Hey there all! Sunday funday. Today my oldest boy did his cubs swear in today. He enjoyed that. I. Happy I was there to see him smile. He wasn't sure what was going on, but, him and his buddies were getting bandanas! Sweet!! The little things in life. Glad I was there to share that with him.
This week, I don't know, not much happened. Starting work and getting up at some redonculous hour in the mornings. I think the worst part is having some many varying start times. Hard to get a schedule going. But, I'm told it's for a good reason, so, so be it.
My youngest boy, is in Kung fu now. And two more kids about his age joined. It's great. He gets all amped up go to Kung fu and, on his own, he's off practicing. He really wants to do well. He tells my wife that he wants to practice and do well, so he can "take down dad" !! What a kid!! His nature of smash first, then smash more than maybe ask a question, comes straight from me. Love it. He constantly pushes my buttons. He knows exactly how to get a reaction and he has that "look" down to a T. And defiant! Man, that's a head against a brick wall time. Some days I just smile at him and I remind myself more than him that I love him. You know the days a guy just wants to put his kid in a closet and accident,y have the chair jam against the door and go for a walk? You know, those days. Hahha. Could you imagine? Haha. I would get whipped like a mule.
Training with him is surprisingly easy. He really wants to do well, and he tries hard. Good stuff. Training with anyone around, especially a young one, I find, I need to be aware of everything in my training. Stance, rotation, intention. Again, I slow down, and reminding myself to be grounded and try to flow with the movements. Going slower, I have time to go though the checklist of movements and achieve technique. You never know when those little eyes are watching and learning. It's a challenge with me. One moment kids aren't in the room and I let go flurry of colourful and descriptive expressions and then the kids are in the room behind me, with looks of wonder and thoughtfulness. And I'm like fire truck... I must admit, that I do love a child's tenacity. I love how, some kids almost expect the best out of themselves and really push hard to do better. He wants to do better in kindergarten so he whips out his books and does it. With no push from either of us. He will do phonics books for literally hours if you let him. I cut him off at half an hour. Like, that's enough of that edumoncating stuff boy!! No, no, I let him go for hours, I hope he enjoys himself.
Having kids, for me, is like having two life paths at once. I'm a firm believer that yes, I'm dad, and you do have to listen to me, but, you are still your own little being. They can make all their own decision, but, I still decide, what a bad one or not. You see, I am merely a fortunate enough person to have the opportunity to have little people in my home. I am their guide, life is our teacher. I am their rock, when a lesson is at hand. We always grow and learn together.
So if it's Kung fu or if it's life, I'm reminded again That's there's always room for improvement.
See you soon.
Mr.Duncan
Sunday, 16 October 2016
Monday, 10 October 2016
monday is the new Sunday.
Great morning to all. Good old thanksgiving has come and gone for us. Today is our Sunday funday. This weeks training took a dive Wednesday. I got some fricken flu, and that put me in the sidelines for a few days. But, I keep pressing on. Like I have said there are goals to achieve. The ribs are feeling okay. Did some work with Sihing on Saturday with his five techniques and one of them involves knee into ribs. Hard. And I'm like, oh sweet mother, I love this so much. The Sifu who was working with us, was demonstrating how to properly place and grind that knee. Ouch. That's okay though. Gotta push through. Not just for me, but for Sihing. He has asked for help and I will help no problem. Just have to be cautious with the ribs. Still tender. But, that is a communication issue, on my end. Doesn't help when my youngest boots me in the ribs while fighting for the Living Room Heavyweight Championship Title. Yeah, Big Bad Dad lost the fight and I'm no longer number one contender for the title. That's cool. I'll have to battle the oldest boy for contender placement again. Haha. I love it. One thing that sifu really wanted to emphasize was selling the techniques. Gotta sell it. Okay, I will tap into the pro wrestling and really focus on selling his strikes. Yeah, okay, this is going to be a fair amounts of fun. I only wonder though, how will Sihing sell an elbow drop through a table? Or maybe I should pull out the wrestling tights? Am I taking this too far? Probably, but, I like to have fun with everything and if I can be serious and make progress, but still get a smile or laugh out of someone, goals achieved. I do look forward to continue working with Sihing on his techniques, and making it as realistic as we can, without, taking to an extreme level. You know journeyman stuff!!
Overall, training has been great. Asking lots of questions, doing a fair amount of reaserch with the escrimas. I found this video of a fellow, explaining a few things on what he thinks is critical about escrimas. I really enjoyed his theories. I've heard them before. One stick is a shield, the other is a weapon. Sure I have two sticks in my hands, but, ones a shield and ones a weapon. Keep that in mind and truly the dynamics of the escrimas have greatly changed again. So, continued work with different theories and ideas of the escrimas, and, the evolution of my knowledge of the escrimas will of course become greater as well. And like I have said, I love my escrimas. They are fantastic. I love smashing people with them. And, i try hard to ask different questions and talk about different theories during open training, with sifu. And right there, you know, there is this huge fountain of knowledge, when it comes to anything Kung fu related, especially weapons during open training. You just have to ask questions and the answers will come. Just have to pay attention.
