Whoop whoop! What a party that was! 2017 bringing in the rooster and helping the monkey out the door! Oh man alive, that was the best celebration yet! I really enjoyed all of it. From the set up to the tear down to the hand shaking belly laughing, fist pounding, lion dancing, dragon swinging, black belt promoting awesomeness of it all. Man, there's dishes flying and water spilling chicken balls hitting the deck, there's Kung fu flying about. Ahh man, I loved it. I'm still really pumped from it all. Can you tell? I don't know, I'm hiding it well ;)
Oh boy, well, since my first celebration, I have always gotten excited for the new year celebration. From first seeing it all three years ago, to being apart the planning of it all, to now and just for now, I'm stepping back from it all. Last night I went to bed, with lions in my head. Today, I woke up with a sense of uncertainty of what to do. Not sure on where to go next. Whoa, let's step back and take a breath. Okay, there we go. Blue belt. Then beyond. It's weird with the thoughts of not being on IHC this year, not having the commitments and such. That's okay, I can not forget, why I'm taking a breather. That's what's important right now. Today, I look forward to crushing the next few goals on my list. Like, really looking forward to it. I got some work to catch up on in an outside program, lots to catch up on in the house maintenance areas, and yes, of course, Kung fu to crush! Forms to continue to master and techniques further perfected. It's weird here though. My goals have not overly changed, but the people around me, will not be as fruitful. For two years I have had all of you to lean on and talk to. Whether we see eye to eye on everything, it does not matter. We all shared the same desire too better ourselves through Kung fu. So I decided, that I'm going to keep blogging along. I do enjoy blogging and reading about others journeys.
As long as I keep my mind open, things should turn out in the end. And they will. The kwoon the Kung fu and the folks that make it what it is, will still be there. It will be up to me to seek you out.
Well guys, thanks again for everything
And guess what, I will see you soon.
Mr.Duncan
Sunday, 29 January 2017
Sunday, 22 January 2017
The Year Of The Mokey
Well, well, well, it's just about time. Chinese New Year is almost upon us. A new year of challenges and goals to obtain is just about here. Now, I may not be joining the rooster team, but, I am carrying a lot of life lessons from I Ho Chuan into the future with me. There are lessons of great value that I have learnt about, in my time with IHC. Lessons that I simply can not forget about. These last two years have been great. I have truly enjoyed myself. Lessons about what it honestly means to be a black belt. The total package, not just someone who can throw kicks and punches. One of my greatest challenges has been, getting and staying motivated in kempo Kung fu. This last year has, well, sucked for myself. I have had some great success this year in some things, but, in other aspects it has sucked. Escrimas, as much fun as I have been having with them, I have had a hard time really evolving my form. I mean, it's okay. It's not bad even, but, I should be better. But, with saying that, it's also as good as it's going to get right now. Tearing it apart and trying to re-invent it at this point is, silly. So, all I can really do the time being is just, keep smoothing it out.
The hand form I started in the beginning of the year really stopped evolving in the spring time. Unfortuanatly, it's pretty well non-existent. That's okay. I have a place to start, I have an idea of where to go and how to get there, but I simply did not put the proper amount of time in. It's too bad, I was on a roll. I was cooking on high, with gas. Then, I ran out of gas, I guess. That hurt the old ego, and it proved to be a tough one to overcome. It's okay. There is always today. Today, can always be a second chance.
