I don't know if its good or bad that I seemed to be in cruise mode this past week. I'm still geting up early getting in my push-ups and sit-ups. Even when I goofed tuesday and set my alarm for pm and got up late at 5:20 I still got ready and got my push-ups in with no fuss or panic( amazed my wife and myself). Having the monday off was odd. You would think the week would fly by but I always feel like I missed something during short work weeks. I'm getting alot of 5 or 10 minutes or practise in all over the place and it is definately working for me. No set times to worry about meeting, just do what I can when I can. Even when making supper the other nite I found I had time to do a couple reps of kempo 1 and 2 and work on my stances and how I move in the form.
I'm am not anywhere near effortless effort but I am finding myself much more aware of my time and what I am doing during the day. I have even managed to be close to completing my first book. It is "How to be Compassionate" by the Dalai Lama. It is not an easy read as I find myself rereading alot of the chapters trying to truly understand the concepts and ideas in the book. For all he has been through in his life, the Dalai Lama is truly an inspiring man. I thought I was a fairly compasionate person before I started reading, but now realize I have a long ways to go to achieve true compaasion for everyone I meet and encounter in my life.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Getting a little more comfortable
This past week was my second round of sparring with members of the I Ho Chuan. I will admitt I was very nervous when I realized that all the people that had shown up were Sihings and Sifus. I have to thank everyone for making it a great learning opportunity. Everything I have done in sparring has been with as much control and limited contact as I could manage. I'm not afraid to spar, its more I know that I have limits on my control and reactions in sparring. The first rounds two thursdays ago were me basically trying to see when my opponent was moving and just trying to react to them, with an occasional front thrust kick or a couple jabs thrown by me. This last thursday I was finally seeing more and trying to counter and flow more. I know I have a long ways to go, but I am happy that I am growing more comfortable and gaining a better understanding of how people move. I see better now when and how my opponent is moving but I still have a long ways to go when it comes to my reactions. I know I tend to use the wrong block or really big movements that put me in unbalanced positions or open me up. I had so many aha moments as each of my opponents showed me different ways to counter, block or even attack with flow. Thanks to everyone that "schooled" me as the saying goes. With alot more practise and time I hope I can help someone in the future as much as I have been helped the last few weeks.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
fitness class is awesome
Finally got back into the fitness class this week. It is definately one of the hardest but also for me one of my favorite classes. I am challenged every week to complete the class but I look forward to that challenge. This weeks workout pushed me further then I ever thought I could go. Thanks Sihing Robinson for encouraging and exhorting me to exceed what I thought were my limits. I always drag my but for half an hour after class, but it is so worth it. I just wish I could convey better to everyone at my belt level how beneficial this class is. It helps me in strength, endurance, balance and also mentally as well.Then to follow it up with open training makes for me a complete day.
It was awesome to see so many people out this saturday taking advantage of the open training. There were all belt levels and activities going on and everyone was working and helping each other out. Thats one of the many things I like about Silent River, is the sense of family and the working together as a team. It's nice to know that there is always someone available to ask for help with even the smallest aspects of my kung fu. I am going to make a bigger and better attempt to encourage and maybe inspire more people to come out for the fitness class and open training. I can't completely put into words how strongly I believe going too both, has helped me grow as a martial artist and as a person. But hopefully my euthusiam and positive attitude will spill over just a little and give someone a spark to want to grow and learn from so many amazing examples that we have in the kwoon.
It was awesome to see so many people out this saturday taking advantage of the open training. There were all belt levels and activities going on and everyone was working and helping each other out. Thats one of the many things I like about Silent River, is the sense of family and the working together as a team. It's nice to know that there is always someone available to ask for help with even the smallest aspects of my kung fu. I am going to make a bigger and better attempt to encourage and maybe inspire more people to come out for the fitness class and open training. I can't completely put into words how strongly I believe going too both, has helped me grow as a martial artist and as a person. But hopefully my euthusiam and positive attitude will spill over just a little and give someone a spark to want to grow and learn from so many amazing examples that we have in the kwoon.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Mental lows, physical highs
This has been an extremely trying week for me mentally. Work has started to affect me on levels that I'm not very comfortable with. Last week we had some layoffs on our site. Sadly my site is the only big project going at the moment for my company and we no longer require 220 electricians and data technicians to complete the job. So 25 men and ladies were laid off at the end of the day last thursday. One of those individuals must have felt that I had something to do with their layoff and decided to get even. My company has a whistle blower program that just came out in december. The disgruntled employee proceeded to send in a complaint about me that was rambling, vague and untrue. But because it was put in anonumously and had my full name I had to proceed to prove my innocence. I thought about how to respond to the accusations politely and without malice or getting my hackles up as they say. What got me down in the dumps was that even though there was no proof of wrongdoing and I was even told that the job I was doing was exemplary, my project supervisor wrote me up for the complaint to do his due diligence as he called it. I have never been in this situation and was both stunned and taken aback. I felt that my reputation and character had been thrown out the window and it has taken a few days to get over second guessing everything I do or say at work. I have always been proud to work for the company I do and to do the best job I can at all times. But I feel now like I have been betrayed in a way. I have come to realize that my project manager is only doing his job as he sees it, and in the that light I am not angy or bitter. I feel more let down then anything as I always believed that my company would back up a good worker to the best of their ability. Not so it would now appear. So now I need to reassess my future and where I want to be in the next few years in my career. All in all this may turn out much more positive then the small picture I am seeing in front of me at this time, time will tell.
