able to do what I have planned. Oh well, one week and then we are back to normal.

Well that did not happen. I started working from home. Kids are at home. I don’t like practicing at home. I like the disconnect of being at the Kwoon or being at the gym.

I’m sure a new routine will be formed soon as it seems this is going to be our new normal for the next few months.

One structure gone. New one will be formed.

Engagement

Engagement is one of the key components of the IHC. As long as you are engage in improving yourself and engaged with the team you are set. 

But engagement can come in all different levels. From doing nothing to being the energizer bunny. Both extremes are not good. With doing nothing it is obvious. With going overboard you are risking burnout. 

Showing to classes, attending meetings, blogging, reading blogs, actively participating in IHC projects, knowing who is on the team, helping each other. This is what engagement means to me. And it requires lots of effort. 

Years of practice

We all start somewhere. Each person will have their own starting point and skill level. 

As a white belt, do not expect your techniques to look like a black belt techniques. You will get there one day but it takes years of practice. 

As a black belt, I do not expect I will have as pristine techniques as my instructors. I will get there with years of practice. 

Going deeper

When doing many repetitions of forms I find it is hard to maintain deep stances. I can list many reasons for this - muscle fatigue, can complete the form faster, I’m just focused on sequence. But when I do focus on good deep stances the form feels better and looks better. 

Working with weapons amplifies the need for good deep stances. You can see and feel how your skeleton alignments better, how your vector of power is better defined. You are also working the muscles harder which will make them stronger. 

We keep hearing “lower your stance” and there is a good reason for that!

Why is it important to learn how to lion dance or how to dragon dance?

Other than the obvious reasons of team work, improving the team spirit, fitness, etc. there is also the benefit of making sure Kung fu is not becoming another MMA arena. Kung Fu is an art that existed for centuries and it will only exist in the future if the same spirit is maintained. In order to keep the spirit of Kung Fu, one must learn the history of Kung Fu and immerse themselves in the Kung Fu culture which a very important part of it are the lion dance and the dragon dance.