Smoking, well....that sucked. Numerous quitting attempts with Equal amounts of fails. Darn! That goal really, really crippled me. Every time, I would attempt to quit, I just, I don't know. That's the sum of it. I just fell apart. I'm positive, my biggest stumbling block, is "I want to want to quit". You follow? Me neither. I swore to myself, this year was going to be different. I swore I was going to breath cleanly this year. And I think I accumulated a few days and a ton of hours of non-smoking, but, nothing with any real bite behind it. So, this goal, proved to be an ongoing goal. I will defeat this demon of mine, but, I guess not with the bull headed approach I have been using, for the last twenty years. I won't quit trying to quit, until I finally do quit. It's something that really has to happen. Otherwise I'm only half of a martial artist, in my eyes anyhow. I spoke with Sifu about this and he has given me some great ideas to help quit. And I like the idea of not obtaining a specific belt level until I quit smoking, for a minimum set period of time. Monday at class we will continue this conversation, as I would like to achieve blue belt. But, the thought of still smoking and getting my next belt level, seems to me like I am cheating myself. Not giving myself the proper tools I need, to be a complete martial artist.
I did accomplish a few things this year though, that's for sure. I was out my bicycle a lot this year. Far more physical movements. Especially having to walk the mini horse that we call Bane. There were a lot of victories as a family. Very positively enforcing relationships with the kidos and wifey-poo. I have done far more reading this year than before and my temper is getting a lot better. I read Animal Farm to the kids. That was cool. The questions that came from that book. Awesomeness! I have continued to quite the screaming voices in my head. I have successfully looked relapse in the eyes and pushed it out of my path. I was able to resist the urge to completely fall into the old willie's ways. Thank sweet mother of pearl, I jumped outta that hole as quickly as I did. That was determination, that's what that was. Bull headed not doing that again, even if I have to sew my hands in my pockets, I am not picking that damn drink up again! today, you will have to kill me to get a drop of booze in my mouth again. Lots of help, though, lots of help from the big guy and my friends. Never can I say, I did alone. Nope, so many people helping me along the way. I must be blessed, because I sure feel like it some days.
For myself though, the most frustrating part of this year was the classes on Thursday nights. I remember last year saying to Sifu, that classes going to a Thursday night would, well, be near the end of my career in IHC. And that proved to be a very real fact. Every Thursday night I needed to make a decision. Do I go and hang with people like me, who share the same very treaterous way of life I face without the proper amount of spiritual backing, or do I go play with my escrimas with the team? A decision that weighed very very heavy on me every single week. Then, a guy has these guilty thoughts because he makes a decision, that he feels is best for his mental state. Not best for his training. And believe it or not, I did feel bad not being there. It's near impossible to be apart of the team, without being there in person. I mean, let's be honest here, blogging only goes so far as for team commitment. Unfortuanatly, I did not feel comfortable enough to start missing more meeting than I did. Even this month, I haven't been to a meeting yet, as I am really pushing hard for this new year celebration. And I feel it. I feel the sickness inside rearing its ugly head again. But, it's okay, because, we are almost there. And I know I will be okay, because I a man with good people and training partners. It's will be okay, simply put, because I am with The monkey teamies. Thanks guys.
One thing that I am extremely grateful for, is having the opportunity to jump back into the demo, at the end of the year. Like that's really right on guys, and I truly do appreciate you thinking of me and throwing me in a lion. Honestly, it means a lot to me. Thank you. It makes me feel like I didn't completely waste mine and everyone else's time this year. Coming back into the game, so late, in the game, and just having people like, hey man, jump in here and here. And that's that! Awesome. Seeing everyone pushing so hard on their forms and techniques, it's inspiring to say the least. Seeing the definite change in everyone is really fantastic. An opportunity, truly inspiring. A huge example of what can be accomplished with just, consistent effort. Thanks again everyone, on the monkey team. You guys are really right on. This last month has been a lot of fun. And there are memories that I know I will hold onto forever here after!
One of my greatest accomplishments this year has been learning the skill of asking for help. This has been probably my greatest victory, this year. I'm not as ego driven as I have been in the past, I know it doesn't seem like it some days, but, I know for a fact I am getting better. How, because it's getting easier and easier to ask. I don't know why, this is such a hard thing for me to do. I think mainly it's my pride and ego, but, hey, one day at a time.
