tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90662622856053029052023-11-16T07:58:34.948-08:00Don't Fight The TaoLessons learned during my journey in Martial Arts, Energy Arts. Throwing in memories from my childhood, motivational quips, philosophy, fun stuff, and the occasional random thoughts from left-field.....Restita, Seattle Wushu Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12160735807142139107noreply@blogger.comBlogger143125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066262285605302905.post-54527254999995498922018-08-05T14:51:00.002-07:002018-08-05T14:51:34.472-07:00My version of Filipino Mechado Beef Stew<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxXEWKfblLa6FSze_f6kknSZ3zRQwDt2g9pAbASID5jMV7D77Hgvo_DRUE8jx6lIz3ZFrabsRKzsFPE4mpsQmgdJ8R0ElveCO418zwHWRdvh-JCGQDLyiGVklD63ldv165OWY2NlSoJg/s1600/mechado.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1131" data-original-width="1600" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxXEWKfblLa6FSze_f6kknSZ3zRQwDt2g9pAbASID5jMV7D77Hgvo_DRUE8jx6lIz3ZFrabsRKzsFPE4mpsQmgdJ8R0ElveCO418zwHWRdvh-JCGQDLyiGVklD63ldv165OWY2NlSoJg/s320/mechado.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Okay, by request, my version of the recipe for Filipino "Mechado beef stew".<br />
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Many countries have a version of this comfort food, each with each culture's twist. The Filipino style combines rich beef broth with a tomato base and the addition of umami with "patis" (filipino fish sauce). My version adds 5 spice powder and a bit of paprika. The tomato base adds a depth of color and flavor pop to the usual brown broth.<br />
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Rusty's Mechado beef stew</div>
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<ul data-mce-style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 0.3px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.3px; line-height: 1.57143em; list-style-position: outside; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li data-mce-style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: circle !important; padding: 0px; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-image: initial; background: 0px 0px; font-size: 13px !important; margin: 0px !important 0px 0px !important 10px;" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: 1.57143em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-type: circle !important; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em;"><span data-mce-style="color: #666666;" style="color: #666666; line-height: 1.57143em;">2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 2-inch cubes</span></span></li>
<li data-mce-style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: circle !important; padding: 0px; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-image: initial; background: 0px 0px; font-size: 13px !important; margin: 0px !important 0px 0px !important 10px;" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: 1.57143em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-type: circle !important; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em;"><span data-mce-style="color: #666666;" style="color: #666666; line-height: 1.57143em;">¼ cup oil</span></span></li>
<li data-mce-style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: circle !important; padding: 0px; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-image: initial; background: 0px 0px; font-size: 13px !important; margin: 0px !important 0px 0px !important 10px;" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: 1.57143em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-type: circle !important; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em;"><span data-mce-style="color: #666666;" style="color: #666666; line-height: 1.57143em;">5 spice powder (not required, but its tasty)</span></span></li>
<li data-mce-style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: circle !important; padding: 0px; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-image: initial; background: 0px 0px; font-size: 13px !important; margin: 0px !important 0px 0px !important 10px;" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: 1.57143em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-type: circle !important; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em;"><span data-mce-style="color: #666666;" style="color: #666666; line-height: 1.57143em;">Paprika </span></span></li>
<li data-mce-style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: circle !important; padding: 0px; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-image: initial; background: 0px 0px; font-size: 13px !important; margin: 0px !important 0px 0px !important 10px;" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: 1.57143em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-type: circle !important; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em;"><span data-mce-style="color: #666666;" style="color: #666666; line-height: 1.57143em;">2 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered</span></span></li>
<li data-mce-style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: circle !important; padding: 0px; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-image: initial; background: 0px 0px; font-size: 13px !important; margin: 0px !important 0px 0px !important 10px;" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: 1.57143em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-type: circle !important; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em;"><span data-mce-style="color: #666666;" style="color: #666666; line-height: 1.57143em;">(Optional root veggie: rutabaga, parsnip....I prefer these to potatoes)</span></span></li>
<li data-mce-style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: circle !important; padding: 0px; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-image: initial; background: 0px 0px; font-size: 13px !important; margin: 0px !important 0px 0px !important 10px;" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: 1.57143em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-type: circle !important; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em;"><span data-mce-style="color: #666666;" style="color: #666666; line-height: 1.57143em;">Two large tomatoes, largely diced</span></span></li>
<li data-mce-style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: circle !important; padding: 0px; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-image: initial; background: 0px 0px; font-size: 13px !important; margin: 0px !important 0px 0px !important 10px;" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: 1.57143em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-type: circle !important; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em;"><span data-mce-style="color: #666666;" style="color: #666666; line-height: 1.57143em;">2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch cubes, or baby carrots</span></span></li>
<li data-mce-style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: circle !important; padding: 0px; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-image: initial; background: 0px 0px; font-size: 13px !important; margin: 0px !important 0px 0px !important 10px;" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: 1.57143em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-type: circle !important; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em;"><span data-mce-style="color: #666666;" style="color: #666666; line-height: 1.57143em;">Chinese long beans</span></span></li>
<li data-mce-style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: circle !important; padding: 0px; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-image: initial; background: 0px 0px; font-size: 13px !important; margin: 0px !important 0px 0px !important 10px;" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: 1.57143em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-type: circle !important; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em;"><span data-mce-style="color: #666666;" style="color: #666666; line-height: 1.57143em;">1 onion, peeled and chopped</span></span></li>
