Tiger challenge......wow

This past weekends tournament was awesome. I can't thank everyone involved enough for the efforts they put forth to achieve such a great event. The most rewarding part of the day for me wasn't competing in my own events. I knew going in that I was injured and I went into the tournament with it being used as a oppurtunity to grow as a martial artist. I did ok in my events, I know I can do better in the future and I learned that even as calm as I thought I was, nerves still hit me during my hand form. I love doing forms. I found myself tightening up and this caused some balance issues nearer the end of my form. Lesson learned, relax and breath. Let the form flow, and you are never as prepared as you think you are. The highlight of the day for me was talking to all the kids that were competing. Listening to their triumphs and their failures. Not one young student that I talked to was upset that they didn't or hadn't yet won a medal. They were trying their best and having fun. That to me is what the whole tournament is about.I was especially moved by the conversation I had with Mr. Powell, for such a young person to have such a great outlook on life and his place in it. If only I could have had that kind of insight into the world. He is someone to watch in the future as I think he will truly make a huge impact in anything he puts his mind to. Congratulations to all the grand champions. You all inspired me in various ways. The only thing I was a little saddened by was the small amount of adult competitors. To be able to watch the Sihings and Sifus compete was the icing on the cake. Watching how they move and do the forms. Definately shows me where I want to be in a few years. The other thing I wish we could achieve is to have more people stay to watch the final competitions. It is definately a wasted oppurtunity to not go. Now its time to go to bed, I have a headcold that is trying to block my nasal passages like a beaver dam. Lots of good rest should take care of it though.