So, to sum up my year as a monkey. It was more of a failure than it was anything else. Yes, I have had much of success, but, I don't think enough, to call a victory of a year. That's okay. I have learnt lesson over lesson again and again. Even in failure, I have come out on top. Simply because of the lessons I have continuously learnt. Complete failure, is, as I see it, accepting to your inner most self, that you lost. And that is something I refuse to do. Never, will I say, I quit. That's just not who I am, anymore. I have learnt that much. And that's much is still a huge victory.
Thanks for everyone's patience and acceptance this year. You guys have been really solid! Fist bumps for all, and for all a whoop whoop!
Well, untill next week,
I'll talk to you soon
Mr.Duncan
The hand form I started in the beginning of the year really stopped evolving in the spring time. Unfortuanatly, it's pretty well non-existent. That's okay. I have a place to start, I have an idea of where to go and how to get there, but I simply did not put the proper amount of time in. It's too bad, I was on a roll. I was cooking on high, with gas. Then, I ran out of gas, I guess. That hurt the old ego, and it proved to be a tough one to overcome. It's okay. There is always today. Today, can always be a second chance.
Smoking, well....that sucked. Numerous quitting attempts with Equal amounts of fails. Darn! That goal really, really crippled me. Every time, I would attempt to quit, I just, I don't know. That's the sum of it. I just fell apart. I'm positive, my biggest stumbling block, is "I want to want to quit". You follow? Me neither. I swore to myself, this year was going to be different. I swore I was going to breath cleanly this year. And I think I accumulated a few days and a ton of hours of non-smoking, but, nothing with any real bite behind it. So, this goal, proved to be an ongoing goal. I will defeat this demon of mine, but, I guess not with the bull headed approach I have been using, for the last twenty years. I won't quit trying to quit, until I finally do quit. It's something that really has to happen. Otherwise I'm only half of a martial artist, in my eyes anyhow. I spoke with Sifu about this and he has given me some great ideas to help quit. And I like the idea of not obtaining a specific belt level until I quit smoking, for a minimum set period of time. Monday at class we will continue this conversation, as I would like to achieve blue belt. But, the thought of still smoking and getting my next belt level, seems to me like I am cheating myself. Not giving myself the proper tools I need, to be a complete martial artist.
I did accomplish a few things this year though, that's for sure. I was out my bicycle a lot this year. Far more physical movements. Especially having to walk the mini horse that we call Bane. There were a lot of victories as a family. Very positively enforcing relationships with the kidos and wifey-poo. I have done far more reading this year than before and my temper is getting a lot better. I read Animal Farm to the kids. That was cool. The questions that came from that book. Awesomeness! I have continued to quite the screaming voices in my head. I have successfully looked relapse in the eyes and pushed it out of my path. I was able to resist the urge to completely fall into the old willie's ways. Thank sweet mother of pearl, I jumped outta that hole as quickly as I did. That was determination, that's what that was. Bull headed not doing that again, even if I have to sew my hands in my pockets, I am not picking that damn drink up again! today, you will have to kill me to get a drop of booze in my mouth again. Lots of help, though, lots of help from the big guy and my friends. Never can I say, I did alone. Nope, so many people helping me along the way. I must be blessed, because I sure feel like it some days.
For myself though, the most frustrating part of this year was the classes on Thursday nights. I remember last year saying to Sifu, that classes going to a Thursday night would, well, be near the end of my career in IHC. And that proved to be a very real fact. Every Thursday night I needed to make a decision. Do I go and hang with people like me, who share the same very treaterous way of life I face without the proper amount of spiritual backing, or do I go play with my escrimas with the team? A decision that weighed very very heavy on me every single week. Then, a guy has these guilty thoughts because he makes a decision, that he feels is best for his mental state. Not best for his training. And believe it or not, I did feel bad not being there. It's near impossible to be apart of the team, without being there in person. I mean, let's be honest here, blogging only goes so far as for team commitment. Unfortuanatly, I did not feel comfortable enough to start missing more meeting than I did. Even this month, I haven't been to a meeting yet, as I am really pushing hard for this new year celebration. And I feel it. I feel the sickness inside rearing its ugly head again. But, it's okay, because, we are almost there. And I know I will be okay, because I a man with good people and training partners. It's will be okay, simply put, because I am with The monkey teamies. Thanks guys.