Today, I have to admit, I'm fairly volatile. This morning I found concrete evidence, someone has been messing with my new car. Now, I will admit, I pulled a dummy and left my doors unlocked and someone got in opened all my windows ransacked it for cash, or whatever, and where kind enough to leave the car open to the elements last night. Awesome snow and ice and water all over my interior. There's a whole bunch of words and expressions that I can not use, because I might offend someone. So, I asked the question to myself, one, how can you be so dumb to leave the doors open when there are drug houses all around us and drunks and addicts wandering the alleys? Your dumb will! Smarten up. And second, how can I solve this? Cops aren't going to do anything about it. So, I will. Hehehahahoho! What I'm going to do, is set up a trail cam and set it up so, when motion is detected, I get an email, and boom, my phone will notify me, and then, oh boy oh boy, I get to express my discontent with these cowards in person, face to face. This is like the I don't know how many times I've noticed my vehicles have been messed with. I do not care if they are kids looking to mess with someone else's or adults looking for easy cash. I am not one to be trifled with and I am one who will not take it to the cops. I will deal with it on my own accord. With certain things, like hunting, I am very patient. I'm very methidical. These mofos, have no idea who they are messing with. Are there dangers and things that can happen? Absolutely there are. I do not care. Just because you are broke does not give you the right to purposely wreck other people's things. Actions like this tell me you have no respect for others and their belongings, which means to me, the law of mutual respect means nothing to you. Which in turn, allows me the ability to express to these people what will and will not be tolerated. Will I be any better than them by breaking their arms, nope. I am fully aware of this. I gaurentee, when I finish with someone who has threatened myself and my family and my stuff, they will not do something like this again. Ever. They will remember this lesson for the rest of their miserable lives!
So in any event, I have a few things to do, to prep for the upcoming week of slavery.
See you soon
Mr.Duncan
Overall, training has been great. Asking lots of questions, doing a fair amount of reaserch with the escrimas. I found this video of a fellow, explaining a few things on what he thinks is critical about escrimas. I really enjoyed his theories. I've heard them before. One stick is a shield, the other is a weapon. Sure I have two sticks in my hands, but, ones a shield and ones a weapon. Keep that in mind and truly the dynamics of the escrimas have greatly changed again. So, continued work with different theories and ideas of the escrimas, and, the evolution of my knowledge of the escrimas will of course become greater as well. And like I have said, I love my escrimas. They are fantastic. I love smashing people with them. And, i try hard to ask different questions and talk about different theories during open training, with sifu. And right there, you know, there is this huge fountain of knowledge, when it comes to anything Kung fu related, especially weapons during open training. You just have to ask questions and the answers will come. Just have to pay attention.
Today, I have to admit, I'm fairly volatile. This morning I found concrete evidence, someone has been messing with my new car. Now, I will admit, I pulled a dummy and left my doors unlocked and someone got in opened all my windows ransacked it for cash, or whatever, and where kind enough to leave the car open to the elements last night. Awesome snow and ice and water all over my interior. There's a whole bunch of words and expressions that I can not use, because I might offend someone. So, I asked the question to myself, one, how can you be so dumb to leave the doors open when there are drug houses all around us and drunks and addicts wandering the alleys? Your dumb will! Smarten up. And second, how can I solve this? Cops aren't going to do anything about it. So, I will. Hehehahahoho! What I'm going to do, is set up a trail cam and set it up so, when motion is detected, I get an email, and boom, my phone will notify me, and then, oh boy oh boy, I get to express my discontent with these cowards in person, face to face. This is like the I don't know how many times I've noticed my vehicles have been messed with. I do not care if they are kids looking to mess with someone else's or adults looking for easy cash. I am not one to be trifled with and I am one who will not take it to the cops. I will deal with it on my own accord. With certain things, like hunting, I am very patient. I'm very methidical. These mofos, have no idea who they are messing with. Are there dangers and things that can happen? Absolutely there are. I do not care. Just because you are broke does not give you the right to purposely wreck other people's things. Actions like this tell me you have no respect for others and their belongings, which means to me, the law of mutual respect means nothing to you. Which in turn, allows me the ability to express to these people what will and will not be tolerated. Will I be any better than them by breaking their arms, nope. I am fully aware of this. I gaurentee, when I finish with someone who has threatened myself and my family and my stuff, they will not do something like this again. Ever. They will remember this lesson for the rest of their miserable lives!
So in any event, I have a few things to do, to prep for the upcoming week of slavery.
See you soon
Mr.Duncan
Sunday, 2 October 2016
Review
Well howdy-ho there people in internet land. What's cracking? How's the weekend going? Good? Good! So the question was asked, what has I Ho Chuan done for you this year? And then blog about it. Okay dokay. This year has been a great year in a lot of different terms. Even though, my training really took a hit. I learnt a fair bit about myself, especially in the beginning of the year. My little mental breakdown, showed me lessons in slowing down a finding balance. Very much am I an extremist. I'm all in or nothing at all. I'm glad I learnt that. Now, I can work on ways to find and stay balanced. I knew this about me, but never was in a position to have to do something about it. I.H.C. forced that fact about me, out and into the open. Doing something like I Ho Chuan, the key for myself, the greatest tool I have, is balance. Balancing life and Kung fu training. With balance comes other life lessons. Finding balance in your activities forces you to look at what you value and enjoy. You of course, will want to put more time in things you value over things you do not do. So, there where bad habits I had, that I don't do anymore, because I could not justify doing them, because I could not find the value in it. Therefore freeing up time to do the things I do enjoy, like training. To be able to train at the level, we are asked, you must become creative with your training. Trying to throw out some reps and such when ever, where ever possible.
With that came very valuable lessons, for me to learn. I got to a point where, I lost the value of a lot of my training. I was just doing things for the sake of doing things. And that was bothering me. I lost the value of forms and the essence of push ups and sit ups. The discipline it brings. I started falling back into old habits and routines. I buggered up my shoulders by not listening to my body. I stared ignoring what was going on inside my demented mind, and routines fell apart. I was in all over the place mode. What Thursday is it, do I hit a meeting or do I hit up class? Not even sure what I needed to do anymore. I really hit a low and turned off the lines of communication and pendulumed into thoughts and actions of old me. I lost the essence of what I had enrolled in. I knew better.