On a very positive note I responded to Sifu Brinker's challenge and I have been getting up a little earlier each day and getting in at least 90 to 120 pushups each morning(sets of 30). My shoulder is doing well so far with no inflamation or tenderness so far, knock on wood(aka own head). I thought of a lot of excuses about why it would be hard to get up earlier and do this, but I finally realized I was just procastinating. Finishing off the rest in the evening is a breeze in either my own classes or when I'm helping with the kids classes. It only took a year but I finally got it. Situps I get in the evening as I normally due crunchs, plank or variations and get my numbers no problem.
one good step forward along the road the mastery, I'm sure there will be stumbles along the way, but with the teams help and inspiration I know I can right myself.
Mr. Hamilton
On a very positive note I responded to Sifu Brinker's challenge and I have been getting up a little earlier each day and getting in at least 90 to 120 pushups each morning(sets of 30). My shoulder is doing well so far with no inflamation or tenderness so far, knock on wood(aka own head). I thought of a lot of excuses about why it would be hard to get up earlier and do this, but I finally realized I was just procastinating. Finishing off the rest in the evening is a breeze in either my own classes or when I'm helping with the kids classes. It only took a year but I finally got it. Situps I get in the evening as I normally due crunchs, plank or variations and get my numbers no problem.
one good step forward along the road the mastery, I'm sure there will be stumbles along the way, but with the teams help and inspiration I know I can right myself.
Mr. Hamilton
Saturday, January 28, 2012
I Ho Chuan begins
First blog of the new year. I am so excited about this year, alot of changes but still the same in many ways. There are alot more requirements for me this year compared to last year, but I am going into this year with a much greater awareness of what I am facing. There are alot of new faces and names that I don't know very well at the moment. Names for some reason always give me trouble, yet faces I can remember for ages.
I have started the year a bit behind the eight ball as they say. I have one heck of a headcold that is very draining and peristant. It has gone from a stuffy nose to pressure on my right ear. Its like I need it to pop like when you are in an airplane, but no matter what I do, I can't seem to releave the pressure. No matter your size, a tiny microscopic organism can bring you down. Very humbling when you think about it.
This year I will be doing Stick 1,2 and 3 and at least Kempo 1,2 and I hope to work in 3 if possible.
It's going to be a big learning curve to start, but I am looking forward to the challenge.
Mr. Hamilton
First blog of the new year. I am so excited about this year, alot of changes but still the same in many ways. There are alot more requirements for me this year compared to last year, but I am going into this year with a much greater awareness of what I am facing. There are alot of new faces and names that I don't know very well at the moment. Names for some reason always give me trouble, yet faces I can remember for ages.
I have started the year a bit behind the eight ball as they say. I have one heck of a headcold that is very draining and peristant. It has gone from a stuffy nose to pressure on my right ear. Its like I need it to pop like when you are in an airplane, but no matter what I do, I can't seem to releave the pressure. No matter your size, a tiny microscopic organism can bring you down. Very humbling when you think about it.
This year I will be doing Stick 1,2 and 3 and at least Kempo 1,2 and I hope to work in 3 if possible.
Silent River Kung Fu
Stony Plain, Alberta
I have started the year a bit behind the eight ball as they say. I have one heck of a headcold that is very draining and peristant. It has gone from a stuffy nose to pressure on my right ear. Its like I need it to pop like when you are in an airplane, but no matter what I do, I can't seem to releave the pressure. No matter your size, a tiny microscopic organism can bring you down. Very humbling when you think about it.
This year I will be doing Stick 1,2 and 3 and at least Kempo 1,2 and I hope to work in 3 if possible.
It's going to be a big learning curve to start, but I am looking forward to the challenge.
Mr. Hamilton
First blog of the new year. I am so excited about this year, alot of changes but still the same in many ways. There are alot more requirements for me this year compared to last year, but I am going into this year with a much greater awareness of what I am facing. There are alot of new faces and names that I don't know very well at the moment. Names for some reason always give me trouble, yet faces I can remember for ages.