One thing that I am extremely grateful for, is having the opportunity to jump back into the demo, at the end of the year. Like that's really right on guys, and I truly do appreciate you thinking of me and throwing me in a lion. Honestly, it means a lot to me. Thank you. It makes me feel like I didn't completely waste mine and everyone else's time this year. Coming back into the game, so late, in the game, and just having people like, hey man, jump in here and here. And that's that! Awesome. Seeing everyone pushing so hard on their forms and techniques, it's inspiring to say the least. Seeing the definite change in everyone is really fantastic. An opportunity, truly inspiring. A huge example of what can be accomplished with just, consistent effort. Thanks again everyone, on the monkey team. You guys are really right on. This last month has been a lot of fun. And there are memories that I know I will hold onto forever here after!
One of my greatest accomplishments this year has been learning the skill of asking for help. This has been probably my greatest victory, this year. I'm not as ego driven as I have been in the past, I know it doesn't seem like it some days, but, I know for a fact I am getting better. How, because it's getting easier and easier to ask. I don't know why, this is such a hard thing for me to do. I think mainly it's my pride and ego, but, hey, one day at a time.
So, to sum up my year as a monkey. It was more of a failure than it was anything else. Yes, I have had much of success, but, I don't think enough, to call a victory of a year. That's okay. I have learnt lesson over lesson again and again. Even in failure, I have come out on top. Simply because of the lessons I have continuously learnt. Complete failure, is, as I see it, accepting to your inner most self, that you lost. And that is something I refuse to do. Never, will I say, I quit. That's just not who I am, anymore. I have learnt that much. And that's much is still a huge victory.
Thanks for everyone's patience and acceptance this year. You guys have been really solid! Fist bumps for all, and for all a whoop whoop!
Well, untill next week,
I'll talk to you soon
Mr.Duncan
Sunday, 15 January 2017
almost there
Hey ya, hey ya, how ya doing? I'm doing very good, I am. Another great day. Beautiful day today. Love it. Kids have been kicked outside, dogs not allowed in, and I'm doing some chores around the house. Clean out the chicken coop, fight with the dog while he's trying to eat the chicken poop. Uhh, dogs. Weird man. Never seen an animal get so hell bent on eating poop before.
Anyhow, nailed Long in class. Sifu was happy with the progress I've made. So, I'm happy. It's nice to have that form, no longer looming over my head. Yup, over that obstacle. Great stuff, indeed. Onto the next challenge. Not sure yet. I think I'm just going to continue smoothing out techniques and forms.
You know it's funny man. These escrimas were flying Thursday night before class. I smoothed out these parts that needed work. Now, I'm stubblinging on completely different parts of the form. Haha. Oh never ends. But, that's cool. Challenge accepted. This just re-enforces in my mind that these forms are their own personal entity. Each form, like us is unique and differs from one person to the next. As soon as one part of the form has been addressed, another part rears its head and is like, hey, look at this part over here. What about this part? And you're like, oh, right, now this part of the form sucks. Well, looks like I got to do some more work there.
My journey here, in the I Ho Chuan, is quickly coming to an end. I'm excited to be done, and kind of disappointed I'm not continuing with everyone on I.H.C. But, all good things must come to an end. I'll be back, I'll have to do this again to get the black belt, so when that day comes, I'll be back. Maybe IHC will be on an easier night for me to make it? Then I could make it. One can only dream.....But, to the next class. To the new members, I would like to say this to you guys.