<li data-mce-style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: circle !important; padding: 0px; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-image: initial; background: 0px 0px; font-size: 13px !important; margin: 0px !important 0px 0px !important 10px;" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: 1.57143em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-type: circle !important; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em;"><span data-mce-style="color: #666666;" style="color: #666666; line-height: 1.57143em;">5 cloves garlic, peeled and minced</span></span></li>
<li data-mce-style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: circle !important; padding: 0px; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-image: initial; background: 0px 0px; font-size: 13px !important; margin: 0px !important 0px 0px !important 10px;" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: 1.57143em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-type: circle !important; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em;"><span data-mce-style="color: #666666;" style="color: #666666; line-height: 1.57143em;">juice of 1 lemon</span></span></li>
<li data-mce-style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: circle !important; padding: 0px; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-image: initial; background: 0px 0px; font-size: 13px !important; margin: 0px !important 0px 0px !important 10px;" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: 1.57143em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-type: circle !important; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em;"><span data-mce-style="color: #666666;" style="color: #666666; line-height: 1.57143em;">¼ cup A-1 steak sauce or Worcestershire sauce</span></span></li>
<li data-mce-style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: circle !important; padding: 0px; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-image: initial; background: 0px 0px; font-size: 13px !important; margin: 0px !important 0px 0px !important 10px;" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: 1.57143em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-type: circle !important; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em;"><span data-mce-style="color: #666666;" style="color: #666666; line-height: 1.57143em;">1 small can tomato paste </span></span></li>
<li data-mce-style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: circle !important; padding: 0px; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-image: initial; background: 0px 0px; font-size: 13px !important; margin: 0px !important 0px 0px !important 10px;" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: 1.57143em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-type: circle !important; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em;"><span data-mce-style="color: #666666;" style="color: #666666; line-height: 1.57143em;">2 cups beef broth. I use "Better than bullion" beef concentrate and mix with water according to directions on the jar.</span></span></li>
<li data-mce-style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: circle !important; padding: 0px; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-image: initial; background: 0px 0px; font-size: 13px !important; margin: 0px !important 0px 0px !important 10px;" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: 1.57143em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-type: circle !important; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em;"><span data-mce-style="color: #666666;" style="color: #666666; line-height: 1.57143em;">2 cups water</span></span></li>
<li data-mce-style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: circle !important; padding: 0px; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-image: initial; background: 0px 0px; font-size: 13px !important; margin: 0px !important 0px 0px !important 10px;" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: 1.57143em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-type: circle !important; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em;"><span data-mce-style="color: #666666;" style="color: #666666; line-height: 1.57143em;">2 bay leaves</span></span></li>
<li data-mce-style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: circle !important; padding: 0px; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-image: initial; background: 0px 0px; font-size: 13px !important; margin: 0px !important 0px 0px !important 10px;" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: 1.57143em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-type: circle !important; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em;"><span data-mce-style="color: #666666;" style="color: #666666; line-height: 1.57143em;">Filipino fish sauce (Patis)</span></span></li>
<li data-mce-style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: circle !important; padding: 0px; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-image: initial; background: 0px 0px; font-size: 13px !important; margin: 0px !important 0px 0px !important 10px;" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: 1.57143em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-type: circle !important; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em;"><span data-mce-style="color: #666666;" style="color: #666666; line-height: 1.57143em;">1 small green bell pepper, seeded and cut into cubes</span></span></li>
<li data-mce-style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: circle !important; padding: 0px; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-image: initial; background: 0px 0px; font-size: 13px !important; margin: 0px !important 0px 0px !important 10px;" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: 1.57143em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-type: circle !important; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em;"><span data-mce-style="color: #666666;" style="color: #666666; line-height: 1.57143em;">1 small red bell pepper, seeded and cut into cubes</span></span></li>
<li data-mce-style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: circle !important; padding: 0px; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-image: initial; background: 0px 0px; font-size: 13px !important; margin: 0px !important 0px 0px !important 10px;" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: 1.57143em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-type: circle !important; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em;"><span data-mce-style="color: #666666;" style="color: #666666; line-height: 1.57143em;">salt and pepper to taste.</span></span></li>
<li data-mce-style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: circle !important; padding: 0px; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-image: initial; background: 0px 0px; font-size: 13px !important; margin: 0px !important 0px 0px !important 10px;" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: 1.57143em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside !important; list-style-type: circle !important; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif;" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em;"><span data-mce-style="color: #666666;" style="color: #666666; line-height: 1.57143em;">Optional: two large jalapeno peppers, whole</span></span></li>
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<ol data-mce-style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 0.3px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.3px; line-height: 1.57143em; list-style-position: outside; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li data-mce-style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: decimal; padding: 0px; background: 0px 0px; font-size: 13px !important; margin: 5px !important 0px 5px !important 30px;" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: 1.57143em; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Dredge beef pieces in a mixture of flour, black pepper, paprika, and a bit of 5 spice powder.</li>
