After The Medals

This post is coming early because Thursday, my usual blogging day, will be spent jumping time zones. So here goes.

This last weekend was our Tiger Challenge tournament and it was a totally awesome event. I was looking forward to learning Sifu Dennis' job as whatever she does but does very well. I was not looking forward to competing because I didn't feel ready enough, my fan form wasn't fluffed and polished enough and could I pull grace, style and elegance from somewhere for 18 Temple Motions?

Insert time to compete: I grounded myself and started 18 Temple Motions. Sihing Regier commented after that it looked like I was really trying not to let the "Manson eyes" show through. Truth be known I was singing "Daydream Believer" by the Monkees to myself to keep my intensity at bay and me in a happy place. Hey, whatever works and it did and I thrilled and proud of that. As for my fan form, my form took over and I played out the moves. I felt I was in the moment. My major concern for this form was landing my final running, flying kick into my low back stance facing 45 degrees right. Could I do it the way I envisioned a thousand times in my mind? I did and I realized "oh yeah, I have to bow out". This was the first time performing my fan form publicly and because I designed my form, I'm walking a few feet above the ground.

Even though I was (and still am) proud of myself, I'm very proud of Dennis for his performance. Dennis has been working very hard fixing his stances, improving his movements and flow, and working on "both hands at the same time". All of his hard work showed and paid off. Yay!!

I think after watching the pool noodle events, they should be included in the adult class. I'd enter! Watching the Beckett sisters perform their forms was a real treat!!! There was also some great sparring skills to observe. I was amazed as to despite how "shiny" and "squirrel" Sihing Robinson is normally (I can say that, because I can be just as much), he's as cool as a cucumber in the ring. Wow! I think one of my favorite performances came from the young fellow who performed to "Happy Trails". He had at least 2 forms rolled into one and was very creative throughout. The little wave at the end topped it off. He showed me what creativity is about.

It was an amazing event that flowed very smooth. In the end I was glad I competed because I showed myself just what I can pull out when the time comes and maybe, just maybe all of this "not ready" is just my fear  showing through.

Speaking of jumping time zones, this upcoming weekend I am in the kick-start to a 4-month intensive energy course I am in called Peak Performance where I will learn how to get over myself, get on with it, and have it all. Not only will I learn for me, but I will be learning how to teach it to others both in person and via distance. Event coincidence? Doubt it.
Sherri Donohue
Hot Torch, Room Full of Glass, and a Kung Fu Kwoon