Observations for the Week

Observation 1)
I have to make a definite effort to incorporate more stretching into my training. Both dynamic stretching(high kicks) and static stretching(floor work)Age is without a doubt a huge factor with the lose of flexibility. I lift weights on a regular basis as well, this strengthens the muscles but also contracts or shortens them ,if you will. This tends to work against the goal of increasing your flexibility but with the right balance you can have both.

Observation 2)
Surrounded by negative cranky people for a long duration without a daily break can make you miserable and cranky right back. The key is to recognize yourself falling into this state. Best way to fix it is be the opposite. Usually, and with a bit of luck others start to realize they are in a funk too.
Or, they find your pleasantness utterly annoying!

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada

Center

I was reviewing the concept of "center" to the class a little while ago.
It occurred to me that sometimes these things can be a leap of faith. Once you describe where someones center is (and it is part of the Theory) you then ask them to feel and move with it.
Some people, understand but don't experience it, some people, experience it but wonder, whats the point.
I was that some people , not that long ago. As a coloured belt I would learn and memorize but not necessarily get why I had to move this way or that. It seemed silly sometimes. As I stuck with it and practiced anyways, the light would come on once in while.
The body is an easy thing to teach when the mind does not interfere. Consistent practice returns to you as automatic reaction. The mind, however, will judge, over-analyze and corrupt the drill or movements. The mind needs to allow the body to practice then ask questions.

Slowly but surely after years of practicing, I am starting to ask the right questions of myself and how I move.
Moving from your center was one of those"light comes on" moments. There are lots of reasons to move from your center but you can google those reasons or better yet ask during class.
The point is to trust a little, move, practice, self- analyze then ask a hundred questions of yourself and those around you.
That took me a long time to figure out as well.

Its coming, I'm starting to get it.

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada

Time Commodity

I dont know where September went.

Everything seems to be building up and coming at me like an avalanche.

Work stuff, home stuff, family issues and commitments. I am sure everyone can relate. As a matter of fact, I dont think I know anyone who has told me they are bored or have nothing to do. Even my 5 year old asks when his next "day off" is. Kindergarten can be very demanding.

So why is it, we always put our own personal needs to the side first and think we will get back to them later or make up for it next week?

Im talking about daily physical activity, taking time to eat properly, taking the time to reset mentally and ensure we are not burning ourselves out.The reality is ...Later ..never comes. If you dont follow thru on promises to yourself and your well being it becomes too easy to put things off permanently that you need(not want) to do for yourself. If self improvement is not a promise and a process we commit to then we just "exist". Part of the challenge for me is to prioritize my day, delegate and ask for help when I need it.

It is once again, a matter of balance to fend off burn out and move forward as a human being.

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta Canada

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