Today, now that I've removed head from arse and started training like I actually mean it. Training is much better. Kung fu has more of a deeper meaning for myself today, all because I, once again, value it's teachings. There was a great blog written just the other day by mr.sollinger, that put a lot into words for me. That was the best blog I've read in a long time. It really hit home on how I have re-approached training. When I took time in the spring and summer, I really thought about what I value in my life. And Kung fu is one of the top values I have. I have goals in Kung fu that will happen. So, of course my perspective changes do doing the best that I can over the amount that I can do. And wait, what's that? Is that balance I hear rapping at my gate again? Oh it is! Imagine that!! And what comes with balance? Slowing down and breathing! Holy crap. The very essence of what I am trying to learn. To stay calm, when challenged in life. Isn't that the very basics of Kung fu? Staying calm. Man, back, full circle, to the basics.
I guess what I'm trying to say is, this year, I Ho Chuan, gave me lessons not only in Kung fu, but also in life. If I wish to have this life, there is a balance that needs to be found and routines to be followed. Like we have been told, the path is ours for the taking. We just need to put one foot in front of the other every day, and all of a sudden you have taken 1000 steps towards your goals. I must keep what I value and my disciplines out in the for front each day, and I will achieve my goals. Each day do something that leads me to my goals. Push ups, sit ups, hand forms and do the best damn ones you can do. And why not? Because your lazy? Shoot no. Mean it, man, own that form, own that technique. Really and properly throw that combination.
Oh, what's this? Breaking news from the Smash Down League's headquarters. Tonight only there will be a special one on one falls count anywhere match, for the Living Room Heavyweight Title. Between none other than, the amazingly handsome Big Bad Dad. And his opponent will be the one, the only Goliath killer, the dad assassin, Alex "The Ssssttttuuuuuddddd!!!!" This one will be one for the ages folks. BBD is in for the fight of his career. The stud, promises to finish BBD off for good tonight! "Im gonna take his knees then hit him with a 5 starred stud stunner" Alex the Stud, promised in an interview earlier today! In response, BBD promised to introduce Stud to the rug via, the Dad-driver!
Well, I figure that's all for now folks
Train on, eh!!
Mr.Duncan
With that came very valuable lessons, for me to learn. I got to a point where, I lost the value of a lot of my training. I was just doing things for the sake of doing things. And that was bothering me. I lost the value of forms and the essence of push ups and sit ups. The discipline it brings. I started falling back into old habits and routines. I buggered up my shoulders by not listening to my body. I stared ignoring what was going on inside my demented mind, and routines fell apart. I was in all over the place mode. What Thursday is it, do I hit a meeting or do I hit up class? Not even sure what I needed to do anymore. I really hit a low and turned off the lines of communication and pendulumed into thoughts and actions of old me. I lost the essence of what I had enrolled in. I knew better.
Today, now that I've removed head from arse and started training like I actually mean it. Training is much better. Kung fu has more of a deeper meaning for myself today, all because I, once again, value it's teachings. There was a great blog written just the other day by mr.sollinger, that put a lot into words for me. That was the best blog I've read in a long time. It really hit home on how I have re-approached training. When I took time in the spring and summer, I really thought about what I value in my life. And Kung fu is one of the top values I have. I have goals in Kung fu that will happen. So, of course my perspective changes do doing the best that I can over the amount that I can do. And wait, what's that? Is that balance I hear rapping at my gate again? Oh it is! Imagine that!! And what comes with balance? Slowing down and breathing! Holy crap. The very essence of what I am trying to learn. To stay calm, when challenged in life. Isn't that the very basics of Kung fu? Staying calm. Man, back, full circle, to the basics.
I guess what I'm trying to say is, this year, I Ho Chuan, gave me lessons not only in Kung fu, but also in life. If I wish to have this life, there is a balance that needs to be found and routines to be followed. Like we have been told, the path is ours for the taking. We just need to put one foot in front of the other every day, and all of a sudden you have taken 1000 steps towards your goals. I must keep what I value and my disciplines out in the for front each day, and I will achieve my goals. Each day do something that leads me to my goals. Push ups, sit ups, hand forms and do the best damn ones you can do. And why not? Because your lazy? Shoot no. Mean it, man, own that form, own that technique. Really and properly throw that combination.
Oh, what's this? Breaking news from the Smash Down League's headquarters. Tonight only there will be a special one on one falls count anywhere match, for the Living Room Heavyweight Title. Between none other than, the amazingly handsome Big Bad Dad. And his opponent will be the one, the only Goliath killer, the dad assassin, Alex "The Ssssttttuuuuuddddd!!!!" This one will be one for the ages folks. BBD is in for the fight of his career. The stud, promises to finish BBD off for good tonight! "Im gonna take his knees then hit him with a 5 starred stud stunner" Alex the Stud, promised in an interview earlier today! In response, BBD promised to introduce Stud to the rug via, the Dad-driver!
Well, I figure that's all for now folks
Train on, eh!!
Mr.Duncan
Sunday, 25 September 2016
Too Sweet
"Hey yo! Survey time! How many of you came to read some generic blog? (This is where you kind of chear) How many of you came to read some high tempo, arse kicking high flying good stuff?(this is where you really chear.)Well, survey says, that's one more for the good guys!" And then I flick a toothpick at the crowd. Haha! There is some Scott Hall. You know, Razor Ramon! The "bad guy"! I've been watching a lot of old wrestling from my youth! It's far better then this new wrestling crap that is out there today! And that's the bottom line cause Stone Cold says so! And now, I go into numerous wrestling poses and taunts! Come on let's hear your favorite wrestling catch phrases! Don't be a jabronee! ;)
Okay, okay, let's get cracking on some Kung fu business (tiger stance)! Haha. I'm in a great mood today. Things are looking up and routines are getting easier and easier to accomplish. Except I busted up some ribs and have a heck of a time with deep or heavy breaths, which is the majority of my breathing. I've found the key to staying active with sore ribs. Slow steady breathes. Nothing to quick and take your time with the breath. Frustrating as it can be, it's a blessing in disguise. Slow down man. Remember to smell the flowers before, the frost finishes them off! With that, though, I keep training. Nothing much on the heavy bag this weekend. That hurts after a bit. Throwing heavy punches on The heavy bag really jars the ribs. So I wonder about my stance, and it's not bad. Not to mention I have my wife chirping in the back ground, you shouldn't be doing that. What if they are broke and what if something shifts will. Then what? Then you have a punctured lung or something, all because your stubborn. Stupid voice of reason. Fine, what should I do then? Crickets. And I'm back on the heavy bag. Just slowing down. Haha. But, the Escrimas don't hurt as much. Not that I'm going to admit anyways. I have progress to make. There are goals to be accomplished. Bruised ribs or not, greatness waits for no one. And I plan on being f'n awesome and leaving people awestruck! Yeah wow, I'm kinda feisty today! That's cool. Will make for an interesting day.
