Young Dragons class Tuesday. Warm up. One partner stands in a horse stance, other partner stands behind you and throws a ball between your legs, you spring after it to catch it before it rolls to far away. At least that is how it is supposed to work. My "team" was short a person for the final round (race) so I figured I would jump in and make the numbers even. Ready, set and ....
I learned a lesson here. I was all ready to spring forward after the ball, wound up in a deep stance and all attention forward. My partner tossed the ball and .... it hits my leg and goes off to the side wildly. Well unfortunately for me, but to much enjoyment of the Young Dragons, all my energy was ready to go forward and the sudden change of direction showed me my error, dramatically. Stumble stumble and splat. Not even a graceful shoulder roll or break fall, just Grandpa falling flat on his face. Ouch. That was a kick right to my ego, as it should have been. I wanted to go sit in a corner and hang my head is shame, what a display of what not to do. Only bright side was I got the ball and managed to get up without any further embarrassment.
So what did I learn? Was it adaptability? Was it Wusin? Was it to act my age? Not 100% sure here. I know it effected my Kung Fu for the rest of the week, I was now hesitant to commit fully to a move, even ones I thought I knew. I started to overthink everything I was doing. So in a really really round about way I guess this was a good thing. It showed my ego that it was getting a little to big for my head. I was/am not in the moment. I am anticipating the "next" move before finishing the one I am on.
I know this is a huge problem with my Kung Fu and this was a glaring reminder that my intent was inappropriate for my ability and skills. Hard one to swallow. Guess my ego was in need of a dressing down.
Push Ups 11295
Sit Ups 10683
Sparring 530 min
1609KM 1289.69 km
Acts of Kindness 1220 recorded
Hand Form 370
Weapon Form 363
Mastery recited 35
I think you’re overthinking this. If you aren’t simply having fun, falling on your butt and “not acting your age” once in a while, what’s the point? All anyone saw was an instructor willing to play around, laugh at a funny mishap and get back up and keep going. Which is a big part of what we are trying to teach.
ReplyDeleteHa ha. So many tidbits of wisdom when something like this happens.
ReplyDeleteAs embarrassing as it might have been. Going forward and learning from the experience is important. And it look like you on the right path.