Tuesday, 15 August 2023

Great Training Day!


In the past if I was stuck on something I would spend hours until I got it figured out and things felt right. Many wonderful discoveries have been made over the years when I push myself and what I learn usually transfers into other areas of my training. 

Training with such a determined attitude takes effort and perseverance, but there is a hefty dose of ego involved as well. I find it very interesting how ego keeps popping up quite often this year. It is something that I have been working on to identify and disengage from more and more. 

I am finding that I don't try to force a solution or beat it into submission nearly as much as I used to. Instead I've been approaching my training with more of a peaceful and calm attitude this year. Relaxing into the process allows a natural evolution to occur. This has been very apparent for me in the past few weeks.

I had a great training session Monday morning. As I went through my hand form I was focusing on flow in a section near the beginning and near the end. I've been working on flow for a few weeks now and only making teeny tiny little steps forward. The great thing is I am not trying to force it. I put in the effort, and I ask myself questions. I am drawing on all the knowledge passed on to me from teacher to student and my skill and experience. And I do feel that I am getting closer to not only developing flow in my hand form but also being able to apply it to all areas of my training and have a good base from which to grow.

These are some of the things that I am aware of and working on to help facilitate better flow. 

Finish my technique

Understand the intent of the application

Release my energy

Joining techniques - where and when

Transitions of the upper body and the lower body

Proper rotation

Engaging my core

Circular energy

When I do a rep I may choose 1 or 2 of the above to work on. I may do all my form reps with the same intent in a given day or I may change up the intent with each rep. It all depends on what I feel is needed at the time and lessons taught in class. I find it hard to work on just 1 thing at a time. Progress is coming slowly and I'm good with that because I know there is forward momentum.

On Monday as I worked on flow in the section near the end of my form I recognized I wasn't feeling the power of my strikes and blocks. Partially because I wasn't releasing between moves and the circular energy that connects each technique to the next technique was mostly taking place with the arms and hands. I know the hips and shoulder, knees, elbows and feet were involved as well, just not to their full potential. There were a couple moments where everything came together and I could feel the connection of power and release. The six harmonies were working together and I could feel the potential. Ahh... I believe more snake is needed. 

I also had what I thought was a breakthrough on a troublesome section of the broadsword. It is the strike as you complete the 360 degree turn. I am having trouble with the trajectory of the sword. I  couldn't seem to get it to feel right. Thankfully I found out I wasn't on the right track only because I asked Sihing Csillag some questions and got some help to continue down the correct path.

Monday was a great day with lots of good observations and instruction. Amazing what one day can bring!


No comments:

Post a Comment

Light at the End of the Tunnel

The light at the end of the tunnel is coming closer and brighter. Mindful breathing and applying the concept of ‘owning the mat’ has really ...