<li data-mce-style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: decimal; padding: 0px; background: 0px 0px; font-size: 13px !important; margin: 5px !important 0px 5px !important 30px;" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: 1.57143em; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Heat oil. Cook garlic and onions till fragrant, to flavor the oil. Remove from pot and set aside.</li>
<li data-mce-style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: decimal; padding: 0px; background: 0px 0px; font-size: 13px !important; margin: 5px !important 0px 5px !important 30px;" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: 1.57143em; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Cook beef until browned, turning frequently.) Add lemon juice, patis, a few shakes of paprika, A-1/worcestershire, and broth. Stir up any browned bits and continue to cook for about 2 to 3 minutes.</li>
<li data-mce-style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: decimal; padding: 0px; background: 0px 0px; font-size: 13px !important; margin: 5px !important 0px 5px !important 30px;" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: 1.57143em; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Add tomatoes, tomato paste and enough water to cover meat. Bring to a boil, skimming scum as necessary. Add bay leaves. Lower heat, cover and cook for about 1 to 2 hours or until beef is tender, stirring occasionally. If water starts to dry out before beef is tender, add additional water in ½ cup increments as needed. Keep beef just covered with fluid.</li>
<li data-mce-style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: decimal; padding: 0px; background: 0px 0px; font-size: 13px !important; margin: 5px !important 0px 5px !important 30px;" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: 1.57143em; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Add root vegetables and continue to cook until tender (you can add the whole jalapeno here). Add celery, long beans and green/red peppers and continue to cook for about 1 to 2 minutes or until tender-crisp.</li>
<li data-mce-style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: decimal; padding: 0px; background: 0px 0px; font-size: 13px !important; margin: 5px !important 0px 5px !important 30px;" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: 1.57143em; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> To thicken the gravy, remove a cup of the cooking fluid. In separate bowl whisk 1/2 cup water with corn starch. Whisk into the hot fluid then add back to pot, stirring well.</li>
<li data-mce-style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: decimal; padding: 0px; background: 0px 0px; font-size: 13px !important; margin: 5px !important 0px 5px !important 30px;" style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 13px !important; line-height: 1.57143em; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Season with 5 spice powder, salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with rice.</li>
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Keep in mind can adjust water/bullion/tomato paste and thickening to your personal preference. As with many Filipino recipes, we don't usually measure anything. So tweak the recipe to your taste, and I hope the beefy-tomatoey flavor is to your liking!</div>
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Restita, Seattle Wushu Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12160735807142139107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066262285605302905.post-5158238348327407722018-08-05T14:33:00.002-07:002018-08-05T14:33:45.946-07:00I dont care if the "Angry Drunk" Facebook page meant for it to be a joke. The meme was something like "what's want the women's equivalent of a man cave? The kitchen." After what some guy said to me at the 7-11 tonight, I see the meme from the Angry Drunk fb page. Want to see an angry sober woman? Stand back, here comes the rant....<br />
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That "kitchen" better have beer, motorcycle and martial arts magazines, a throwing knife target, pool table and a GUY to laugh at as he's getting flustered because he can't even boil water. The dude would be slightly useful if he can make a good BLT or a good vodka Martini (and not with cheap ass vodka)....or if he stands IN FRONT of my throwing knife target without pissing himself as I throw knives around him, and making excuses for why I should wash his pants and Huggies underwear.<br />
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Oh, what? He doesn't even know how to use a washer? Probably because he can't get his Neanderthal misogynistic brain to listen to instructions from a woman for more than 10 seconds. Figures, maybe it's because his mommy and his girlfriends did all his crap for him and now he thinks all women are good for are making sandwiches and doing his laundry.....all 2 pairs of jeans and 4 shirts with holes in them because he doesn't even know his jeans size....he just tries on jeans at Target till he finds junk that fits. And even then he'd have a hard time trying stuff on until he puts down his beer and porno magazine.<br />
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How's that for turning the tables? "Relax, guys, its just a joke."<br />
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"Just....a.....joke" some guys might say about the Angry Drunk meme...... trouble is, some men find "women-in-kitchen" memes funny. That, and they might think a woman who is "blammin' hot" shouldn't be able to kick their ass.<br />
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I saw this meme the same evening after some guy at 7-11 tonight tried to tell me what I should be wearing. I was getting a couple of bottles of water and this guy said to me "what's a pretty little gal like you doing wearing jeans with holes? That's not flattering...."<br />
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"Because I'm not trying to dress to meet your standard or anyone else's...this is what I wanted to wear, not what anyone else wants me to wear....that's why."<br />
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The dude laughs and says "Easy, baby, it was a compliment. No need to be rude."<br />
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Oh no he didnt....he didn't just call me baby did he? With his cheap ass gigolo stinky cologne, did he? WTF. Mr. dress shoes and jeans and Levi's Jean jacket. Let's talk about "unflattering fashion", shall we?<br />
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"Wait, what....did you just call me 'baby'? Really?".<br />
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"Just sayin'....a guy can't even give compliments to a girl?"<br />
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"Okay listen, how old are you?"<br />
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"24"<br />
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"(laughing) I'm old enough to be your mother! Would you want some slime ball to talk to your mother or sister that way? Wow, man."<br />
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The dude tries blah-blah'ing as I tried to pay for my things. My annoyed laughter begins. The cashier is just standing there listening to stinky-man. It's late, I'm "hangry", I just want my water and snacks and to get in my car and go home to sleep. But no, I'm now here venting on a blog.<br />
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Many might say that it's only words and to not let it bother me, but I've heard enough of "compliments" tonight. Did he think I was going to all flattered, bat my eyelashes and be nice to him?<br />