You know something though, this past month has been really cool. Training is back on top. I have been working on this one technique to help with fast hands and I recently realized that this technique is sport training. I've been crushing this for a while now and it's been sport training all along! Ha, imagine that. Ingrained techniques and I didn't even know it! That's cool. So, the tiger challenge is almost in our laps. I really enjoy the challenge. Always have. You get to pit your skills, in a friendly manner with yourself and everyone around you. Everyone gets to see exactly where in their training they are at that level. A very useful tool. I think anyways, this is the best opportunity to see, how well you know your stuff. No redos, no mulligans, just go in and give it everything you have got. I'm excited. Every tournament I have attended, i have learnt lots. And normally I learn the most when I loose or do not do as well, as I thought I would. Lessons in humility and skills. It's a great time for everyone. I love the challenge at hand. Everyone is at the top of their game, it's up to you to step up to the plate and crush some forms. I, just hope that my own training and stuff, is up to par. And I know I have lots to do yet, so u best get training. These stupid ribs need to hurry up and heal, or naw, I don't care. I have a goal, and I'm going to achieve it!! Hahaha!
Speaking of things healing, I have had great success with my shoulder. On Monday night I managed to hit 120 push-ups in a short period of time without hearing the clicking and popping. Great! That tells me, the small weighted workouts I'm doing with the shoulders are paying off. Took some time, but it's happening. For me, I found strictly doing push ups, was only building strength and condition in one direction. And I didn't start changing it up until the continuos motion damage was done. My bad. I guess, for my body, I need to train the whole shoulder not just in and out. So, I've been doing workouts that involve circular motions in the shoulder, up, down, left, right, in, out and behind. And the results are fantastic! I knew better too. But, that's cool. Another lesson learnt.
Well, I have some dad skilled-negotiating only to do with the oldest, in regards to him making an allowance. Scavengers! I pay for you and now I gotta pay you!? What the what kinda deal is this!? They are all scavengers! No I'm Kidding!! Hahaha. Its worth atleast a smile! It's all good. Time for him to start learning some life lessons, like these ones! I'll pay for you to clean up the doggie do do, but not to do the dishes!
Okay time to roll out!
See you soon.
Mr.Duncan
Okay, okay, let's get cracking on some Kung fu business (tiger stance)! Haha. I'm in a great mood today. Things are looking up and routines are getting easier and easier to accomplish. Except I busted up some ribs and have a heck of a time with deep or heavy breaths, which is the majority of my breathing. I've found the key to staying active with sore ribs. Slow steady breathes. Nothing to quick and take your time with the breath. Frustrating as it can be, it's a blessing in disguise. Slow down man. Remember to smell the flowers before, the frost finishes them off! With that, though, I keep training. Nothing much on the heavy bag this weekend. That hurts after a bit. Throwing heavy punches on The heavy bag really jars the ribs. So I wonder about my stance, and it's not bad. Not to mention I have my wife chirping in the back ground, you shouldn't be doing that. What if they are broke and what if something shifts will. Then what? Then you have a punctured lung or something, all because your stubborn. Stupid voice of reason. Fine, what should I do then? Crickets. And I'm back on the heavy bag. Just slowing down. Haha. But, the Escrimas don't hurt as much. Not that I'm going to admit anyways. I have progress to make. There are goals to be accomplished. Bruised ribs or not, greatness waits for no one. And I plan on being f'n awesome and leaving people awestruck! Yeah wow, I'm kinda feisty today! That's cool. Will make for an interesting day.
You know something though, this past month has been really cool. Training is back on top. I have been working on this one technique to help with fast hands and I recently realized that this technique is sport training. I've been crushing this for a while now and it's been sport training all along! Ha, imagine that. Ingrained techniques and I didn't even know it! That's cool. So, the tiger challenge is almost in our laps. I really enjoy the challenge. Always have. You get to pit your skills, in a friendly manner with yourself and everyone around you. Everyone gets to see exactly where in their training they are at that level. A very useful tool. I think anyways, this is the best opportunity to see, how well you know your stuff. No redos, no mulligans, just go in and give it everything you have got. I'm excited. Every tournament I have attended, i have learnt lots. And normally I learn the most when I loose or do not do as well, as I thought I would. Lessons in humility and skills. It's a great time for everyone. I love the challenge at hand. Everyone is at the top of their game, it's up to you to step up to the plate and crush some forms. I, just hope that my own training and stuff, is up to par. And I know I have lots to do yet, so u best get training. These stupid ribs need to hurry up and heal, or naw, I don't care. I have a goal, and I'm going to achieve it!! Hahaha!
Speaking of things healing, I have had great success with my shoulder. On Monday night I managed to hit 120 push-ups in a short period of time without hearing the clicking and popping. Great! That tells me, the small weighted workouts I'm doing with the shoulders are paying off. Took some time, but it's happening. For me, I found strictly doing push ups, was only building strength and condition in one direction. And I didn't start changing it up until the continuos motion damage was done. My bad. I guess, for my body, I need to train the whole shoulder not just in and out. So, I've been doing workouts that involve circular motions in the shoulder, up, down, left, right, in, out and behind. And the results are fantastic! I knew better too. But, that's cool. Another lesson learnt.
