The Not So Ideal

I am currently in BC visiting family.  I prepared myself for this mentally in terms of my training because I knew that it would be difficult to just drop and start doing setups in the middles of a family gathering.  And unfortunately, privacy or alone time is limited.  As is space.  And so far it's been raining non-stop.  And so my reps are happening in our bedroom.  Any time I go in there, I make sure I do at least something. And my forms are done as repetitions in very small sections.  Although not ideal, so far so good!

Fatigue

I've been feeling some extra fatigue this week.  

I've been trying to develop my full pushups.  So that's probably part of it.  I'll need to keep a close eye on that.  Typically when I try to push, I end up injuring my shoulder(s).  And then I end up getting set back.  I'm trying to learn from those past experiences, so I'm going to lay off full ones for a couple days and make sure I let my shoulders rest before I push again.  

My legs have been pretty fatigued as well.  I've been working on that jump in the spear form, so that's been working my legs quite a bit.  One of my personal requirements is also 50,000 squats/equiv's. So that's adding to this as well I'm sure.  I've been feeling the fatigue in my hips too a bit.  So I'm monitoring that as well.

I feel good overall....just sore.  Which is better than injured...but certainly has the potential to become injury if I don't listen.  I'm trying to rest this weekend, but at the same time, don't want to lose the ground I've got.  Balance.

Having said all that, this is also why I like the variety of requirements I have.  If I need to back off of one, I've got others to work on so that I'm still moving forward.

1-on-1 AI Recap - March 22, 2025

 *Reminder - AI recaps are not perfect or exact representations of the conversation

Quick recap

Malinda discussed her physical activities and training regimen, expressing concerns about overtraining and seeking advice from Jeff. They also discussed the book "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" and Malinda's personal demo for the grading year. Additionally, they explored different partners for throws and breakfall techniques, and worked on a complex sequence of movements for a martial arts form.

Next steps

• Malinda to continue practicing and refining her 5 applications, particularly focusing on throws with different partners.

• Malinda to work on her personal demo for the grading board, tailoring it to showcase skills that certain board members may not have seen.

• Malinda to practice the new spear form sequence, including the cyclone kick, spinning cyclone, and subsequent movements.

• Malinda to find a larger practice area without obstacles to properly execute the new spear form sequence.

• Malinda to complete reading "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" and prepare her assignment.

Summary

Managing Soreness in New Exercises

Malinda expressed her tiredness and soreness, attributing it to her increased physical activities and new exercises. Jeff advised her that while soreness is good for new activities, it could be a sign of overtraining if it persists. Malinda shared her experience of feeling more sore after a day of rest, indicating a potential need to reassess her training regimen.

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

Jeff and Malinda discussed the Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance book, with Malinda expressing confusion over the highlighted sections and notes in her copy. Jeff advised her to highlight important sections as she reads, rather than relying on someone else's markings. Malinda also sought guidance on her personal demo for the grading year, feeling uncertain about redoing forms and showing the same material. Jeff suggested that Malinda's demo should focus on her unique strengths and accomplishments, rather than just her Tai Chi skills. He also emphasized the importance of demonstrating her overall progress and achievements to the grading board.

Improving Breakfall Techniques With Female Partners

Malinda discussed her experiences with different partners, finding that throws felt better with Leon and Todai Raw compared to Laura. Jeff explained that this could be due to Owen's background in wrestling and his skill in grappling, which allows him to work with the thrower more effectively. Jeff also advised Malinda on proper breakfall techniques, emphasizing the importance of holding on to the partner during the throw to gauge the fall accurately. Jeff suggested that Malinda work with female partners, like Laura, to improve her breakfall skills.

Martial Arts Form Sequence Refinement

Jeff and Malinda discussed a complex sequence of movements for a martial arts form. Jeff guided Malinda through the steps, emphasizing the importance of proper technique and using the weapon to its full potential. They also discussed the need for Malinda to practice the sequence in a larger area without distractions. The next steps involve Malinda refining the sequence and incorporating it into the form.