I Ho Chuan is going to push you mentally and physically. These last two years has been some of the greatest challenges and overcomings I have faced before. If you are like me, maybe one day you'll be thinking to yourself, what did I get myself into? Maybe you're down and out, thinking, man, did I just make a mistake? I thought that numerous times. But, I had to remember why I was there in the first place. Because good enough is just not good enough anymore. Feelings of self doubt and thinking you just can't do it are part of the process. One must question what they are doing in order to see, just what great things you are achieving. And you won't even know you're achieving these amazing things. A lot of the "ah ha" moments I have had were direct results of IHC. If it were not for the IHC, I know for a fact I would not be the martial artist that I am today. And I have so much more to learn. I know so little, and I like it like that. Just constant reminders to ask for help. Constant reminders to push harder and harder. If I wish to achieve my dreams, I must remember the lessons I was taught in IHC. Like it's just fine, to make mistakes and fall apart. As long as we graciously learn from our mistakes. Something, I'm still working on. But, IHC made me see that realization. IHC as a program to the intense martial artist, is like feeding unlimited amounts of nitrous to a race car. Now, you are going to fly. Just be patient, and it will come.
Listen, the main thing I can say, is enjoy your time. Have fun with your training. Talk to your class mates. Build a friendship or two. Just have fun, and boy, the results will blow your minds.
Me? Well, I'm off on a different part of my journey today. I'm still focused on the demo and Chinese New Year, but, yes, I'll be off doing my own thing come February. Focus on a different challenge that I want to do. Oddly enough, this is something that I don't know if I would have the courage to do, if I didn't join I Ho Chuan first and foremost. So, again, another reason, why the IHC program is so successful. This personal challenge does depend very much on finances, but, if I can financially swing it, I going to enroll in a few wrestling camps over the next six to eight months. Not saying I am going to get picked up by a promoter, or anything like that. I'm not even saying, I'm going to be any good at it at all, but, more importantly, I want to try. I simply want to take wrestling camps off of my bucket list. And who knows, maybe by the stroke of luck and the skin of my teeth, I might just make something of another childhood dream. Who knows? But I'll never know unless I try. And truly there is no try. There is only doing. So, if I can financially swing it, I'm there. If, not, well, nothing really changes. I continue with training. One way or another, I'm going to be stronger, faster, and more fluent with the language of my body and how it works. And above all, I will still be able to continue towards my black belt. And that, folks, is exciting all in its own.
And if nothing else happens, I'm going to have fun. And to me, that's ninth percent of why I do everything that I do. I enjoy it. I am passionate about training and becoming stronger and faster. I am passionately about learning about how I am internally and what I can do when I feel like my tank is empty. So, I'm looking forwards to a exciting new year no material what happens, I hope you are too.
Have a good day
Mr.Duncan
Anyhow, nailed Long in class. Sifu was happy with the progress I've made. So, I'm happy. It's nice to have that form, no longer looming over my head. Yup, over that obstacle. Great stuff, indeed. Onto the next challenge. Not sure yet. I think I'm just going to continue smoothing out techniques and forms.
You know it's funny man. These escrimas were flying Thursday night before class. I smoothed out these parts that needed work. Now, I'm stubblinging on completely different parts of the form. Haha. Oh never ends. But, that's cool. Challenge accepted. This just re-enforces in my mind that these forms are their own personal entity. Each form, like us is unique and differs from one person to the next. As soon as one part of the form has been addressed, another part rears its head and is like, hey, look at this part over here. What about this part? And you're like, oh, right, now this part of the form sucks. Well, looks like I got to do some more work there.
My journey here, in the I Ho Chuan, is quickly coming to an end. I'm excited to be done, and kind of disappointed I'm not continuing with everyone on I.H.C. But, all good things must come to an end. I'll be back, I'll have to do this again to get the black belt, so when that day comes, I'll be back. Maybe IHC will be on an easier night for me to make it? Then I could make it. One can only dream.....But, to the next class. To the new members, I would like to say this to you guys.
