Sunday, 3 December 2023

Collaborative Efforts


As discoveries are made and pieces begin to fit together I'm realizing more and more the efforts of those around me that help to provide and create the various pieces of the puzzle. 

A great example of this is an issue I was having with my back foot when moving into a high back stance during my hand form. I had mentioned it to Sifu Brinker during a one on one. The discussion that followed was helpful and provided a piece of the puzzle to understand what was needed to correct the issue.

During 2nd degree class, a conversation with Sifu Hayes and Sihing Lindstrom on the high back stance and drawing the bow garnered more information about that technique and targeting. As I practiced and thought more about where my target was and actually focused on acquiring the target first, I suddenly found myself moving into the high back stance properly. The issue of being slightly narrow was magically fixed. My back foot naturally moved exactly where it needed to in order to support the technique.

Oh, the power of intent and acquiring your target!

Training with the same person all the time is limiting. The same is true if you always seek out the same instructor or black belt. As Sifu Binker has mentioned many times, getting instruction or feedback from different instructors is beneficial and helps us to progress in our training. A different approach, wording, or an example can make all the difference when it comes to adding and completing pieces of the puzzle. 

Working on my 5 techniques and board breaking has really helped to propel me forward in an area of my training that was lacking. The discoveries and growth I am experiencing is because of the collaborative efforts of the black belts offering their experience and instruction, and the collaborative relationship I have with my partner Todai Ferris. 

Working with Sihing Ward recently has also helped reinforced the need and benefits to working with a different partner. Not only do I get different information, things feel different and I am forced to adapt to get a technique to work which helps me with my training and eventually my skill as well. 

I'm feeling more at peace with where and who I am. When the pieces of the puzzle fall into place it does feel good, but ego is starting to play less of a role now. I'm understanding more the collaborative efforts that have taken place to get me or anyone to a place where puzzle pieces come together and aha moments can happen. I am grateful for everyone around me providing lessons, instruction and support. 

Listen, be open and receptive, mix up your training, occasionally partner up with someone different, seek out different perspectives and voices. The collaborative efforts for all involved will lead to great things for instructors and students alike. As the saying goes, "it takes a village."


Totals

Push ups: 635/38615
Situps: 670/38715
Hand form: 7/755        
Weapon form: 7/671  
KM: 38/1548            
AOK: 17/1445             
Sparring: 0/705          
Blogs: 1/57                 
Yoga: 30 min/37.5 hours






  


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