Well, I have some dad skilled-negotiating only to do with the oldest, in regards to him making an allowance. Scavengers! I pay for you and now I gotta pay you!? What the what kinda deal is this!? They are all scavengers! No I'm Kidding!! Hahaha. Its worth atleast a smile! It's all good. Time for him to start learning some life lessons, like these ones! I'll pay for you to clean up the doggie do do, but not to do the dishes!
Okay time to roll out!
See you soon.
Mr.Duncan
Sunday, 18 September 2016
breathing
Good Sunday to all. How is it hanging today? It's really good here. I'll tell you what. Pancakes and smoothies! As a team we have been having quite the lengthy vegetarian conversations. That's cool. I am not overly keen on the idea, but, the conversation did come home with me. My wife and I have taken measures to start eating cleaner. With the term mindful eating, came the question, how can we change? What can we do? We looked at prices just for myself to go full vegetarian for 30 days, and it was a fair bit of money. I'm not talking about those garbage protein drinks either, you can keep that crap. Read the ingredients and you will know what I'm talking about. Talk about chemicals. So, we started looking for ways to further eat cleaner. And so, we can and have started substituting store bought granola bars and snacks for home made granola balls. Sweet. They taste great and are packed with all sorts of seeds and "super foods" and they are home made. Start making more effects to cut out sugars and salts. And replace them with flax seeds and hemp seeds etc, etc. Natural sugars and salts if you might. We are quite excited about doing this in our home. As for eating veggie. I said to the missus. I will do what I need to, to eat less meat. You keep cooking how you see fit for the family. Mindful eating. I know exactly where my meat eggs and the majority of our veggies come from. I have no problem eatin Bambi or his family. Oh thumper, you're so cute...and tasty. It's the dairy and fruits we don't know exactly where they come from. Burning questions. How can I get a dairy cow into my back yard without pissing off my neighbors? How much pesticides and herbicides have been used, and all of a sudden I realize, just how filthy our food is. Words my sister in law said to me a few years ago. No matter how hard we try to eat clean, there is always some body spraying something somewhere. Ohh I'd like to find that guy, and introduce him to my Escrimas. Even just growing your own food. No matter how clean you try to be, you cannot get away from pesticides and herbicides. It's been used so much in so many places, that it's every where. Our land and air is "poisoned" it's up to us, to do our best to combate corporate poisoning. Unless you have a completely cut off and separate ecosystem from the rest of the world, like a dome or something, with dirt cleaners, you're eating chemicals. That's science, and that's coming from someone who went to university for "tree hugging" I don't know the excact term. This woman knows more about the worms than I do about an entire ecosystem. So, the long and short of it is this, I will continue to cut red meat down from my diet and push for better fuel for my system. Will I completely cut meat? Maybe eventually red meat, but I highly doubt, I'll ever say no to my chickens and fish. red meat? Okay, let's start the transition.
So, back to Kung fu, I have been pushing hard on the Escrimas and I think they are flying nicely. The hum of them swinging about, is stronger and louder. It's hypnotysing. I like to get lost in the sounds and just close my eyes and listen to my weapons. Maybe I'm really weird, which I am, but I like to believe they are singing when the weapons get moving like they can. Escrimas sound much different then my stick, which in turn sound much different than nunchuck. These sounds seem to be a type of mediation for me. I do honestly feel, a sense of oneness, with the weapon when I can hear their songs. That's powerful. That's the purpose being my training. A oneness with my weapon and myself. A spiritual connection that takes no effort. Effortless effort. The essence behind what we are trying to accomplish in I Ho Chuan.
Saturday, I got some feedback on my form and got some assistance in fighting the spear. One part of my form, I tear after some poor soul who brought a spear to an escrima fight!! And I was looking for quick efficient ways to make up ground and feed a butt end to someone almost ten feet away. I got options and answers form Sifu Playter. Great Scott! That's so simple Sifu. Awesome. I'm Over thinking again. It's really mind blowing how, forms just evolve over time. With no thought or effort, the form changes, sometimes slightly, sometimes it's a huge change. But, these forms we create are living entities. And of course they should change and adapt with and to us. It only makes sense. Especially, if you think they do breath on their own and are their own being. Tapping into the powers of our for-fathers and asking the Kung fu gods for guidance. We will find our answers.
And I would like to go here today too. Saturday, we closed off open training with some friendly sparring. I learnt a lot from getting bopped by fellow spar-ers. Where I am strong, where I am slow. How well conditioned I am? Terrible absolutely deplorable conditioning. After three rounds, I could not breath. I literally had no breath. So bad, that Sifu stopped to ask if I was okay. Yeah, I felt ridiculas, emberassed, stupid. Can't even have a friendly sparring match, without being gassed after one maybe two minutes. Okay. I see now. Smoking. Oh I hate you, but, I love you, no, I hate you. No, I love you. It's a suicidal relationship with a scared child inside of me. Listen, I'm scared. Scared to let go. And I know, no matter how much every one cheers and whoop whoops, it's still on me. And, I haven't been committed to completely changing, my life. I still do not want to let go yet. I guess, I'm not ready. With booze, I had to die. I had to look the devil and the grim reaper in the eyes, feel their grip on my being, before I would change. Stubborn and stupid. Now, I ask, how in the heck am I going to achieve any of my life goals when I stuck in the hospital, with tubes coming out of my throat and face and arms and eating chemo, just to live. Being fed by a tube at the ripe age of 50. How in the front door, is that going help me? Hey? You don't know either. I've watched cancer take two relatives and watched my mother fight for her life. Do you think that would be enough to catapulte me and quit? No, they have been gone for almost twelve years. Hasn't sunk in. And, I'll never forget looking my uncle in the eyes to tell him I loved him, one last time, as they went cold and grey, and breath exited his lungs for the last time. That's what is waiting for me. Months of fighting in a hospital, needles and poking and prodding, all for nothing. Truly and honestly, just to leave this world, broken and defeated, by a cancer.
