One of the most terrifying things for me that I have to look forward
to with the I Ho Chuan is having to do demos. I have great anxieties
over this and the thought scares me to death. I don't like this feeling
and I don't want to have to go through this every time I have to do a
demo. I have decided to prepare.
What I have done is
slowly introduce myself with my dart to the public eye. The first I Ho
Chuan class, I got to play around with my dart in front of everyone in
the class, but not doing the form. (there really isn't enough room). I
just tossed it around. That wasn't too, too bad because everyone was
busy with their own weapons. The next thing I started doing was to pull
out my rope dart and play around with it after the kids Tues classes.
Then I moved up to Thurs evening at the I Ho Chuan get togethers. I am
amazed at the difference I feel with my dart. I am far more comfortable
doing it in front of people, and I actually do the whole form, rather
than just toss it around, in front of others on both Tues and Thurs
evenings. I don't even feel worried about the people that may be
watching me.
Today, after the open training, myself
and 2 other black belts were still hanging around when one of the black
belts asked if they could see my rope dart form. Ok, so I am not so
comfortable as I thought. This was somehow different. Because they
were my peers? Because they were people I really respected and looked
up to? Whatever the reason, my heart rate increased at the thought of
doing it in front of them. I did it anyways, and it wasn't too bad.
Then as I was about to do my form again, about 4 people came through the
door from the renos next door. Now I really had an audience. I did
find myself not as focused as I need to be when doing my form, and with
the rope dart, focus is everything. After a couple times, I relaxed
enough to ask for feedback on one of the techniques that I had been
having troubles with. The feedback I got was very valuable, and I am
looking forward to putting it to work this week as I practice. It was
very much appreciated!
I really, REALLY, want to
become comfortable doing my dart form, or any form, in front of others.
I am sure it is like anything else. The more you do it, the easier it
becomes. hhhhmmmmm. . . . why can't things just be easy the first time?
Sifu Stoddart
- Sifu Stoddart
- My kids and the strong bond we share, are the most important things to me. Over the years I've done many things. I attained my certification for a fitness instructor and taught in many areas such as kickboxing, circuit training, pilates, African dance, hatha and ashtanga yoga. I have received my certification for a Special Needs Educational assistant. This allowed me to work with a group of wonderful kids in a Positive Development Program at an inner city school in Edmonton. Today, I am an area supervisor for a retail home renovation store. I achieved my certification as a belayer in top rope rock climbing, and also as a lead climber. I attained my black belt in 2004. There is an excitement and feeling of self sustaining when I grow a garden, collect wild berries, then can a whole winters supply of juices, jams, sauces, syrups, fruits, ketchups, and salsas. I am very passionate about the outdoors, and my big dream of all times is to one day live out in the mountains with nothing but the wilderness at my doorstep. I would hike, fish, x country ski, snow shoe, kayak, mountain bike, rock climb, practice kung fu on top of a mountain, and grow a huge garden in the summer.
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