I Ho Chuan is going to push you mentally and physically. These last two years has been some of the greatest challenges and overcomings I have faced before. If you are like me, maybe one day you'll be thinking to yourself, what did I get myself into? Maybe you're down and out, thinking, man, did I just make a mistake? I thought that numerous times. But, I had to remember why I was there in the first place. Because good enough is just not good enough anymore. Feelings of self doubt and thinking you just can't do it are part of the process. One must question what they are doing in order to see, just what great things you are achieving. And you won't even know you're achieving these amazing things. A lot of the "ah ha" moments I have had were direct results of IHC. If it were not for the IHC, I know for a fact I would not be the martial artist that I am today. And I have so much more to learn. I know so little, and I like it like that. Just constant reminders to ask for help. Constant reminders to push harder and harder. If I wish to achieve my dreams, I must remember the lessons I was taught in IHC. Like it's just fine, to make mistakes and fall apart. As long as we graciously learn from our mistakes. Something, I'm still working on. But, IHC made me see that realization. IHC as a program to the intense martial artist, is like feeding unlimited amounts of nitrous to a race car. Now, you are going to fly. Just be patient, and it will come.
Listen, the main thing I can say, is enjoy your time. Have fun with your training. Talk to your class mates. Build a friendship or two. Just have fun, and boy, the results will blow your minds.
Me? Well, I'm off on a different part of my journey today. I'm still focused on the demo and Chinese New Year, but, yes, I'll be off doing my own thing come February. Focus on a different challenge that I want to do. Oddly enough, this is something that I don't know if I would have the courage to do, if I didn't join I Ho Chuan first and foremost. So, again, another reason, why the IHC program is so successful. This personal challenge does depend very much on finances, but, if I can financially swing it, I going to enroll in a few wrestling camps over the next six to eight months. Not saying I am going to get picked up by a promoter, or anything like that. I'm not even saying, I'm going to be any good at it at all, but, more importantly, I want to try. I simply want to take wrestling camps off of my bucket list. And who knows, maybe by the stroke of luck and the skin of my teeth, I might just make something of another childhood dream. Who knows? But I'll never know unless I try. And truly there is no try. There is only doing. So, if I can financially swing it, I'm there. If, not, well, nothing really changes. I continue with training. One way or another, I'm going to be stronger, faster, and more fluent with the language of my body and how it works. And above all, I will still be able to continue towards my black belt. And that, folks, is exciting all in its own.
And if nothing else happens, I'm going to have fun. And to me, that's ninth percent of why I do everything that I do. I enjoy it. I am passionate about training and becoming stronger and faster. I am passionately about learning about how I am internally and what I can do when I feel like my tank is empty. So, I'm looking forwards to a exciting new year no material what happens, I hope you are too.
Have a good day
Mr.Duncan
Sunday, 8 January 2017
lions and dragons and dogs, oh my!
Hey there! It's me it's me Mr.D! Another Sunday rolls upon us and another batch of pancakes, even the dog had one! Took it right out of the youngest hands! While he was walking to the table all proud he just "scoffed" a pancake from dad, then the dog, in one swoop stole wyatts pancake and it's gone! Good, now we get to listen to his allergies kick in. Bane, can not handle flour, pork and other additives! Awesome. Ever had a dog that allergic to everything? Oh the backlash is awesome! The sounds and the smells that come out of a dog with allergies is just great. Especially my one hundred and twenty pound Nancy pouch. Love him.
Any how, let's get to business. Thursday night was an eye opener. I honestly thought my form was doing not bad. Not bad, I thought to myself. Then the honest critiquing came. And whether the comments where directed at myself or not, I took them to heart. And Sifu Brinker was right. There was no intention, and it did suck. Okay I said to myself, I have to make this not suck. Like right now. Truth is, I've put so much time into the Long form, I didn't give the attention I thought I was to giving to the escrimas. I had the escrimas just flying before Christmas, and just a week later, it fell apart on me. Okay dokay. Well, that tells me, I have far more work to do wto get the escrimas back on top. Here's my big "dilemma". My goal I was shooting for was to have my blue belt by Christmas time. And unfortuanatly, I fell short. I was informed, that Long just wasn't quiet there. That's cool I thought, I can get it there, just need more time. So I laser focused on the Long form, and sidelined escrimas. I thought I was keeping them up, but, alas, I fell short there as well. Wow, I've never dropped the ball so many times in a row. Well, maybe I have, but, this time hurt. I am very confident in my Kung fu and my abilities and I think, that was my down falling here. Over confidence led to a false sense of ability. False abilities clouded my judgement of where my form truly was.
