During Thursday nights class we were challenged to do our weapon form in a 4 - 6 ft square space. My space was 4 ft square and with my straight sword measuring about 2 feet long it took up half the area. Moving through my form I was able to adjust stances and even switch leads to keep my feet within the space. Keeping my body within the square was doable, my sword however was still a problem and encroached on more space outside of the square than I felt was acceptable. So I turned my focus to the sword and worked on ways to keep the sword within the allotted space as well. This was even more challenging as it required making adjustments 1 or 2 moves ahead.
The lesson was much different from training at home in a confined space and yet very much the same. At home I feel restricted because I'm trying to keep 100% true to the footwork within the sequence of a form. With Thursday's lesson I was contained, but didn't feel restricted. So what changed? The difference was mindset and perspective. I felt challenged in an environment geared towards learning and of course there was the desire to not stab my neighbour.
I learned I thrive in an atmosphere of challenge where the opponent is myself and I learned my ability is greater than I realized. Knowledge and skill surfaced. I was able to make the necessary adjustments and move as needed. I was almost surprised at how doable it was to adjust for a much smaller area and I found myself really enjoying the lesson. Now I need to fine tune and develop flow, which will come with practice.
Totals
Push ups & Sit ups: 760/26650
Hand form: 18/366
Weapon form: 16/393
KM: 31/867
AOK: 24/855
Sparring: 6/145
Blogs: 1/33
Yoga: 30/13.5 hrs
Tai Chi: 13/489
MM:20/640
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