Fun, Why Yes it is.

    I asked someone a simple question about their Kung Fu, "are you enjoying yourself?". The more I think about this, the more I look at my Kung Fu journey. If I ask myself the same question, I get the same answer, "of course I am silly, or we wouldn't be doing this". I wouldn't be putting myself out there if I wasn't. Yes, some of the "stressors" can  be limiting, or are they? Let's pick on the Tiger Challenge for now. 

    Performing in front of a crowd can still be crippling for me. I can feel my heart race, my blood pressure soar, my vision tunnel, my hands sweat, all the good stuff. So why in the heck do I do it?! Because of the purpose before the event and the reward afterwards. I am not talking about a medal or praise or non-praise, I am talking about my sense of accomplishment. I did it, I made it, I gave it my best, here I am like it or not. It is euphoric. It is a natural high that makes everything a bit shinier, it brings my training into focus. 

   Before Kung Fu, I would never have allowed myself to ever be in a situation like the Tiger Challenge. Never would I have gone in front of a crowd solo, ever, EVER! Now I don't hesitate (okay maybe a tiny little bit). The sure terror of being at the center of attention is gone. I now realize that this is also a part of my training. Not just self-confidence but self-awareness. Being able to remain calm(ish) when the situation demands it. Being able to focus on the task in front of me. This did not exist before my Kung Fu journey started. Hide, be quiet, go unnoticed. That was my way. Not no more (bad grammar - deal with it!). Bring on the Tiger Challenge, it feeds me, it enables me to grow as not just a Martial Artist but as a person (same thing!!).   

   So am I having fun, absolutely! And I will continue to do so for a very long time. Kung Fu is woven into who I am now, it is a Gordian knot that I will forever work to unravel, exploring new paths and concepts till my time is done. And I wouldn't have it any other way.