Places to go and People to Meet

The two things I really enjoy working on are Grappling and Weapons.
These are the two areas I have been neglecting the most...very rusty.
So I asked myself why? If I enjoy them so much, why do they always sit on the back burner.
Comes down to a matter of convenience. Its sometimes hard to arrange extra training with someone else. Arranging schedules can be difficult. So the grappling is reviewed but not applied on a regular basis.
The weapons are all about finding the right place to train where I don't take out the ceiling lights or dent the hard wood flooring. Again, it is not something that can be conveniently done so it sits on the back burner.
This winter I want to change this habit and look at different resources.
Using the Kwoon more (a place to go) and finding some willing partners to grapple with(people to meet).
Commitment and a promise to myself will get me there.

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada

Physiokinetics...is that even a real word?

I have been doing some reading up on Physiokinetics (essentially the science of how the human body works). Its quite interesting to analyze the human body structure and realize its true strengths and weakness. To me, its the very foundation of martial arts, all techniques should be based on the structure and mobility of the human body.
One chapter dealt only with breathing and correct posture. I almost skipped reading just because..well, I thought I had breathing and standing figured out.
Like anything you want to perfect, attention to detail is critical, not only that, sometimes we assume we have covered the basics enough to move on until you realize there is more detail in those basics.
Breathing , posture, strength and stability in your stance have far more to offer when you pick it apart from a geometrical, biological and physics point of view.
Don't get me wrong, I didn't wake up a scientist this morning, I have just begun to realize why I move the way I do and where I need to make changes to make my techniques more efficient and effective.
I have a feeling,however, correcting and perfecting this "older" body type will be a long uphill battle!

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada

Like Minded People

You cannot always surround yourself with like-minded people. You can control most of whom you interact with by way of picking your friends, family members you choose to spend time with and even by way of the career you choose and the particular employer you work for.
I believe the people whom are on the same wave lenght as you are a source of stability,purpose and peace.
However...
it seems to me the real challenge is to interact and deal with people who are not of the like-minded category!
What better way is there to promote change then to be different and be an example from the normal flock.
Mediocrity and indifference can only be changed when the opposite is seen in a tangible form.
At work I am surrounded by lots(not all) of people who I would call the opposite of "like mindedness" (sorry for making up terms).
If you really want to make a change, this is where you need to be.. in the circle of people who you would find the most unlikely to bond with, agree with or share the same ethics and morals as.
Lead by example, care and empathize with calm and confidence. You may find more people are like minded once they are reminded of the things that really matter.

Jc masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada

Muscle Cramping

For the past year I have experienced a frequent amount of muscle cramping. It was never a problem before and I could not relate to others when they told me of their experiences.
This is no longer the case.
It is not the usual leg cramping, its an abdominal muscle cramp. The upper right muscle below the rib cage, to be exact.
I have done some research to try and resolve the problem but it appears it will not be an easy fix.
With any muscle cramp, it can be any where from mild to drop you to your knees pain.
Whats the solution?
Not sure...everyone is different and the cause and triggers vary.
Simple remedies can be proper rest periods between exertion, plenty of water and stretching before and after training, basic and good practice.
However, it can also be a sign of improper mineral balance. More specifically calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium.
Some research claims, depending on the right or left side of the body can indicate which mineral is low or too high (not sure about that, requires more reading up on).

Upper abdominal muscle cramping seems to be rare or at least there is not the usual sports medicine articles that speak to the issue.
In the meantime I am paying attention to my diet to see if it has an effect and to watch for certain activities that trigger the muscle spasms.


JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada

Yumm...me like food

I was checking out the new UBBT food tracking journals.

Wow!

I think I eat twice as much as all of them. It has definitely guilted me into looking at my eating habits.

I snack all day, for the most part its wholesome and healthy but I may need to revisit my portions.

And while I am reflecting on my eating habits, I have to confess, I also equate a really hot day with a really cold beer...or two.

So tomorrow, I will pack the same lunch box but keep the portions on the not so gluttonous side.

But with all due respect to the UBBT members, I am sure I would be a corpse in no time if I followed some of your daily diets!...eat something would ya ..I m feelin guilty.

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada

Tough Guys and Skipping

I used to associate the skipping rope with little girls and school. Until the movie "Rocky", funny how movies can change your life, especially as a kid.
So now I skip on a regular basis. Its part of my conditioning training. I have not perfected some of the fancy drills and footwork yet but working on it.
So whats the advantages of the skipping rope, basically it builds your stamina, agility and endurance. All very important when in a sparring bout.
If you start working on complex drills it improves your foot work and coordination...plus you look really cool!

Pick up a skipping rope, try doing a minute in between your forms and kicks, etc.
The length of the rope should be right for your height. Stand on the centre of the rope, and lift the handles upward. The point where the handles meet the rope should be level with your armpits
May sure its light gauge rope for speed.
Best of all, it doesn't cost alot nor does skipping take up much room.
Work hard, train hard but have fun!

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada

Dont forget about your Health

I thought this to be interesting.

Sometimes we take our health for granted, thinking it is like a rubber ball, as in the analogy above, but in fact it is fragile and if it shatters as described by Mr. Dyson, all other aspects of your life suffer.

Sleep well. eat well and move well.

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta Canada