Saturday, January 11, 2014
Tai Chiathon
The past week I have been practicing a lot of Tai Chi. I think i might have overdosed on Tai Chi because last night I dreamed about doing it. I dreamed I was practicing and critiquing myself as I went along. Maybe I actually learned something while sleeping. That would be pretty awesome. Now that I finally know the entire form I can start working on the finer details. I look forward to fixing my bad habits and exploring the finer points of the form.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Condescending or Passionate, with a side of Alienation
The other day I was talking to a coworker about something and he jokingly (I think) said I was being condescending. Later on that day I was reflecting on what he said, trying to analyses my habits to see how much truth was in what he said. It got me thinking about how there is a fine line between being condescending and being passionate about something. It's pretty hard to confuse the two when you are being positive but when talking negatively about something, what matters more, what you say or how you say it?
Remember "Mastery" by Stewart Emery? My favorite part is the bit where he talks about living with so much mediocrity. My Kung Fu journey certainly has made me less tolerant of mediocrity and I try to surround myself with as much quality as possible. So while on the quest to expect more from myself and others I can sometimes be outspoken on my opinions. If I think something is bad or lacking quality I'm not afraid to say so. What worries me is, at what point does voicing my opinion make me sound like a jackass. Is it just the way I express it? The words I choose and the level of enthusiasm? Or is it a matter of how often I give opinions?
When it comes topics like art, music, movies and food it's often a matter of preferences. That's not always the case though, some things transcend preferences and fit squarely into good and bad categories. For example, McDonald's food is bad. I'm not saying I can't enjoy a quarter pounder now and then but there is now denying that McDonalds food is lousy. Its cheap, low quality and it really doesn't even taste that good. At the office we often group up to go out for lunch and I have one co-worker who's top choices are always A&W, McDonalds or KFC. Therefore I hardly ever go eat out with this person.
Something that really baffles me is how uncomfortable some people get when confronted with enough enthusiasm. I'm mostly talking about the positive, happy, I LOVE THIS THING kind of enthusiasm. I think people tend to get alienated if there is a big difference in passion levels. If you really like something and you share it with someone who can't identify with it you might just drive them away.
I don't really know where I'm going with this. Just something I've been thinking about. It's important we try to stay aware of the way we effect those around us and the way we carry ourselves less we be misinterpreted. Its now time for bed, falling asleep at the keyboard...
Remember "Mastery" by Stewart Emery? My favorite part is the bit where he talks about living with so much mediocrity. My Kung Fu journey certainly has made me less tolerant of mediocrity and I try to surround myself with as much quality as possible. So while on the quest to expect more from myself and others I can sometimes be outspoken on my opinions. If I think something is bad or lacking quality I'm not afraid to say so. What worries me is, at what point does voicing my opinion make me sound like a jackass. Is it just the way I express it? The words I choose and the level of enthusiasm? Or is it a matter of how often I give opinions?
When it comes topics like art, music, movies and food it's often a matter of preferences. That's not always the case though, some things transcend preferences and fit squarely into good and bad categories. For example, McDonald's food is bad. I'm not saying I can't enjoy a quarter pounder now and then but there is now denying that McDonalds food is lousy. Its cheap, low quality and it really doesn't even taste that good. At the office we often group up to go out for lunch and I have one co-worker who's top choices are always A&W, McDonalds or KFC. Therefore I hardly ever go eat out with this person.
Something that really baffles me is how uncomfortable some people get when confronted with enough enthusiasm. I'm mostly talking about the positive, happy, I LOVE THIS THING kind of enthusiasm. I think people tend to get alienated if there is a big difference in passion levels. If you really like something and you share it with someone who can't identify with it you might just drive them away.
I don't really know where I'm going with this. Just something I've been thinking about. It's important we try to stay aware of the way we effect those around us and the way we carry ourselves less we be misinterpreted. Its now time for bed, falling asleep at the keyboard...
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Healing
I've been trying to take things easy lately to give my various aches and pains time to heal. I think its been helping, my ankle feels better. Still thought I've been really down about some of the recurring problems I've been having. Both legs from the knees down keep bothering me now and then. I never used to have these issues before, its like it started happening overnight. Now I'm always paranoid about making things worse. Maybe I need to start working on strengthening certain muscle groups.
On a positive note, my physiotherapist started a new laser treatment on my finger and it seems to be helping. Back in may I hurt the index finger on my right hand and its been giving me issues ever since. I think I badly bruised a ligament. It was a couple of months before I could even close it enough to make a fist and it hurt like the dickens making contact with anything. Even now I cant close it all the way and still have some pain punching things. Obviously not being able to hit anything solid with my right hand gets in the way of Kung Fu activities. The new laser treatment has made a noticeable difference. Today was my third session. I'm hoping that after a handful more sessions that the discomfort goes away permanently.