I have started the year a bit behind the eight ball as they say. I have one heck of a headcold that is very draining and peristant. It has gone from a stuffy nose to pressure on my right ear. Its like I need it to pop like when you are in an airplane, but no matter what I do, I can't seem to releave the pressure. No matter your size, a tiny microscopic organism can bring you down. Very humbling when you think about it.
This year I will be doing Stick 1,2 and 3 and at least Kempo 1,2 and I hope to work in 3 if possible.
Silent River Kung Fu
Stony Plain, Alberta
Monday, January 9, 2012
Slow and steady week
I have been nursing toe and shoulder injuries this last week. I jammed my toe while slipping on the ice christmas week. I sure have been hard on my feet this year. I expect that is quite normal in martial arts. My shoulder I hurt skiing. A young girl came out of the trees directly in front of me. I'm still not sure how I missed her but I managed a spectacular crash onto my right shoulder and hip. It has made doing push-ups a bit tougher but I find by doing the so called ladies pushups, the strain doesn't hurt to much to do them. I'm just glad I didn't run over her. 200 pounds crashing into a little 40 pound munchkin would not have been good.
It feels so good to be back in the kwoon. I like practises at home, but I find I am more focused and at ease in the kwoon. It has become a second home. There is an excitement and anticipation growing as the chinese new year banquet looms ever closer. I am really proud and honoured to be a part of the dragon dance team this year. To be able to give back to the school and everyone there is so amazing. Today I was thinking about how long Silent River has been teaching Kung Fu in the area and all the people that have come before me. I can see why so many people who achieve their black belt stay to teach and help out as they can at the school. The sense of family, tradition and of being part of something larger then oneself is very moving and humbling to me.
I am slowly working out a better training schedule, so that I make better and more productive use of my time. It is definately something I need to work on and refine more.
Here are my personal goals that i wish to achieve on top of the I Ho Chuan ones.
1) Read at least 12 books like "Peace Is Every Step"
2) Work on gaining flexibility and more movement in my joints and body.
3) Continue to be more aware of what and how I eat. I will Track my food intake every second month.
4) Complete 10 minutes of walking meditation a day through Tai Chi or simular movement.
5) Work on a better training schedule and give myself one day off a week for my body to recover from the stresses I am putting it through.
I turned 46 this past summer and some days I feel it more then others. I was very active and fit during high school put when I graduated I started smoking which I did for 12 years and I havent been nearly active enough the last 6 years since I stopped dancing competively. I have definately struggled at times to train every day and get my pushups and situps in daily. I have a pretty good base started now I need to continue to build upon it and try to achieve the effortless effort that Sifu Brinker has talked about.
It feels so good to be back in the kwoon. I like practises at home, but I find I am more focused and at ease in the kwoon. It has become a second home. There is an excitement and anticipation growing as the chinese new year banquet looms ever closer. I am really proud and honoured to be a part of the dragon dance team this year. To be able to give back to the school and everyone there is so amazing. Today I was thinking about how long Silent River has been teaching Kung Fu in the area and all the people that have come before me. I can see why so many people who achieve their black belt stay to teach and help out as they can at the school. The sense of family, tradition and of being part of something larger then oneself is very moving and humbling to me.
I am slowly working out a better training schedule, so that I make better and more productive use of my time. It is definately something I need to work on and refine more.
Here are my personal goals that i wish to achieve on top of the I Ho Chuan ones.
1) Read at least 12 books like "Peace Is Every Step"
2) Work on gaining flexibility and more movement in my joints and body.
3) Continue to be more aware of what and how I eat. I will Track my food intake every second month.
4) Complete 10 minutes of walking meditation a day through Tai Chi or simular movement.
5) Work on a better training schedule and give myself one day off a week for my body to recover from the stresses I am putting it through.
I turned 46 this past summer and some days I feel it more then others. I was very active and fit during high school put when I graduated I started smoking which I did for 12 years and I havent been nearly active enough the last 6 years since I stopped dancing competively. I have definately struggled at times to train every day and get my pushups and situps in daily. I have a pretty good base started now I need to continue to build upon it and try to achieve the effortless effort that Sifu Brinker has talked about.
Monday, January 2, 2012
First blog of 2012
First off I want to apologize for not completing my blogs on a strong note for UBBT 8. Alot of crazy life issues and work issues, then my old computer crashing all deverted my attention from blogging. No matter what is going on in my life I know I need to make time to get my blogs in. 10 minutes less sleep is never going to kill me.