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What makes it okay to joke about women's interests being ONLY in the kitchen? Only in a Leave-It-To-Beaver world would that even be close to humorous. Jokes that hint at a "woman's place" need to be kicked to the curb, as does the men that think that is an acceptable stereotype. These types of jokes and memes only proliferate sexism and misogynistic attitudes.<br />
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That said, there will probably be a few men that will respond to this blog post with "Shut up, bitch" or "get a life and make me a sandwich", or "shut up, you feminist" (which, points to the possibility of those men having no clue what feminism is.<br />
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Okay, Rant over. Keep in mind, I am in no way a man hater or ultra feminist. Just don't tell me what I SHOULD be wearing, that's all. :)<br />
<br />Restita, Seattle Wushu Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12160735807142139107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066262285605302905.post-89639928428681521292016-09-17T12:22:00.002-07:002017-04-29T06:56:58.714-07:00Balancing rocks: Patience with a purpose <br />
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This past week, I took 5 days away from the everyday grind. Not that I don't enjoy the everyday grind,....I love my work and I never consider it "work". However I was invited to spend some time at the Oregon coast at a beautiful beach house, and I couldn't refuse.<br />
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It felt odd to travel and not have a "reason" to do so. Usually, when I travel, its for my radio show, organizing martial arts events, teaching, etc. While I have fun traveling for those events, this trip to the coast was a bit weird at first. I almost felt....guilty....for not having a reason to travel.<br />
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After going down to the beach and hearing the sound of the ocean for the first time in years, that guilt faded. I stared into tide pools at low tide, did Tai Chi on the beach each morning, looked in awe at the incoming waves, we walked the dogs and let them lead us to interesting nooks and crannies in the rock formations, felt the breath of the sea as it blew strongly past my ears, slept to the sound of the ocean just outside my window.....<br />
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And...it....was....rejuvenating. Motivating.<br />
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As martial artists or athletes, we are dedicated to our training and self improvement. Some of us run martial arts studios or exercise facilities and we run a business. Our training and our business is what we go to sleep thinking about and eagerly wake up to. However, one part of our training regimen or business plan should never be ignored.....time for US.<br />
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Some of us seem to believe that the busier we are, the more productive we are. Everything "must" have a reason to do...for our business, for our marketing, for our training, for our next tournament, for whatever else.....<br />
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The sand and the sea reminded me that not everything needs a reason. There's no "result" to stacking rocks, there's no "marketing" when staring into tide pools, there's no gold medal in marveling at the ocean waves and no money to be made when feeling the wind press against your jacket. And you know what? It feels GREAT to not have reasons to do these things. VERY therapeutic!<br />
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However the real therapeutic experience.........<br />
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As someone who holds intuition as an integral part of my training and everyday life, I realized that using intuition for specific real world reasons (business, training, etc) was not enough.....To tap into intuition for <i>inner world </i>reasons, was exactly what I needed. As I walked the beach alone one day, I was drawn to certain rocks and set aside those and something told me to stack them.....so I stacked/balanced them along the beach. This type "active meditation" allows you to just be, just experience your activity and let things just happen.<br />
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At one point after my last stack (that took quite a while, because I was determined to get the arrangement to balance in a way that it seemingly wouldn't), I sat back, exhaled, felt a sense of accomplishment, and then.....<i>felt a wave of emotions all at once</i>.....sadness, grief, doubt, heartache of the past, loss, unvented anger from times gone by, frustration etc. I was surprised at what what going on, even a bit embarrassed, which added to the mix. I stood up wondering "what the hell is wrong with me?". I walked closer to the edge of shore, faced the waves and just let the emotions run themselves out. I wasn't sobbing, but I did feel the sting in my eyes as tears ran down my cheek....I was just experiencing emotions. Sometimes all at once, at moments individually. I don't exactly remember.....but I do think I actually let out a roar against the sound of the waves.......<br />
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I don't know how long I stood at the shore, but as I felt the wake of that emotional tide disappear, I felt hungover yet lighter and rejuvenated. I felt the stress of the past year or so, fall off my shoulders. I realized that this was a week that I had gone for days without a headache or a migraine and I smiled at the thought. I wiped away tears, pulled myself together and continued walking, finding more stones, and balancing them along the beach.<br />
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The photo above....is the stack of rocks that somehow allowed me to productively vent. It would have been easier to switch the top two stones, but something told me to keep at it to find the balance point on this particular arrangement. The "pain" of patience must have released something.<br />
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I once read somewhere that balancing rocks tests the patience and forces one to not 'make' something balance,...you have to let go and let patience, intuition and tactile sensitivity guide you in finding that "one spot" where everything aligns. I believe, that this test of patience is what allowed me to just let go.<br />
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Many times we really don't know that we actually actively hold space for negativity.....we actually need some of these emotions for balance.....however, when you hold onto some of these things from days or years long gone past (namely anger, frustration, grief), we run out of space for the positive things. We hold on to the stress of dealing with that irate boss, we hold onto the hurtful words that someone said years ago, we hold onto anger, we hold onto the betrayals you convinced yourself to forgive. Slowly, these stresses get tucked away somewhere deep, and one day even the most ordinary thing brings these emotions to the surface....where you have to experience them, to face them, to close those chapters and move forward.<br />
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That "pain" of patience that became close to frustration (you know the feeling!) opened a floodgate that I myself put up over the past few years. Sometimes, you have to face some of the very things that you put on the backburner to consider for later. This was my "later". With that said, I'll have to remember to make time for myself....to meditate, to vent, to talk with a friend.....and NOT try to be tough and put things on the backburner. This was a lesson learned, and one that I'll remember.<br />
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Restita, Seattle Wushu Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12160735807142139107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066262285605302905.post-22540952846323464002016-09-14T22:43:00.003-07:002016-09-14T23:19:59.459-07:00Bullying: Are we raising "pansies" if we don't teach them to fight? It takes more than fighting to instill confidence.<div style="text-align: center;">