The Need For Good Leaders

The Tiny Tigers age ranges from about 5-7.  So they're pretty young.  Easily distracted and need help staying focused.  And that's on a good day.  Lol.

Even so, everything about the most recent Tiny Tigers class felt extra "high-strung" for lack of a better word.  It wasn't that anyone was being "bad" per se.  But it felt like the class was just abnormally "amp'd" up and I, as an Instructor, felt like I was on constant high alert.  

I think I realized afterwards why this was.

Due to the roads, it was a small class.  Only 6 kids.  Which you'd think would have made things easier.  But I realized later on that 5 of those 6 kids were actually our "more rambunctious" ones.  We have a few kids in the Tiny Tigers that require a lot more hands on by the instructors.  A lot more redirection.   A lot more help paying attention and re-focussing.  Great kids!  Just a lot more high-maintenance, so to speak.

And they happened to be 5 of the 6 in that class, making the ratio of leaders to followers completely out of whack.  I think I realized, from this class, just how important it is to have good leaders in a group...and to have enough good leaders to support the rest.  The leaders not only set a good example but their energy also tends to keep the class grounded.

Without good leaders, without good examples for all of us, it can be easy to lose control and let chaos reign.

1-on-1 Recap - March 9, 2025

*Remember - AI recaps are not perfect or exact representations of the conversation 

Quick recap

Jeff and Malinda discussed various topics including Malinda's struggles with understanding certain concepts, the importance of open communication, and the challenges of navigating the politics within their martial arts school. They also discussed the evolution of martial arts styles, the need for a solid foundation for students, and the importance of understanding one's lineage. Additionally, they addressed a misunderstanding that occurred during a meeting, the challenges of navigating complex situations, and their experiences with recording and teaching martial arts techniques.

Next steps

• Malinda to continue practicing the spear jump technique, focusing on safety and finding the most comfortable landing position

• Malinda to show her 5 applications to Sifu Csillag for review

• Malinda to have Sifu Rybak review her 5 applications next week

• Malinda to obtain and submit electronic letters of reference for her pre-grading year

• Malinda to refine and present her spreadsheet to Jeff at a future meeting

Summary

Encouraging Open Communication in Teaching

Jeff and Malinda discuss Malinda feeling down during a previous meeting, which she attributes to feeling like she's "missing the mark" lately, particularly regarding her understanding of forms and foundational concepts. Jeff reassures Malinda that she should not censor herself when asking questions, emphasizing that open communication is crucial for effective student-instructor relationships and helps him understand how students process information. The conversation begins with some brief technical difficulties related to a Zoom update.

Understanding Intent and Application in Learning

Jeff and Malinda discussed the importance of understanding the intent behind a technique and the role of applications in learning. Jeff emphasized the need for students to figure out problems themselves and not just blindly accumulate knowledge. Malinda shared her struggles with understanding certain comments and the concept of "gimmicks" in their work. Jeff clarified that the goal is not to leave students to flounder but to help them progress.

Navigating Martial Arts School Politics

Jeff and Malinda discussed the challenges of navigating the politics within their martial arts school. Malinda expressed concerns about potentially causing issues and being seen as a troublemaker. Jeff emphasized the importance of transparency and honesty, even if it leads to some conflict. He praised Malinda for her role in opening up discussions about certain issues, such as the helmet crusher incident, which allowed for a more informed and contextual approach to addressing these problems.

Clarifying Martial Arts Intent and Application

Jeff discussed the importance of understanding the context and intent behind teaching martial arts techniques. He emphasized the need for students to learn from different instructors to gain a comprehensive understanding. Malinda shared her struggles with defining the original intent and application of martial arts forms, questioning the terminology and its implications. She proposed the idea of external and internal applications, and the need for clarity on intent to application. The conversation ended with Malinda acknowledging the complexity of the topic and the need for further exploration.

Adapting Martial Arts Styles for Survival

Jeff discussed the evolution of martial arts styles over time, emphasizing how each style must adapt to survive and appeal to a diverse range of practitioners. He used historical examples to illustrate this point, such as the development of Kempo and the changes in Kung Fu forms over time. Jeff also used the metaphor of the Borg from Star Trek to convey the idea of merging with a style rather than allowing it to change you.

