I have to say that I am so glad that this week is over. It has been a hectic and very exhausting week from start to finish. There were projects going on at work that I had to oversee, which required me to put in some overtime, having to be up at 4 am every day. Top that up with training a lot at the kung fu school, going there right after work, staying till usually 9:30 pm. I figured out today that I have put in 30 hours at the kung fu school this week alone. That seems pretty excessive, but I simply felt it was necessary. I had to practice, I had to teach and I had to prepare for the dragon dance demo, and the banquet demo. It sounds like I may be pushing myself too hard, but I can handle it, as long as it is only temporary. I know my limits. Next week I will be training pretty hard as well, but Saturday won't be quite as long a day as it was today, and I have 2 days this week where I can be home early.
I was also pretty stressed out about the tournament all week long, and it increased as the tournament got closer. I have only be involved in one of our school tournaments before, and that was years ago. I am happy to say that the tournament ended up being a huge success for me today. I didn't win any medals in the one and only category I competed in, but I gained a lot of experience and confidence with judging, seeing just how the children's categories went, and I learned what it takes to run a tournament. One of the things I witnessed today is how successful an event can be when everyone helps. Todays tiger challenge was a huge success. There was a wonderful, happy and positive atmosphere all day long and so many people helped out.
I have come a long ways from a year ago, when I would train for maybe an hour a week, attend the odd class, teach once in a while, and not get very involved in school activities. That's pretty sad. Is it any wonder I wasn't going forward with my training? You get out what you put in. I have put in a lot this year, and I have gotten lots from it. I don't look forward to Feb 16th as being the end, but rather the beginning of a new way of continuing to do things.
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.
1 comment:
its been awesome training with you this year Sifu!
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