Privileged

   Privileged.  

One word, so much meaning.

The reason I am pondering this word is so simple. Silent River Kung Fu.  

   Back in 2008, my son Kody was lucky enough ( privileged ) to join the ranks of Silent River Kung Fu. He was 1 month shy of his 3rd birthday. He is now 14 1/2 years old.  Wow, that is a long time, and yet, it is just the beginning of his journey. I can't speak from his point of view so I'll speak from mine.

   The people I have met, the events I have gone to, the life lessons I have learned, all priceless. These are things you can't buy. If you or your child have been lucky enough ( privileged ) to be a part of this group, count yourself as a very limited but extremely fortunate group of humans. Sadly, very few people will ever know the joy of being part of this group. This all kind of hit home in Saturdays open training.

   I wanted to continue working on my "fitness Test" for black belt grading, you know, reviewing the different categories required and the numbers you need to pass. I laid out the sheets with each requirement on it and started to play around a bit. Well that drew a crowd. The fun I had with my fellow students, the little things I learned, the insights, the tips, the togetherness, all brought a sense of belonging that you don't get in to many places anymore. 

   I felt perfectly comfortable asking questions, never feeling judged, never feeling embarrassed for not knowing something. The excitement in the Sifu's eyes for being asked a question, for being asked advice, for being allowed to teach, that is something so unique nowadays. It wasn't " go away, your bothering me", or " that is white belt stuff, everyone knows that", it was just a simple answer gathered and grown from years of passed down knowledge and HARD work. Thank you.

   After open training, I got to thinking about how privileged I and my family are for being a part of Silent River Kung Fu. It has helped make my son into a person I am very proud of. It has brought my family closer together, because the 3 of us ( Deb, Kody and myself ), are all in this journey together. It has helped me think about my actions and their consequences from a more empathetic point of view than I used to. It has brought new friends into my life. I could go on and on, but I will cut it short. 

   It is through us students that this art will stay relevant. It is through us students that this art will stay true. It is through us students that this art will stay alive. I consider it an privilege to be taught this art. I do not take for granted that very few individuals will ever experience this art. I will try, everyday, to pass on the lessons and togetherness that this art offers. I want the world to be like Saturday's open training was: open, friendly, caring, empathetic, non-judgmental, etc.....

Inspiration meet Tonfa

Inspiration
 
1. The process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.
2.  A sudden brilliant, creative, or timely idea.
3.  A person or thing that inspires
 

   How many people in your life do you draw inspiration from? Is it your parents, friends, co-workers, spouse, children, relatives, iconic figures, instructors ( Sifus and classmates ), maybe even your dog? I myself am starting to find inspiration almost everywhere. The reason, I am actively looking for it. 

   I have hit a wall on my weapon form and have been watching others work on theirs. In doing this, I am seeing some truly talented people create and refine their techniques and form. I think "Why can't I do this/that?". I am not jealous, I am not envious, I am just frustrated and disappointed with my own lack of focus and progress. The Nun-chuck form I worked on last year was a school form - someone else's idea and creation - and I really liked it. After learning it, practicing it then making it my own, it made me feel a lot more confident in "playing" with the weapon and form. I am not getting that with the Tonfas yet and it has made me nervous. My mind is full of ideas, but I am having a heck of a time getting my body to make it a reality. I have found 3 different videos of this weapon form that I really like. Thing is, this is someone else's idea, I feel like I am cheating by "copying" their forms.

   I had never realized just how difficult creating my own form would be, I guess that is the point of what we do. It is not supposed to be easy, right ( Kung Fu = Hard Work )?  I need to take the external inspirations I am seeing and turn them into an internal creation that can't be contained. I need to start with the old adage, K.I.S.S. Keep It Simple Stupid. I need to make a short form then expand on it. I need it to be simple enough that I can repeat it but still incorporate enough techniques that I am proud to say "MINE!". Then I need to make it fun.

Time to Tonfa

  

To Important Not To

  This blog is going to be a little different for me. No numbers, no review, just something I need to share. Please bear with me.

   Blood. A simple word. Every single person has it. Every single person needs it to live. Without it, you die. Very straight forward.

   The reason I bring this up is very personal for me. When my Dad was still alive, he was a regular donator of blood, in fact he was passionate about telling people the need to donate. One of my biggest regrets in life was never taking up this passion with him. NO MORE! This week I have booked my first ever blood donation. I am very sad that he will not be there with me physically but in my heart I will feel him with every drop I give. Thank you Dad, this first one is for you, the rest are for those who need it more than me.

   For those of you who wish to join me, I am there this Saturday at 10:55 and would love to bleed with you.

Holy Trinity Catholic Church

200 Boundary Road

Spruce Grove, AB, T7X 3T3 

Starts this Wednesday and goes to this Saturday. 

Go to www.blood.ca  and book a time. 

Every three seconds someone needs blood. Just one pint of donated blood can help save as many as three people's lives. The average adult has 10 pints of blood in his or her body.

Lets spread our awesomeness to others by giving blood to those who won't live without it.

Robert (Bob) Doran Bjorkquist
Nov 20,1947 - Mar 12,2019
Miss you Dad....

A little more clear but no less muddy

   Already this year has a different feel than last year. Last year was my first attempt at the I Ho Chuan program. While it wasn't a complete failure it also wasn't a complete success. I missed the set goal on some mandatory numbers as well as there were a couple of personal requirements that I didn't complete. I could throw out all sorts of excuses but in the end it is all on me.

   This year I already have a better "feel" for the whats, whys, hows, etc than last year. I have made a much more organized start to my numbers, and my personal requirements are less of a "dream" and much more achievable. I'm more excited for this year and much less nervous than I was last year as I now know that this is doable if I follow the program and commit to achieving success in all I wish to accomplish. Not to sound to much like a cheerleader but this program is there for US. It is there to help us. It is there to encourage us and challenge us. It is there to help us shake off mediocrity and propel us towards mastery. If it was easy, we would never be challenged to examine who we really are. My only regret is that I waited so long to take part in the I Ho Chuan.

   I am a little anxious about 2 things. The "forms". I have chosen the Tonfa as a weapon and Lao Gar as my form.

   I have never imagined making my own form (tonfa) and this has me freaking out a little. I have an idea what I would like to do ( sort of ) but every time I start to piece it together, titanic failure. I am getting some great advice already from my fellow classmates and for this I am very grateful ( thanks everyone ). I know I have plenty of time before the "beta" version needs to be done but I also know that that time can disappear in a heartbeat. Time to get serious about locking this down, "gulp".

   Lao Gar (I hope I am spelling this right ). I have always loved watching various Sifus do this form. Everyone of them does it the same but entirely different. One Sifu does it with a ferocity that is downright scary, then the next flows so smoothly that it looks almost dreamlike. I love this! I know it is a long form and a different style that what we are used to and that is what excites me the most. I don't know which way I will flow on this yet but I am intrigued to see where it takes me. Thank you to all those helping me learn this form, it is giving me huge insight on so many things.

   Enough for this blog, time for number number crushing.