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(photo courtesy of cyberbullying.org)</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I recently read a news article about a 9 year old boy who took his own life due to constant bullying at school: </span><a href="https://goo.gl/ibwYKr">https://goo.gl/ibwYKr</a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> So Sad. </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I'm very supportive of teaching kids to defend themselves and find their personal power. </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">But you know what burns me?....when people say "You're raising pansies if you don't teach your kids to fight". </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">What, so if you teach a kid conflict avoidance he/she is a pansy? A boy has to man up and throw a punch against some bully kid who is most likely all bark and no bite, in order to prove he's not a pussy or a pansy? Pardon my French, but WTF. We see you, the old school men who say "I was was bullied and I just socked that boy in the mouth. We're raising a generation of soft pansies". You're not raising a "pansy"....the kid simply doesn't have the emotional/verbal/physical skills to deal with it.So I ask you HAVE YOU REALLY TAUGHT YOUR KIDS ABOUT ALL ASPECTS OF SELF DEFENSE outside of punching someone's lights out? If you haven't then your're actually raising a kid that only knows how to punch someone and has no other skills outside of that. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">No skills outside of that......who's a pansy?? Hmmm.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can teach any kid to box, but unless they know what is going on in a bullying situation, those skills have no context to attach to. Its like learning to spar as a beginner martial artist, getting confident in those skills then getting thrown into a tournament where the other people spar differently enough to beat you. You're not ready for it and you get scored on because you don't know how to adjust, nor do you know how to deal with the pressure to having to score points so you don't look like you don't know what you're doing.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">As someone who was bullied in school, let me tell you something:</b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Don't look at me and say "well you you were sheltered in your little Filipino family home and don't know the streets, that's why you were bullied". Well that's right i haven't, but that didn't make you any better than me nor does it make you any less likely to have been bullied. Sure you can act all tough so no one chooses to mess around with you, but honestly can you put up that facade 24-7?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">My parents didn't raise a pansy yet I was bullied. My parents taught me (yes, in my "sheltered family home") that my personal space was mine and mine to keep and mine to determine how big or small to make it at any given time. They taught me how to use a pointy umbrella to make someone's day a very bad day. They taught me how to stand big and speak big even though I was very small. The "speak big" part involved no shouting , it involved ATTITUDE and what I call "The Look". My Dad (who DID know the streets, by the way), especially, taught me that if anything happened to me or my sister or anyone else in the family, that there would always be other family who will "take care of things" in the old Filipino way. I learned Karate and became very good at it.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yet, when I was bullied, I chose to not fight back. That makes me a pansy you say?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">t wasn't that I couldn't fight.....I chose not to fight back because I was was taught to be aware of what I could do. I was taught to know my anger triggers and to be aware that if I allowed my temper to flare it would not be pretty. Even back then as a child, I knew my anger was awakened at personal insults or jabs at my intelligence or slights against my ethnicity or way of life. I was aware that each time I cried as a bully taunted me, <b>*</b></span><i style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>it was not because i was scared, it was because I was SO angry that it actually hurt to stop myself from lashing out and making someone's day a really crappy one that would land them in a hospital.*</b></span></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b> </b> These things I had to deal with....the fantasies of wreaking vengeance upon my tormentors....When you actually wish to see blood, you have to take pause and ask yourself "What's up with that?" Back then, there was no instructions on "proper use of force" or "legal ramifications of self defense". Plus....I really did not want to hurt anyone. Did I want the bullying to stop? Of course! But did I want to injure someone badly to do it? That was the dilemma. I wanted it.....I actually wanted to see my bullies suffer....but <u>I didn't want to make my fantasy THEIR reality.</u> Such stuff for a child to think about, eh? </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Back then all I knew was point sparring for the Dojo and outside of that, "blow their knee out and break their face so they can't breath, walk nor talk". There was no in-between....I had to learn the "in between" myself through trial and error. As I grew older and more confident in my verbal skills I realized that defending oneself from bullies involved MUCH more than just learning basic boxing or even martial arts. Conflict resolution, the "talking down" the violence, its a skill that many don't have. I've heard some people say that Police negotiators are just those that "couldn't handle walking the beat or being out on the field", but I tell you what....I admire the skills of negotiators. It involves a sense of empathy aligned with justice.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">ts okay to teach kids how NOT to be Mr. or Miss Milquetoast. Its okay to teach kids to defend themselves in all methods....verbal AND physical. Let your kids know its okay to feel scared of a bully....that its okay to complain and tell and adult and even call police (yeah yeah, some will say "what good will that do, just punch the bully in the face")... yet let the child know its not okay to be hurt by a bully and they have the right to defend themselves. However those who say kids are pussies for being scared of bullies....get a clue. Remember the adage..."courage is not the absence of fear, courage is the proper use of it". Confidence cannot be "taught"....it must be developed by the child...period. You can't force confidence on a kid, nor can chastising another kid's parents for not raising their kids correctly, instill confidence in that child. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">That said....kids must learn this confidence by learning to lose and win. Let your kids learn how to lose a game. Teach your kids to learn from a loss, not get in their business and tell them what they did wrong. Teach your kids to win with tact and respect....don't teach them arrogance. I see too many kids get bent out of shape if they lose a soccer game...and I see too many kids get big headed when they win a game. Guess who their parents are most of the time....yup, the "No pansy" parents. Teach your kids to pick themselves up if they fall off their bike for the 3rd time in their life.....first time pick them up, dust them off and get back on the bike. 2nd time just dust them off and tell them they're okay....3rd time have them get up on their own and carry on. Kids learn through experience!!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">'ve learned this through experience. Sure its not "on the streets" confidence, but its confidence nonetheless. My parents wanted to raise confident, self reliant kids..... and "pansy" wasn't even a vocabulary word for us back then. Fear, uncertainty and doubt were part of the education.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">In short.... if you raise your kids to think they are pansies for not doing this or that.....you're actually raising a generation of opinionated adults that see merely the black and white in everyday situations. And if they're opinionated, we have to look at our own generation of adults. So rather than just assuming any bullied kid is a pansy or casting judgmental eyes on the parents....how about we just take the time to instill confidence in our kids as well as teaching them self defense skills? It takes time....much more time that just saying "if they bother you just punch them".</span>Restita, Seattle Wushu Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12160735807142139107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066262285605302905.post-85462998061631614302015-10-08T16:18:00.001-07:002015-10-08T18:34:10.796-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Preparing for a martial arts rank exam</b></span></div>