Evolution of Martial Arts Styles

Jeff and Malinda discussed the evolution of martial arts styles, particularly Hung Gar and Lao Gar, and how they have been influenced by various lineages and practitioners over time. They emphasized the importance of understanding one's lineage and the physical characteristics of its practitioners to fully comprehend the style. Malinda expressed her desire to create her own form and the excitement of seeing what others might come up with. Jeff also highlighted the need for a solid foundation for students and the limitations of their own thoughts and experiences in understanding their lineage.

Navigating Complex Relationships With Trust

Jeff and Malinda discussed the challenges of navigating complex situations and maintaining trust in their relationship. Jeff expressed concern about exposing Malinda to potentially damaging situations, but also acknowledged her ability to handle them. They agreed on the importance of open communication and addressing issues as they arise. Malinda committed to bringing up any concerns or disagreements in real-time, and Jeff appreciated her commitment to their relationship. They also discussed the need for emotional intelligence and the importance of considering their long-term relationship when making decisions.

Jeff and Malinda Discuss Move Modification

Jeff and Malinda discussed Malinda's struggles with a specific move in her performance, which involves jumping and landing on her left leg. Jeff suggested that Malinda's left leg might be causing her knee to torque, and recommended that she try landing on her right leg instead. Malinda expressed her desire to stay true to the original move, but also acknowledged the potential risks involved. Jeff advised Malinda to modify her move to a stand-up, turn around, and thrust, as the original move might be too risky. They also discussed the differences in how right-handed people shoot in hockey and baseball, with Jeff explaining that most right-handed people shoot left in hockey.

Martial Arts Techniques and Applications

Jeff and Malinda discussed their experiences with recording and teaching martial arts techniques. Jeff shared that he had not recorded his own techniques, but had taught the spirit form to Sifu Plater. Malinda is working on her 5 applications and sought Jeff's insight on the monkey crawl technique, which Jeff explained involves an interception, transfer, and counter. Malinda plans to show her applications to Sifu Rybak and Sifu Csillag for feedback. They also discussed the need for letters of reference for her pre-grade year.

A Good Day

This is a “first” blog.  I was just going over my numbers and realized that I have done a little bit of something towards every single one of my requirements today, except blogging and sparring.  So guess what?

Yup.  Just did a couple rounds of some shadow boxing and I’m writing this blog to share this “first” with all of you!  I don’t recall this ever happening before.  And who knows when/if it would happen again.

Yup.  It’s been a good day.  

This Might Be One To Just Scroll By

Disclaimer:  I recognize that as I worked through this blog, it started one way, changed to another, shifted back, then did a 360, and then landed in space where it currently floats without any gravitational pull.  But perhaps this is important for me to recognize that I just might be in a state of flux or maybe even a void.  I don't see this as good or bad just yet...simply what it is.  But as I publish this I really don't know where I was going with any of it so take it all with a grain of salt.  Although I started last nights meeting with a thumbs up, I must admit I left feeling like some things discussed weren't sitting well with me.  I haven't figured out why just yet.  And so my headspace is also a little clogged.

A Good Start

I'm really pleased so far with the personal requirements that I've set for this year.  It was suggested that I make my requirements to suit the things I was already going to be working towards and that advice is proving to be sound. 

I feel like everything I've laid out is carrying me forward in some way or another.  Nothing is sitting there untouched, even only a month in.  In previous years, there have been things that I've told myself "no worries, I have lots of time yet", but then several months in, they are still sitting there, untouched with no real desire to work on them.  This year, everything seems to be nicely progressing and I seem to have desire and motivation for all of it.  Which is very exciting to me.

I realize (and accept) that this may change at some point.  But I don't think I've yet had a start to a year like this one.  And that in itself, is providing a lot of motivation and drive.

Also, a quick shoutout to the Strides app I'm using.  It's proving to be quite versatile and has really been keeping me on track.