Training partner

One of the best things I've found to help my training in the last few months is my training partner. I've always been more of a loner, I never played team sports and I have a hard time relying on others. There are many, many times that I have not wanted to work out and have made myself go because my training partner is waiting for me- only to find out she didn't want to work out either and is there for the same reason. Some of my best training days have come out of that situation. She forces me to push my limits- especially with running- and encourages every step of the way. I am thankful to have someone who can kick my butt along the road and I can kick hers when she needs it too. Thanks for kicking my butt Robyn!

Andrea Prince

extra post...

I had an aha moment last sat, and I should have posted it; better late than never I guess! I was kinda irritated at my fitness test at boot camp....mostly that my numbers hadnt really improved from last year in things like the kicks and the run. I did ok, dont get me wrong, just seemed like they shouldve improved after a year of more intense training. (Forget that the day was more physically demanding than last year. Work with me:)) Then in fitness class on sat, Sifu Prince was talking about recovery time; in the first 5 mins after something intense, how well you recover is a good indication of your fitness level. And I realized how much faster and easier I was recovering this year. Now I feel like I DID achieve something this year--and I AM more fit. And it feels good:)

Blogging... best tool ever!

I forgot to blog!!! I am not sure that has happened to me in quite a while. I have been so wrapped up in trying to figure out what is going on in my head that I forgot to use one of the best tools that I have, blogging! I feel like my get up and go, got up and went. I want to go and work out, it is fun when I do. I miss that feeling I get when I am running, I always feel like there is nothing that I can't accomplish. I love that feeling when the workout is over, I feel proud that I did what I said that I would do (even if it is only to myself, it is important to me). So what is the problem? I am not really sure. I had planned to work harder than ever this month as I have a bit more free time on my hands and I keep coming up with cheap excuses not to do what I love the most. Some insight would be good right about now.......
So nothing is jumping up and biting me so here is the plan; I will get up and do my workout and stop trying to figure out how come I don't feel like it. Either the feeling will go away or I will figure it out as soon as I stop worrying about it so much.
Until next week, work hard and have fun!
Robyn Kichko
Silent River Kung Fu
Stony Plain, AB, Canada

2x4s..and repeated blows to the head

Ever noticed how if the universe has something to teach you, it repeatedly hits you on the head with the concept until you cry uncle? I've had a few different books I've read, videos I've watched that have continued to nag at me that I'm not living the life I want; theres more I need to do and be. Its annoying to be sure; don't know how or when things will or can change. But theres hope too....maybe, just maybe, I'll figure out what on earth I have any gifts in, and most importantly, where they would be most beneficially used:) Heres hoping the universe has bread crumbs to lead me, not just 2x4s to hit me with.

Apologies

I admit, very little has been accomplished over the last two months, June specifically. All my numbers are suffering, my training has suffered and as Sifu Brinker has recently posted, guilt is setting in.

Hopefully July will be the turning point. Things have cleared up, my family is back to some degree of normalcy and I've finally put in a full work week, the first since May. Mind you, it was a long weekend, so technically I only worked 4 days. Oh, and I had to leave early on Monday.

Regardless, I miss training, both the physical movement and the family feeling, and all the mojo that comes with walking into the kwoon. I'm looking forward to Friday.

Khona Rybak, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta

Watching My Children Grow

The influence has to come from some where! It's when the influence is carried through that shows the real success.

In my opinion or at least under my roof, it starts when your children are born. Leading my boys and showing them right from wrong has always been a major role for me, as a father. I strongly believe that the parents are the main role model for their children, as much as we may not believe that at times....! There will be many influences, good and bad, but with a good strong consistent upbringing, it will lead to a concrete foundation.

My oldest son has made me a very proud father. This past year in school he has shown me what he truly posses inside. Brandon received three awards during the year end school awards presentation, first, a citizenship award, second, leader in the recycling program and, third, a Little Brother Big Brother Mentorship award. The personal qualities which each of these awards represent are all representative of what my son has surrounded himself with and what we as parents have stressed to be qualities of a model citizen.

Leading by example initially comes from the parents, not that I want to take credit for my sons accomplishments, but there are many who chose not to guide their children with the thought that they are the future. As parents and people who are guiding and shaping the future, it is our responsibility to make positive change through our actions and see that it is followed through.

Brandon is a prime example of progressive positive change. He has made me very proud as a father and his guide.

Darcy Regier, Silent River Kung Fu, UBBT, Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada.

A different direction

I have been thinking about the direction my Kung Fu is going, and I think I am starting to accept it. I have had a specific goal in front of me for a while, and have struggled with the journey over this past year. I have had to re-think my reasons for choosing this goal, and continue to remind myself to appreciate the direction I am headed. I think that sometimes we try to fit into a specific ideal, and when we don't quite fit frustration quickly sets in. So everyday I remind myself of where my Kung Fu is heading, and remind myself of the continuous journey I am on. I also have to remind myself sometimes that my Kung Fu is mine alone, and I am the one who controls the outcome. I am a martial artist.