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If you are studying a martial art with a ranking system, you'll be taking exams to earn rank, most likely in the form of colored belts or sashes. </div>
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Rankings usually differ a bit between adults/teens and young children, but regardless of age, a good school will require that rank candidates meet the minimum standards of a rank rather than put people up for promotion regardless of readiness solely for profit. Keep in mind however, that good schools will also keep the student in mind.....good schools will not withhold rank exams if a student has a physical issue (wheelchair, blindness, mobility issue, learning disability, etc).....in fact good teachers will take the time to introduce the art to these students in such a way as to still meet the requirement *based on the students ability*. </div>
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Not all martial arts use the belt rank system, but for students of those that do, here's some things to work on and consider, to prepare for your exams.</div>
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<li>You are not entitled to rank, you have to earn it: Although some schools require a minimum set of hours of training for each rank, just because you met the minimum hours doesn't mean the teacher will automatically jump to promote you. (Explained in the next point...)</li>
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<li>Understand that you should meet the standards of the rank you are applying for: Just because you meet the minimum hours of training for a rank, maybe even carry a high opinion of your efforts in class, it does not meet you are *ready* for the rank. I hate to sound like a spoil sport, but if you don't meet the minimum standards of a rank, you'll need to practice and correct your technique until you do. Many people do not understand this because of thinking in a "I'm entitled to this" attitude. But if you carry that attitude in a traditional Asian Dojo, you won't be staying long in that dojo.</li>
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<li>Do an honest inventory of your skills: Are you meeting the standards AND working hard? If there is no intention behind a perfect strike, or if there's plenty of effort in forms but techniques are sloppy, then more practice is required. Don't compare yourself to other people....because honestly, no one really cares that you think you are better than upper ranks. Your attitude and humility must speak volumes as much as your skills do.</li>
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<li>Ask the teacher what you need to work on, or ask if you can schedule a private session for assistance in preparing for an exam: Believe me, good teachers WANT you to succeed and will likely be willing to assist you. And honest eye can teach you so much more than your own opinion of yourself.</li>
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<li>Don't demand to be tested. The teachers will determine when you are ready. One of my own teachers once said "Everybody thinks they're ready and deserve the next rank....that's confidence. But to not take and honest look at your readiness and ability to meet the requirements and to demand rank....that's arrogance. Arrogance has no place in rank promotion"</li>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Now it is exam day.....now what?</span></b></div>
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You've been selected for rank testing....if you've tested before, you'll know what happens at exams, but if it is your first exam, your teacher will tell you what to expect. But here's some things to remember (good advice for the experienced students too):</div>
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◇ Arrive early to warmup and get extra last minute practice in. Dont show up right at the appointed time....you won't have time to warm up and the test adminstrators most likely will not hold up the exam to wait for you to warmup. It is not fair to those who showed up early to prepare.</div>
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◇ If there is an exam fee, take care of that before the exam day. The administrators want to concentrate fully on your exam, not accounting.</div>
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◇ Be in uniform (if your school has a uniform). Be sure your uniform is clean and pressed (if needed). A wrinkled uniform does not make a good impression.</div>
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◇ Show your best, but don't get cocky. I've seen this type of behavior, and I've come close to telling the cocky/aargumentative students to sit down and tell them their exam is over. Sometimes stress over a "pass or fail" will bring out the worst in people. Don't let nervousness or stress get the best of you. Just do the best you can.</div>
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◇ If you don't know something, be honest about it and don't make excuses. I once had a young man tell me he was busy playing World of Warcraft all night and didn't have time to prepare his written report for the the written portion of the test, yet he showed up for testing. I didn't allow him to test.e<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dealing with disappointment</b></span></div>
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Maybe you weren't selected to test when you thought you should have been, maybe you didn't pass the test. Many people get angry and point fingers at everyone else (including the teachers) *but* themselves. Rather than jumping on a pity-party bandwagon, you have to remember some things.....</div>
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<li>Remember that the art you study has standards of skill to uphold. Each rank means an improvement of standards. Maybe you try really hard in class, but let's face it, if you're testing for an intermediate or advanced rank and that front stance still has a bent rear leg or your elbows flare out when you punch, the testing board will take notice that it doesn't meet intermediate or advanced standards. </li>
<li>Remember that self perceived skill and actual skill might be two different things. This is why teachers provide an outside eye for the students, and many time bring in other black belts from the style (but not from their own school) to help judge the candidates. </li>
<li>If you didn't get selected to take a test, don't complain or demand to be tested. You are NOT entitled to rank, you have to meet the standards of that rank to earn it. Complaining about not being selected isn't going to make the teachers jump to test you. Complaining also shows that you question the teacher's judgement and that of the upper ranking teachers above him/her. And honestly, I only let my own masters question my judgement. Get your Ego out of the equation and just work to improve what you need to work on.</li>