Mindfulness has really been huge for me. Mindful breathing and mindful purpose. What am I doing? Where am I! Is this helping or hindering? And, you know, I think I have two personalities, fighting for superiority in my body. And it seems the dark side always wins. That's cool. Him and I are going to throw down. I'm programming this addiction that is smoking. Just like I did with the booze. It's going to suck, I'm going to be a miserable sob, but, only short term. And I know I can do it. Like I've said befor, I whipped on crack and booze. If I can silence that little demon, why not smoking? Fear. It always comes down to fear. I'm scared of letting go. I'm scared of starting new habits, and starting fresh. Biggest step of my life. I'm going to take it again. Stubborn? yup! Keep your pills and propaganda, I'm honestly going to just look at the facts of my life. I've never worked smoking, like I have the booze. That was scary enough to keep me off the booze, and hard drugs, though yes, I near relapsed in the spring, but I'm okay now. I have my program back in order and it's time to just be a man and do this. Time to show myself, just exactly whom I am.
I have never know me, to not be a smoker. So, hi, I'm will, I'm your mind and soul. I'm your conscience. I'm what is going to drive you wild u till you quit. I'm what is going to keep you up at night. I'm the fly in your ear as you try to sleep, and I'm not leaving until you beat this stick of death!
In any event, I will see everyone soon
Thanks for your time
Mr.Duncan
So, back to Kung fu, I have been pushing hard on the Escrimas and I think they are flying nicely. The hum of them swinging about, is stronger and louder. It's hypnotysing. I like to get lost in the sounds and just close my eyes and listen to my weapons. Maybe I'm really weird, which I am, but I like to believe they are singing when the weapons get moving like they can. Escrimas sound much different then my stick, which in turn sound much different than nunchuck. These sounds seem to be a type of mediation for me. I do honestly feel, a sense of oneness, with the weapon when I can hear their songs. That's powerful. That's the purpose being my training. A oneness with my weapon and myself. A spiritual connection that takes no effort. Effortless effort. The essence behind what we are trying to accomplish in I Ho Chuan.
Saturday, I got some feedback on my form and got some assistance in fighting the spear. One part of my form, I tear after some poor soul who brought a spear to an escrima fight!! And I was looking for quick efficient ways to make up ground and feed a butt end to someone almost ten feet away. I got options and answers form Sifu Playter. Great Scott! That's so simple Sifu. Awesome. I'm Over thinking again. It's really mind blowing how, forms just evolve over time. With no thought or effort, the form changes, sometimes slightly, sometimes it's a huge change. But, these forms we create are living entities. And of course they should change and adapt with and to us. It only makes sense. Especially, if you think they do breath on their own and are their own being. Tapping into the powers of our for-fathers and asking the Kung fu gods for guidance. We will find our answers.
And I would like to go here today too. Saturday, we closed off open training with some friendly sparring. I learnt a lot from getting bopped by fellow spar-ers. Where I am strong, where I am slow. How well conditioned I am? Terrible absolutely deplorable conditioning. After three rounds, I could not breath. I literally had no breath. So bad, that Sifu stopped to ask if I was okay. Yeah, I felt ridiculas, emberassed, stupid. Can't even have a friendly sparring match, without being gassed after one maybe two minutes. Okay. I see now. Smoking. Oh I hate you, but, I love you, no, I hate you. No, I love you. It's a suicidal relationship with a scared child inside of me. Listen, I'm scared. Scared to let go. And I know, no matter how much every one cheers and whoop whoops, it's still on me. And, I haven't been committed to completely changing, my life. I still do not want to let go yet. I guess, I'm not ready. With booze, I had to die. I had to look the devil and the grim reaper in the eyes, feel their grip on my being, before I would change. Stubborn and stupid. Now, I ask, how in the heck am I going to achieve any of my life goals when I stuck in the hospital, with tubes coming out of my throat and face and arms and eating chemo, just to live. Being fed by a tube at the ripe age of 50. How in the front door, is that going help me? Hey? You don't know either. I've watched cancer take two relatives and watched my mother fight for her life. Do you think that would be enough to catapulte me and quit? No, they have been gone for almost twelve years. Hasn't sunk in. And, I'll never forget looking my uncle in the eyes to tell him I loved him, one last time, as they went cold and grey, and breath exited his lungs for the last time. That's what is waiting for me. Months of fighting in a hospital, needles and poking and prodding, all for nothing. Truly and honestly, just to leave this world, broken and defeated, by a cancer.
Mindfulness has really been huge for me. Mindful breathing and mindful purpose. What am I doing? Where am I! Is this helping or hindering? And, you know, I think I have two personalities, fighting for superiority in my body. And it seems the dark side always wins. That's cool. Him and I are going to throw down. I'm programming this addiction that is smoking. Just like I did with the booze. It's going to suck, I'm going to be a miserable sob, but, only short term. And I know I can do it. Like I've said befor, I whipped on crack and booze. If I can silence that little demon, why not smoking? Fear. It always comes down to fear. I'm scared of letting go. I'm scared of starting new habits, and starting fresh. Biggest step of my life. I'm going to take it again. Stubborn? yup! Keep your pills and propaganda, I'm honestly going to just look at the facts of my life. I've never worked smoking, like I have the booze. That was scary enough to keep me off the booze, and hard drugs, though yes, I near relapsed in the spring, but I'm okay now. I have my program back in order and it's time to just be a man and do this. Time to show myself, just exactly whom I am.