Sifu Brinker asked us to talk about what we learned from our successes and especially from our failures this year. It is something I have been thinking about alot the last month. When I first got into the UBBT 8 last year I had no idea what I was getting myself truly into. For someone who had become basically a couch potatoe and was very inactive as opposed to active I had my work cut out for me. I remember vividly struggling to do 10 pushups or situps when I first started kung fu in november of 2010. Bending down to stretch was truly sad to see me barely touch my knees. But I learned to keep trying even on the days I hurt like heck and could barely catch my breath in warmup.
I can't thank everyone in the fitness class enough for incouraging me and most definately inspiring me in becoming a less round person and more in shape. The class was never brought down to my level, I had to work hard to achieve a level where I could keep up with the rest of the class. Somedays I felt great some not so much. But I learned to keep going even if it was at half speed. I still have a long ways to go to be truly fit but I get better bit by bit, day by day.
The one thing this year I didnt accomplish was to get my 5k run in. I ran every day in high school and somehow had myself convinced that getting back into running shape would be a piece of cake. Man was I disheartened when I started running in the spring. 11 years of smoking and another 15 of no where near an active enough lifestyle have put me alot further behind the old 8 ball as the saying goes then I wanted to realize. I lose my breath and find it very difficult to get back when I'm running. I am going to have to really work on a more gradual aproach to my running and see if I cant do a whole lot better this year then last.
I am so happy that my son convinced me to start kung fu. I have become part of something so much bigger then just myself. I'm part of a group of people who are trying to better themselves and the world around them. I am constantly amazed at what a truly fortunate person I am. I get inspiration from Sifu Brinker right down to the smallest of the tiny tigers everyday that I am in the kwoon. A year ago I was a negative, sarcastic thinker. Now my crew at work says I'm more relaxed, and positive. I look forward to the challenges each day instead of with dread. I just do the best I can. There is no such thing as perfect, just the road to mastery and hopefully discovery that life is truly incredible along the way.
I am by no means the best father, husband, colleage or human being that I can be. There is alot of work to do and old habits to correct before I can even say I'm pretty good. But at least now there is a small light at the end of the tunnel and a path to start on to get me there. The path is gonna have lots of branches and twists and turns on it and most likely some fallbacks. But if I can just keep focused on the outcome then I know the journey will be well worth it.
Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to fail Sifu Brinker. It has taught me more about myself then I am probably even aware of. But I will work on becoming more aware, so that I can grow and learn even more.
Sifu Brinker asked us to talk about what we learned from our successes and especially from our failures this year. It is something I have been thinking about alot the last month. When I first got into the UBBT 8 last year I had no idea what I was getting myself truly into. For someone who had become basically a couch potatoe and was very inactive as opposed to active I had my work cut out for me. I remember vividly struggling to do 10 pushups or situps when I first started kung fu in november of 2010. Bending down to stretch was truly sad to see me barely touch my knees. But I learned to keep trying even on the days I hurt like heck and could barely catch my breath in warmup.
I can't thank everyone in the fitness class enough for incouraging me and most definately inspiring me in becoming a less round person and more in shape. The class was never brought down to my level, I had to work hard to achieve a level where I could keep up with the rest of the class. Somedays I felt great some not so much. But I learned to keep going even if it was at half speed. I still have a long ways to go to be truly fit but I get better bit by bit, day by day.
The one thing this year I didnt accomplish was to get my 5k run in. I ran every day in high school and somehow had myself convinced that getting back into running shape would be a piece of cake. Man was I disheartened when I started running in the spring. 11 years of smoking and another 15 of no where near an active enough lifestyle have put me alot further behind the old 8 ball as the saying goes then I wanted to realize. I lose my breath and find it very difficult to get back when I'm running. I am going to have to really work on a more gradual aproach to my running and see if I cant do a whole lot better this year then last.
I am so happy that my son convinced me to start kung fu. I have become part of something so much bigger then just myself. I'm part of a group of people who are trying to better themselves and the world around them. I am constantly amazed at what a truly fortunate person I am. I get inspiration from Sifu Brinker right down to the smallest of the tiny tigers everyday that I am in the kwoon. A year ago I was a negative, sarcastic thinker. Now my crew at work says I'm more relaxed, and positive. I look forward to the challenges each day instead of with dread. I just do the best I can. There is no such thing as perfect, just the road to mastery and hopefully discovery that life is truly incredible along the way.
I am by no means the best father, husband, colleage or human being that I can be. There is alot of work to do and old habits to correct before I can even say I'm pretty good. But at least now there is a small light at the end of the tunnel and a path to start on to get me there. The path is gonna have lots of branches and twists and turns on it and most likely some fallbacks. But if I can just keep focused on the outcome then I know the journey will be well worth it.
Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to fail Sifu Brinker. It has taught me more about myself then I am probably even aware of. But I will work on becoming more aware, so that I can grow and learn even more.
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