On a positive note, my physiotherapist started a new laser treatment on my finger and it seems to be helping. Back in may I hurt the index finger on my right hand and its been giving me issues ever since. I think I badly bruised a ligament. It was a couple of months before I could even close it enough to make a fist and it hurt like the dickens making contact with anything. Even now I cant close it all the way and still have some pain punching things. Obviously not being able to hit anything solid with my right hand gets in the way of Kung Fu activities. The new laser treatment has made a noticeable difference. Today was my third session. I'm hoping that after a handful more sessions that the discomfort goes away permanently.
Sunday, November 3, 2013
New Things
I had another great time at our annual tournament last weekend. Everything ran very smoothly, judging was fun and so was competing. The dragon and lion dance was flawless yahoo! I'm happy with the way my sword form has come along and with my results in the competition. Winning the black belt grand champion felt pretty good. Thank you to all the people who helped the tournament happen and Mrs. Csillag for organizing the pizza party afterward.
Unfortunately I think all the dragon dancing has been rough on my legs. I've been having mild ankle problems the past couple weeks and after the tournament its really been bugging me. Its clicking and hurts to run on so I'm going to try and give it some time to heal. I was testing it on Fridays class and I definitely think I should take it easy for a bit.
I tried something new on Wednesday. I went to a fencing lesson for the first time. I've been interested in trying it for awhile now, I think it looks fun. I started looking into and lo and behold Edmonton has a fantastic fencing club coached by an Olympic gold medalist. The coach's name is Jujie Luan and shes a legend. My first class was certainly interesting. I was pretty much just thrown right into it. Jujie was very busy and trying to fix one of the electric scoring lanes so I didn't get much instruction. Her son taught me four basic parries, the lunge and then I was fully geared up and in a lane with an opponent. My partner explained the basic rules to me and gave me some pointers. We stabbed each other for awhile and I started to get the hang of it.
I felt a little out of place and awkward since I didn't know anything about anything. Kind of like my first day of class as a white belt. The hardest part of trying something new is stepping through the door for the fist time. I'm glad that the hard part is over with. I had a good time though and learned a lot. I am going to take more lessons until I have a better idea if its something I'd like to continue with.
Unfortunately I think all the dragon dancing has been rough on my legs. I've been having mild ankle problems the past couple weeks and after the tournament its really been bugging me. Its clicking and hurts to run on so I'm going to try and give it some time to heal. I was testing it on Fridays class and I definitely think I should take it easy for a bit.
I tried something new on Wednesday. I went to a fencing lesson for the first time. I've been interested in trying it for awhile now, I think it looks fun. I started looking into and lo and behold Edmonton has a fantastic fencing club coached by an Olympic gold medalist. The coach's name is Jujie Luan and shes a legend. My first class was certainly interesting. I was pretty much just thrown right into it. Jujie was very busy and trying to fix one of the electric scoring lanes so I didn't get much instruction. Her son taught me four basic parries, the lunge and then I was fully geared up and in a lane with an opponent. My partner explained the basic rules to me and gave me some pointers. We stabbed each other for awhile and I started to get the hang of it.
I felt a little out of place and awkward since I didn't know anything about anything. Kind of like my first day of class as a white belt. The hardest part of trying something new is stepping through the door for the fist time. I'm glad that the hard part is over with. I had a good time though and learned a lot. I am going to take more lessons until I have a better idea if its something I'd like to continue with.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Tournament
I'm excited and a bit nervous for the tournament this weekend. It snuck up fast this year. Its always a fun time, I always have a great time judging and helping out. Its a fantastic event for everyone to come together and show their Kwoon spirit. Always a big motivator to see everyone pitch in to make everything happen. The only thing that could make it better is having more students competing.
Every year I have that hesitation, that doubt, the question, do I really want to compete? And every year I do and am glad for it. It's a great opportunity to show your hard work and to boost your confidence. Even if you don't win a medal you've overcome the biggest hurdle by just putting yourself up in that ring. When I'm in a tournament, especially doing forms, I don't really think of it as competing against others. I tend to feel its more a personal challenge, like I'm testing myself in front of a crowd.
Tournaments are probably one of the biggest influences I've had that helped relieve my fears of public demonstrations. It really does help getting comfortable performing. For those of you struggling with demo's or even speaking in public, you should be signing up for tournaments. Orange belt to blue belt I used to go to the Ging Wu open tournament, and occasionally Cheney's. They were always positive experiences and it was really cool getting to compete against people of all different styles. For those of you who have never been to an open tournament I highly recommend it.
Every year I have that hesitation, that doubt, the question, do I really want to compete? And every year I do and am glad for it. It's a great opportunity to show your hard work and to boost your confidence. Even if you don't win a medal you've overcome the biggest hurdle by just putting yourself up in that ring. When I'm in a tournament, especially doing forms, I don't really think of it as competing against others. I tend to feel its more a personal challenge, like I'm testing myself in front of a crowd.