I have never know me, to not be a smoker. So, hi, I'm will, I'm your mind and soul. I'm your conscience. I'm what is going to drive you wild u till you quit. I'm what is going to keep you up at night. I'm the fly in your ear as you try to sleep, and I'm not leaving until you beat this stick of death!
In any event, I will see everyone soon
Thanks for your time
Mr.Duncan
Sunday, 11 September 2016
today
Hey yo! Sunday is here again. You know it was really nice to be at class Thursday night. I blew half my meeting, to see what the team has been doing. It's hard to see where everyone is at and what everyone is doing, when I'm never around. So, I decided to head in and check it out. it was a nice reminder about what we are truly trying to obtain in this journey that is I Ho Chuan. A life of mastery of the art form that is traditional Kempo Kung fu. Yes, that was the reminder I was looking for. Especially now, that class has fired back up in onoway, there was a time in class on Wednesday, that was obvious, I haven't been as engaged as I have been or should be. That's cool, I'll get it all back. Sifu is looking hard in my direction and its up to me to step up to the plate and show by example what he is asking of us as students. One things for sure, is that I really missed class over the summer, but the break really was nice. I did some training, but not as much as I had wanted to do. But hey, we had a killer summer and spent a lot of time with the family. That's what is important. School is back in and so, the mind set changes to work as opposed to play and schedules are becoming far more prevalent in their importance to structure in my life.
Training is coming again. Some days quickly some days slowly. A lot of my training habits come down to mindfulness. What am I doing? Changing my perspective again. Short attention span or something, right. Like a squirrel. But, wait, pause...the mighty Escrimas..oh my sweet girls, I love them. I have been playing with one at a time a little bit last night. That's always fun. Changing things up for just one of two weapons. One handed the escrima is really intimate. I find anyways. The butt end becomes more noticably useful. Changes the dynamics of the game a fair bit. One of the Sifus in onoway, gave me some feedback on the escrima form and, I'm going to implement it in. Stopping and taking a breath! Yeah, that's a great idea! That part of my form has been a bit of a stumbling block and now, there is light. At that point I was always speeding up and forgetting about form. Looking more like a movie than Kempo. Yeah! That's fantastic. Constructive criticism. Speaking of which I got a fair bit of that on this dance I have been working on. Fantastic. Options and details to think and ponder upon. Experience shared and details already thought about, now how do I adapt the dance in a forward motion? That's a good direction to be going with in anything. Like we where told, the map is there, all we got to do is follow it! Absolutely nailed it. Okay. Thanks Sifu
The signs and lights are in place, just keep my eyes open, and stick to the plan. Letting go of control and letting things be. Follow a plan of success while carving my own path. Sounds difficult, but, really it's not, just being conscious of my actions and thoughts. That's the tough part. Training my mind to follow the plan. It gets easier with practice, that much I do know for sure. So with one of my favorite lines "here we go!" The vegetarian diet yeah okay, let's do it. My youngest boy looked at me crosseyed when I said no meat! I laughed and clarified just for me. There's a lot of positives that can come from this and I am curious to see for myself the results. So I'm down for it, and like I says to the wife the decision is mine what I eat, you keep doing what you do best. And that's cook! It would be best to do right now in the fall, so I'm going to start cutting back on meats, not saying I am stopping, but I will start slowing down on the intake. Baby steps here people!
Okay I'm heading out now.
See ya soon.
Mr.Duncan
Training is coming again. Some days quickly some days slowly. A lot of my training habits come down to mindfulness. What am I doing? Changing my perspective again. Short attention span or something, right. Like a squirrel. But, wait, pause...the mighty Escrimas..oh my sweet girls, I love them. I have been playing with one at a time a little bit last night. That's always fun. Changing things up for just one of two weapons. One handed the escrima is really intimate. I find anyways. The butt end becomes more noticably useful. Changes the dynamics of the game a fair bit. One of the Sifus in onoway, gave me some feedback on the escrima form and, I'm going to implement it in. Stopping and taking a breath! Yeah, that's a great idea! That part of my form has been a bit of a stumbling block and now, there is light. At that point I was always speeding up and forgetting about form. Looking more like a movie than Kempo. Yeah! That's fantastic. Constructive criticism. Speaking of which I got a fair bit of that on this dance I have been working on. Fantastic. Options and details to think and ponder upon. Experience shared and details already thought about, now how do I adapt the dance in a forward motion? That's a good direction to be going with in anything. Like we where told, the map is there, all we got to do is follow it! Absolutely nailed it. Okay. Thanks Sifu
The signs and lights are in place, just keep my eyes open, and stick to the plan. Letting go of control and letting things be. Follow a plan of success while carving my own path. Sounds difficult, but, really it's not, just being conscious of my actions and thoughts. That's the tough part. Training my mind to follow the plan. It gets easier with practice, that much I do know for sure. So with one of my favorite lines "here we go!" The vegetarian diet yeah okay, let's do it. My youngest boy looked at me crosseyed when I said no meat! I laughed and clarified just for me. There's a lot of positives that can come from this and I am curious to see for myself the results. So I'm down for it, and like I says to the wife the decision is mine what I eat, you keep doing what you do best. And that's cook! It would be best to do right now in the fall, so I'm going to start cutting back on meats, not saying I am stopping, but I will start slowing down on the intake. Baby steps here people!
Okay I'm heading out now.
See ya soon.