<li>Kids normally get disappointed at not passing a test. But you know what I've noticed? They are the first to ask me what they can do to improve for the next test. They cry a bit, but then they get right back on the dojo floor and don't wallow in self pity. They are the ones who comfort other kids who don't pass a test. Adults.....sometimes we need to learn from those kids.</li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Celebrating your promotion</b></span></div>
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You worked your tail off at your rank exam, sometimes for many hours, and you were successful at attaining your new rank! You have every right to celebrate and be proud of your accomplishment. However don't let it go to your head....you have more work to do the very next day you set foot in the Dojo. New requirements and new techniques will need your attention now. You'll need to work harder now, to gain higher skills.</div>
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You know what I've found to be a good way to constantly celebrate your new rank? By being a consistent good example for other lower ranked students. Remember that you're not leaving the lower ranks behind. Instead, you're paving the way for them. Be that older brother or older sister to the younger ranks. You'll find that your understanding of your art will grow though this.</div>
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I always say to my students "Pass or not, you're still learning".....but I'm pretty sure anyone that had failed a test don't find those words very uplifting. Disappointment is such a funny emotion.....one that only comes about if one knows what "grabbing for the goal" feels like. However keep in mind that Martial Arts teaches us to toughen up and move ahead.</div>
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Restita, Seattle Wushu Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12160735807142139107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066262285605302905.post-89238247531224034832014-08-25T12:49:00.000-07:002014-08-25T12:49:54.904-07:00Back to School: Benefits of Martial Arts afterschool programs for kids during the school year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Summer is almost over, and kids all over the United States are gearing up for school. Whether they're attending the same school as last year, or a different one this year, kids will be transitioning from summer activities to classroom activities.<br />
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You've got all the gear for your child....but do they have that one thing that ties all the things necessary for optimal progress, such as work ethics, time management, and discipline?<br />
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Enter: Excercise. Studies have shown that regular vigorous exercise helps children's brains keep fit, as well as keeping physically fit. <a href="http://www.raisesmartkid.com/3-to-6-years-old/4-articles/35-the-benefits-of-exercise-on-your-kids-brain">http://www.raisesmartkid.com/3-to-6-years-old/4-articles/35-the-benefits-of-exercise-on-your-kids-brain</a><br />
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Kids naturally love to play and romp, and as adults we should encourage healthy play. While traditional games such as "hide and seek" are fun and helps develop cognitive skills, understanding rules of play, etc, scientific studies have shown that <b>Martial Arts training </b>helps in these aspects and MANY more. One of things that makes martial arts training different than, let's say, games of tag, is that good Martial Arts training will help a child develop a sense of self discipline that can apply to anything else in their lives. Studies have also shown that regular martial arts class attendance can help foster focus, goal setting & achievement, compassion, altruism....all aspects that can help children be well adjusted in school. <a href="http://www.kattaekwondo.com/martial-arts-science.htm" target="_blank"> http://www.kattaekwondo.com/martial-arts-science.htm</a><br />
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Afterschool Martial Arts programs are becoming more and more popular. These programs are usually open to K-8 grade kids, and run a few hours after school, on school days. Since parents can arrange for school their child's school bus to directly drop off their child at a martial arts studio with an afterschool program, it is a great way for parents to know that their child is safe, supervised, and getting plenty of exercise....and learning great life skills as well.<br />
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Many afterschool martial arts program provide supervised homework time (often a mandatory activity before any martial arts activity starts, martial arts training just like the regular classes, opportunities to test for belt rank, game days, and other great activities to keep the children engaged until pickup time.<br />
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<b><i><span style="color: blue;">Here at Body Movement Arts ("BMA"), Our mission is to provide a safe and fun venue for children after school, where kids can get their homework done alongside their classmates, make new friends, get a rousing healthy workout, and learn leadership skills.</span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: blue;">Our 2014 "Afterschool Warriors" program begins September 15th. Sessions are Monday through Thursday, open from 3:00 to 5:00 pm (allowed to stay for extra class till 6 pm for only $5 more). </span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: blue;">Here are the benefits of the program:</span></i></b><br />
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<li><b><i><span style="color: blue;"> "Homework Hubs" precede each day's martial arts class. Black belts and senior student kids available for questions. </span></i></b></li>
<li><b><i><span style="color: blue;">Students may test for belt ranks and receive the same benefits as regular club members (10% off special seminars and one free 30 minute private lesson <individual 3="" kids="" or="" to="" up=""> per month). </individual></span></i></b></li>
<li><b><i><span style="color: blue;">Kids will learn aspects of Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino martial arts.</span></i></b></li>
<li><b><i><span style="color: blue;">Only $139 per month. 10% discount for family members. (Filipino martial arts stick set is extra: $20 for a set of two Eskrima sticks)</span></i></b></li>
<li><b><i><span style="color: blue;">On school breaks, members of the Afterschool Warriors may attend the regular classes of their age group.</span></i></b></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><b><i>Afterschool Warriors Signature red uniforms included with registration.</i></b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><b><i>Current members can upgrade their membership to the AW membership by simply transitioning to the AW program fee for the school year.</i></b></span></li>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b><i>For only $139 per month, parents can rest assured that their child is receiving the best afterschool activities, and getting their homework done before they come home!</i></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">Contact our Director of Children's programs to register your child at Body Movement Arts: Restita DeJesus, (206) 596-7880 9629 17th Ave SW Seattle, WA 98146</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;">Experience the BMA Benefits:</span><span style="color: red;"> B</span><span style="color: blue;">ODY * </span><span style="color: red;">M</span><span style="color: blue;">IND * </span><span style="color: red;">A</span><span style="color: blue;">CTION!</span></span></b></div>