Alrighty then, lesson learnt. I want my blue belt, I'm there? I don't know, but, hopefully. Long I feel confident with, and escrimas are almost as strong as I want them to be. So, again, back to the balance dilemma. I want both so badly, I just need to properly train. Again, I need to find that balance and achieve it. I've had it before, just need to pay attention and watch what I am doing. So with all the above being said, in th escrima form, I have found a cleaner way to achieve moving into a horsestance, I think. This is the fourth change I think in the last little while. Obviously, I haven't practiced it enough, because it changes just a little bit each time. That tells me, it's more spontaneous than it is practiced. Not cool. Not to worry. But, I will have this sorted out by Thursdays class. That's a Mr.D gaurentee!
The lion/dragon dance, eh! Wow, that is cool. From what I've seen hiding in the back of a lion! Hard to see anything but feet in front of me!! I've never been in a lion, except, for one parade, for like, five minutes. So, this is awesome. I have wanted to train in the lions, just, never really embraced the opportunity. I've been working on the footwork, since Saturday afternoon. I am enjoying it. I hope I'm doing the right zombie dance! I think I may have confused my self. But, I will make a call and find out for sure in a few minutes today. My kids think it's hilarious what I'm doing. All hopping around and what not, but, I remind them that a lot of Kung fu, has been derived from dance. So, how you like them apples boys?!?
I'd like to end around here. I myself have always been really interested in our lineage or history if you will. With the untimely passing of Master Margie Hilbig, I felt I missed an opportunity. Know, I really want to know our history. History is important to me. It's where the traditions are. It's where we come from. It's who we are. From what little I have done, wow, what an individual! Just an absolutely amazing person, with her tanasity and her un-dying spirit. It's, to be honest, nothing short of inspiring. I never had the chance to meet this woman, and I wish I did, but, in an indirect way, I can still learn her lessons. Through our master instructor and the black belts he has raised. It's up to me, as a student, to indirectly learn her lessons through our teachers. That, is something I can do. I think. Honestly take the lessons we are being taught and grow with them. Take them teachings and turn around and learn how to apply these lessons.
So in short, I would like to thank all of my teachers, even if it's nothing more than showing me proper lion footwork, or teaching me tai chi forms at rotary park, or showing me knife defence in a school gym, I thank all of you. I now today realize, it's your lessons, that helps make me, well, me! I will make everyone very proud one day. I will show through example of what a determined martial artist can and will do. I may not be joining the team for rooster, but, I kid you not, I will be taking Kung fu to a knew level for myself this upcoming year. I will re-establish myself, as the martial artist I am supposed to be. Which, is miles ahead of where I am today. By god, I have a black belt to achieve and years of knowledge to re-solidify in my mind. After this new year is all wrapped up, look out, because willie wants what willie once had. And there ain't one person on this planet who is going to slow me down., or get in my way. Mentally or physically.
Finally thank you to Master Hilbrig for carving the path for the rest of us. I will never forget and I will do my best to keep the traditions you set forth alive and well.
