Cumulative Growth

The hip arriving a bit too early or a bit too late does make a difference. I know this to be true and yet have trouble at times identifying myself when this is happening.

Thursday nights IHC class we worked on the section in DMH at the end of 1 moving into 2. We were working on power and intent. The focus was mostly on the knife hand and long punch, stopping after the open roundhouse. 

As I went through a few reps of that sequence I could feel there was power behind the knife hand and punch. And yet it took Sifu Rybak to point out the timing of my hip was off in relation to the knife hand. Hmm....interesting. I feel good doing that sequence but if the timing of my hip is off then my harmonies are not aligned and there is potential for increased power with less energy output. Ahh, room for improvement. This is great feedback, so I took the next few minutes to be more aware of my hip and improve my timing. 

Shortly after there was some instruction on correct arm/hand motion as we unwind from the open x and transition into the knife hand sequence. I temporarily set aside thoughts of the hip to work on the hands coming out of the open x. Making adjustments to how my hands/arms moved helped to naturally facilitate an improvement in the timing of my hip. Perfect how one led into the other. The alignment of the six harmonies before I initiate the knife hand (I believe) translates to more control and a greater ability for alternative options if needed.

The sequence that was feeling pretty good at the beginning of class now feels even better. And I know that if I hadn't been working on this sequence throughout the year I wouldn't be where I am now. It is time, struggles and the effort spent that have helped to get me to where I am in this moment. In the past I would have patted myself on the back and waited for the next problem to arrive and then attack. Now I view troublesome areas and feedback with more of an open mind and heart. They can still be aggravating at times, but I'm calmer and more relaxed in my approach. 

The amount of detail and opportunities for continued learning in this sequence continues to amaze me. Just when I think I've got it I am shown another dot/detail to connect and improve on. There is always room to grow!