Tournaments are probably one of the biggest influences I've had that helped relieve my fears of public demonstrations. It really does help getting comfortable performing. For those of you struggling with demo's or even speaking in public, you should be signing up for tournaments. Orange belt to blue belt I used to go to the Ging Wu open tournament, and occasionally Cheney's. They were always positive experiences and it was really cool getting to compete against people of all different styles. For those of you who have never been to an open tournament I highly recommend it.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Aches, Pains and Story Tales
Again I find myself guilty of not blogging for far too long. I've had plenty to talk about lately but always seem to get sidetracked when it comes to putting electrons on the screen. Today I set a mini goal of GET STUFF DONE, which includes this post. Groceries have been purchased, bills have been paid, mild cleaning accomplished and laundry is spinning, time to journal. As a bonus I get to write while listening to a brand new record which just arrived in the mail!
A couple of weeks ago I hiked the Skyline Trail in Jasper with Sifu Robinson and a couple of his friends. It was a great time had by all. It felt great to be back in the mountains breathing fesh air and sweating on rocks. It was also my first and probably last multi day backpacking trip of the year, which makes me kind of sad. I definitely didn't get out as much as I usually do. It was a pleasant trip down memory lane as I had hiked this same trail before in my teenage years. The only bad of the trip: I positively destroyed my right knee. It was the first time I've ever experienced knee problems to that degree and it has me worried. I hope it was an anomaly caused by a combination of overdoing it and extra weight. The first day might of killed it since we hiked about 22km with 600m of elevation gain.
In all the trip was around 46km long which pads the numbers nicely.
My knee and calves were out of commission for the first half of the following week. I felt decent enough for some dragon dance practices by Thursday. I was only mildly wounded before the dragon dance demo which by the way went very well. Kudos to everyone for coming together for the practices and the awesome performance. I am quite proud of having been the head for three performances now without completely screwing up and ruining everything. After the dragon dance demo I was surprised to find my left leg was really hurting. This time it was the outside of the leg below the knee all the way to my ankle. My lower legs have been touchy since then so I've been trying to take it easy and let them heal. Thank you Sihing Donohue for the vet wrap, I'll have some on for the next practice.
Oh and I pulled a muscle in my bicep throwing elbows at Fridays class. All in all I feel awfully broken these days and its annoying. I decided today to try and book a physio appointment to have the legs and my finger looked at. I've never been to a physiotherapist but work covers it and now is a good a time as any.
A couple of weeks ago I hiked the Skyline Trail in Jasper with Sifu Robinson and a couple of his friends. It was a great time had by all. It felt great to be back in the mountains breathing fesh air and sweating on rocks. It was also my first and probably last multi day backpacking trip of the year, which makes me kind of sad. I definitely didn't get out as much as I usually do. It was a pleasant trip down memory lane as I had hiked this same trail before in my teenage years. The only bad of the trip: I positively destroyed my right knee. It was the first time I've ever experienced knee problems to that degree and it has me worried. I hope it was an anomaly caused by a combination of overdoing it and extra weight. The first day might of killed it since we hiked about 22km with 600m of elevation gain.
In all the trip was around 46km long which pads the numbers nicely.
My knee and calves were out of commission for the first half of the following week. I felt decent enough for some dragon dance practices by Thursday. I was only mildly wounded before the dragon dance demo which by the way went very well. Kudos to everyone for coming together for the practices and the awesome performance. I am quite proud of having been the head for three performances now without completely screwing up and ruining everything. After the dragon dance demo I was surprised to find my left leg was really hurting. This time it was the outside of the leg below the knee all the way to my ankle. My lower legs have been touchy since then so I've been trying to take it easy and let them heal. Thank you Sihing Donohue for the vet wrap, I'll have some on for the next practice.
Oh and I pulled a muscle in my bicep throwing elbows at Fridays class. All in all I feel awfully broken these days and its annoying. I decided today to try and book a physio appointment to have the legs and my finger looked at. I've never been to a physiotherapist but work covers it and now is a good a time as any.
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Lots to do
So far Tai Chi seems to be going alright. I'm slowly starting to see a bit of progress. I've come to realize that learning by the end of the I Ho Chuan year is unrealistic. There is a ton to learn but I'm going to try my best. It will take some serious practice time to even just remember it all much less have good technique.
We've left demo practices by the wayside for a while but we can't forget what we went through last time. I hope everyone has been practicing to be ready for the next one. We will be trying to organize some more demo opportunities for anyone who still needs the public performances.
We've left demo practices by the wayside for a while but we can't forget what we went through last time. I hope everyone has been practicing to be ready for the next one. We will be trying to organize some more demo opportunities for anyone who still needs the public performances.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)