Thanks for your time folks
Mr.Duncan
Any how, let's get to business. Thursday night was an eye opener. I honestly thought my form was doing not bad. Not bad, I thought to myself. Then the honest critiquing came. And whether the comments where directed at myself or not, I took them to heart. And Sifu Brinker was right. There was no intention, and it did suck. Okay I said to myself, I have to make this not suck. Like right now. Truth is, I've put so much time into the Long form, I didn't give the attention I thought I was to giving to the escrimas. I had the escrimas just flying before Christmas, and just a week later, it fell apart on me. Okay dokay. Well, that tells me, I have far more work to do wto get the escrimas back on top. Here's my big "dilemma". My goal I was shooting for was to have my blue belt by Christmas time. And unfortuanatly, I fell short. I was informed, that Long just wasn't quiet there. That's cool I thought, I can get it there, just need more time. So I laser focused on the Long form, and sidelined escrimas. I thought I was keeping them up, but, alas, I fell short there as well. Wow, I've never dropped the ball so many times in a row. Well, maybe I have, but, this time hurt. I am very confident in my Kung fu and my abilities and I think, that was my down falling here. Over confidence led to a false sense of ability. False abilities clouded my judgement of where my form truly was.
Alrighty then, lesson learnt. I want my blue belt, I'm there? I don't know, but, hopefully. Long I feel confident with, and escrimas are almost as strong as I want them to be. So, again, back to the balance dilemma. I want both so badly, I just need to properly train. Again, I need to find that balance and achieve it. I've had it before, just need to pay attention and watch what I am doing. So with all the above being said, in th escrima form, I have found a cleaner way to achieve moving into a horsestance, I think. This is the fourth change I think in the last little while. Obviously, I haven't practiced it enough, because it changes just a little bit each time. That tells me, it's more spontaneous than it is practiced. Not cool. Not to worry. But, I will have this sorted out by Thursdays class. That's a Mr.D gaurentee!
The lion/dragon dance, eh! Wow, that is cool. From what I've seen hiding in the back of a lion! Hard to see anything but feet in front of me!! I've never been in a lion, except, for one parade, for like, five minutes. So, this is awesome. I have wanted to train in the lions, just, never really embraced the opportunity. I've been working on the footwork, since Saturday afternoon. I am enjoying it. I hope I'm doing the right zombie dance! I think I may have confused my self. But, I will make a call and find out for sure in a few minutes today. My kids think it's hilarious what I'm doing. All hopping around and what not, but, I remind them that a lot of Kung fu, has been derived from dance. So, how you like them apples boys?!?
I'd like to end around here. I myself have always been really interested in our lineage or history if you will. With the untimely passing of Master Margie Hilbig, I felt I missed an opportunity. Know, I really want to know our history. History is important to me. It's where the traditions are. It's where we come from. It's who we are. From what little I have done, wow, what an individual! Just an absolutely amazing person, with her tanasity and her un-dying spirit. It's, to be honest, nothing short of inspiring. I never had the chance to meet this woman, and I wish I did, but, in an indirect way, I can still learn her lessons. Through our master instructor and the black belts he has raised. It's up to me, as a student, to indirectly learn her lessons through our teachers. That, is something I can do. I think. Honestly take the lessons we are being taught and grow with them. Take them teachings and turn around and learn how to apply these lessons.
So in short, I would like to thank all of my teachers, even if it's nothing more than showing me proper lion footwork, or teaching me tai chi forms at rotary park, or showing me knife defence in a school gym, I thank all of you. I now today realize, it's your lessons, that helps make me, well, me! I will make everyone very proud one day. I will show through example of what a determined martial artist can and will do. I may not be joining the team for rooster, but, I kid you not, I will be taking Kung fu to a knew level for myself this upcoming year. I will re-establish myself, as the martial artist I am supposed to be. Which, is miles ahead of where I am today. By god, I have a black belt to achieve and years of knowledge to re-solidify in my mind. After this new year is all wrapped up, look out, because willie wants what willie once had. And there ain't one person on this planet who is going to slow me down., or get in my way. Mentally or physically.
Finally thank you to Master Hilbrig for carving the path for the rest of us. I will never forget and I will do my best to keep the traditions you set forth alive and well.
Thanks for your time folks
Mr.Duncan
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