Mr.Duncan
Sunday, 4 September 2016
look at the beautiful mice
Hey there. How's it cracking? Man I'm doing well. This week was defiantly a trying week. Numbers took a serious hit. All my time at home has been spent dealing with mice. A fricken infestation is what it is. Man alive was it disgusting. Fricken mice everywhere. I've trapped 6 of them, shot three and there is still three more, that I know of. Oh, man, my blood is boiling. I don't mind mice, as long as they are somewhere else. Not in my garage/ training Center. So, there has been a huge lesson in cleanliness and keep feed and shaving put away properly. And I have learnt that those little rubber gloves, do not fit my hands. That was funny. Try to be smart and not get this super disinfectant all over my skin and then, I can't get the gloves off. We would let the cat do her job, but, Bane won't let her off of her perch, let alone into the yard. So, my Sammy cat doesn't get to hunt. Oh, and the dog likes to eat the spray foam, while I'm using it. Jesus, his stomached I thought was going to fill up, but I stopped him before he got too much into him. More of a state of shock on that little stunt, pulled by Bane. I still think it would be easier to have an accident and burn the garage to the ground.....oh that's a bad idea? I guess I'll just keep cleaning then.
But, in the time I did make for training, i continued making progress with the Escrimas. Working on fine tuning the forms. Slowing down, is the key right now. Purposeful selective movements. Checking my breath and stances before moving to the next move. It's been a challenge simply because I get caught up in the form itself and then all of a sudden I'm done! And, that's not the intended goal right now. Working on form and technique. Must move slow to ensure things are proper before moving on. On the other side of that coin, I pushed hard in achieving four punches in under a second. I will have hands of speed when this is said and done. I'm averaging three in about a second. Four in about a second and a half. I have found it's hard to time these things, so, I go by feel. I know how long a second feels like. Now, it's a matter of getting the hands and the feelings to unify with that feeling.
Even saying that, I must slow down the punches to ensure skeletal alignment and proper technique, before I can worry about speed and power. This is different than being in a horse stance and chucking punches off the hip. That's no problem to hit four punches in a second. From a fighting stance, worrying about stance and foot movement and placement does slow a guy down. Besides what's the point of throwing a punch if your not grounded properly? That's you throwing wild, uncontrollable punches and getting knocked on your keister is what that is! With everything though, time and patience and I will achieve my goals. The key to this achievement is to relax, to breathe. To find peace with my movements.
In other news, I have tasked myself with the job of designing and detailing a dragon dance. I find peace in illustrating a story in my little book of tricks. It's something I wanted to try to do and so I will do. You know something, I'm really enjoying myself. For me, I have set no expectation that this will be used. I want to know if I can atleast get this out of my head and onto paper. From visualized to explained on paper. It's a bit harder task than anticipated. But, I do enjoy a good challenge. Because, I'm very peculiar, I wish to "see" the movements, person by person section by section, before it makes sense to me. It can be slow and tedious, but it gives me a better understanding of what is going on. So, I will sketch out a move and then look to the mechanics of it. And ask the questions of feasibilities and hardness of the technique. So far I have, put together something really neat. In my head it looks awesome. The only difficult part is sketching out the lion. I do not understand the movements or techniques as I've only been in one in a parade. This will have to be further addressed!
I will end here, it's sad to announce, but actions where taking to suspend the Living Room Federation due to antics inside and outside the ring! My youngest , Sin Cara, is having a hard time deciding when it is and is not okay to start throwing punches and where to place these punches. And the oldest, The Stud, is having a heck of a time with control, and not pinning you down and strengthning his knuckles on your ribs. And so, unfortunately the belt hard to be retired. For now! A lesson in moderation here boys. Turning into a full blown brawl! Haha! My bad.
Anyhow, I'm going to sign off here folks.
See ya soon
Mr.Duncan
But, in the time I did make for training, i continued making progress with the Escrimas. Working on fine tuning the forms. Slowing down, is the key right now. Purposeful selective movements. Checking my breath and stances before moving to the next move. It's been a challenge simply because I get caught up in the form itself and then all of a sudden I'm done! And, that's not the intended goal right now. Working on form and technique. Must move slow to ensure things are proper before moving on. On the other side of that coin, I pushed hard in achieving four punches in under a second. I will have hands of speed when this is said and done. I'm averaging three in about a second. Four in about a second and a half. I have found it's hard to time these things, so, I go by feel. I know how long a second feels like. Now, it's a matter of getting the hands and the feelings to unify with that feeling.
Even saying that, I must slow down the punches to ensure skeletal alignment and proper technique, before I can worry about speed and power. This is different than being in a horse stance and chucking punches off the hip. That's no problem to hit four punches in a second. From a fighting stance, worrying about stance and foot movement and placement does slow a guy down. Besides what's the point of throwing a punch if your not grounded properly? That's you throwing wild, uncontrollable punches and getting knocked on your keister is what that is! With everything though, time and patience and I will achieve my goals. The key to this achievement is to relax, to breathe. To find peace with my movements.
In other news, I have tasked myself with the job of designing and detailing a dragon dance. I find peace in illustrating a story in my little book of tricks. It's something I wanted to try to do and so I will do. You know something, I'm really enjoying myself. For me, I have set no expectation that this will be used. I want to know if I can atleast get this out of my head and onto paper. From visualized to explained on paper. It's a bit harder task than anticipated. But, I do enjoy a good challenge. Because, I'm very peculiar, I wish to "see" the movements, person by person section by section, before it makes sense to me. It can be slow and tedious, but it gives me a better understanding of what is going on. So, I will sketch out a move and then look to the mechanics of it. And ask the questions of feasibilities and hardness of the technique. So far I have, put together something really neat. In my head it looks awesome. The only difficult part is sketching out the lion. I do not understand the movements or techniques as I've only been in one in a parade. This will have to be further addressed!
I will end here, it's sad to announce, but actions where taking to suspend the Living Room Federation due to antics inside and outside the ring! My youngest , Sin Cara, is having a hard time deciding when it is and is not okay to start throwing punches and where to place these punches. And the oldest, The Stud, is having a heck of a time with control, and not pinning you down and strengthning his knuckles on your ribs. And so, unfortunately the belt hard to be retired. For now! A lesson in moderation here boys. Turning into a full blown brawl! Haha! My bad.
Anyhow, I'm going to sign off here folks.
See ya soon
Mr.Duncan
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