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Restita, Seattle Wushu Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12160735807142139107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066262285605302905.post-65440755604984652852014-01-23T09:39:00.000-08:002014-01-23T09:39:50.770-08:00All these "30 day challenges". Well how about the "30 day Zhan Zhuang meditation challenge"??<div dir="ltr">
Over the past few years, we've seen "30 day challenges" such as the "30 day plank challenge", "30 day squats challenge", etc. Most of these activities challenge the participant in some type of physical fitness activity to strengthen the body.</div>
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Well, what about strengthening the Body, Will, AND Mind?<br />
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I propose the <br />
<b>30 day Zhan Zhuang Challenge!</b><br />
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What is Zhan Zhuang?<br />
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For those not familiar with Tai Chi or other types of martial disciplines or meditation methods, Zhan Zhuang loosely translates to "standing like a post" or "standing on a stake" (pardon if my Chinese loose translation is incorrect, as English is my main language).<br />
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There are many variations to this meditation practice, but the general idea is to stand firmly yet relaxed, all the while keeping aware of breathing and proper posture. It may sound easy, as many of us stand in lines for a substantial period of time.....but how many times have you STOOD MOTIONLESS without changing foot position or slouching or leaning to one side?<br />
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In Chen style Taijiquan, my classes and I practice this posture most frequently, as depicted in the accompanying drawing of Chen Zhenglei, my Grandmaster. Knees slightly bent, top of head to tailbone aligned, shoulders /hips/core relaxed, weight evening distributed on both feet and centered on both feet (no pronating or supinating), and arms raised in front of chest, as if "embracing a tree".<br />
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Most people jump right into this exercise, believing that standing is easy. But I suggest that if you try it, that you go into this with an open mind. Many people go into it then give up when their arms are tired.<br />
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"<i>Wait....arms tired? I thought meditation was supposed to be easy!"</i><br />
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I suggest that people start with 2 minutes maximum to begin with. However you should always be aware of your body starting to compensate for shoulders fatigueing, etc. THIS IS NOT AN ENDURANCE EXERCISE as some people might believe. I do not suggest that you try going for as long as you can the first day just so you can have bragging rights. (yes, I've had students in the past do this...."look, I can stand in Zhan Zhuang for 15 minutes!" yet they don't see that their arms drop, they start to slump, their breathing changes due to discomfort, etc. ). Zhan Zhuang is not a contest to see who is strongest. The only competitor you have is yourself. The key here is to do Zhan Zhuang correctly and to not convince yourself that a bad posture is "correct". This is the hardest part, because if an individual is the competitive type, they will try to do too much too soon, thinking that they will gain benefits faster. Nothing could be farther from the truth when it comes to Zhang Zhuang.<br />
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Take your time and you'll see the benefits over time. For some, the word "time" detracts them from the practice.....which means the Zhan Zhuang practice will most likely not be for them, and that's okay. </div>
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However the purpose of this challenge is to get people to try it.</div>
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Okay, In a nutshell, here's how to do basic Zhan Zhuang (refer to photo below)<br />
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1. Place feet about shoulders width apart. Place weight evenly on both feet, not pronating or supinating on the feet. Bend knees slightly.<br />
2. Stand tall but relaxed.....have a feeling of having the top of head reach for the sky, let your center of gravity drop downwards. Relax your core, including chest......don't let your chest raise up and out like military style standing. Gently tuck your tailbone slightly as if seated in a chair in a relaxed upright position (try sitting on a chair with keeping torso upright as described....that is sort of the posture I'm trying to describe).<br />
3. Raise arms as pictured....as if hugging a tree. Relax shoulders. Keep elbows lower than shoulders and wrists.<br />
4. Keep hands "alive". Don't curl the fingers in a limp fashion, yet don't use too much tension to keep them open. However, if you have conditions that prevent you from opening your hands, allow your mind's eye to keep an intention of "openness".<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>YES</b>!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVQwIDw_rxkMjFZrFiiauwiz0wwPHt69PWKj_N5nRW7MpwpyBjd5SZfQq4NAjE-AtWxpCzMNXWAu8WJxKp-kvYHL0a8v5IFAMyliCUUkChoSM_BlBb0elQsCIX-P1cupqIQRw9DsWU68/s1600/alinea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVQwIDw_rxkMjFZrFiiauwiz0wwPHt69PWKj_N5nRW7MpwpyBjd5SZfQq4NAjE-AtWxpCzMNXWAu8WJxKp-kvYHL0a8v5IFAMyliCUUkChoSM_BlBb0elQsCIX-P1cupqIQRw9DsWU68/s640/alinea.jpg" /> </a> </div>
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Now stand, keeping aware of your breathing and proper posture.</div>
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Remember, this is not a contest to rush into in an attempt to gain faster results. You would only hinder your training with impatience.</div>
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Keep in mind, if you feel any discomfort or pain, chances are you are using too much force or strength to stand in the posture. So stop the practice for a few minutes and go back to it or start again the next day. Your body will let you know of any postural mistakes as you stand.</div>
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Let's try.....</div>
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Phase 1, Finding your center, regulate breathing.</div>
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Day 1: 2 minutes</div>
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Day 2: 2 minutes</div>
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Day 3: 3 minutes</div>
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Day 4: 3 minutes</div>
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Day 5: 4 minutes</div>
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Day 6: 4 minutes</div>
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Day 7: 5 minutes</div>
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Some of you might say "Hey wait, why arent we going for 7 minutes in 7 days?". If you've never done Zhan Zhuang before, you need to 1) get into the routine of doing the activity and 2) allow your body to get used to standing motionless instead of sitting motionless and 3) slowly let your arms get used to remaining in that "embracing the tree" posture. </div>
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Remember, I suggested "Don't Rush!" Moving on......</div>
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Phase 2, standing "in" the legs instead of top of them, allow breathing to relax tension.</div>
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Day 8: 5 minutes</div>
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Day 9: 5 minutes</div>
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Day 10: 6 minutes</div>
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Day 11: 6 minutes</div>
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Day 12: 7 minutes</div>
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Day 13: 8 minutes</div>
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Day 14: 9 minutes</div>
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"What?? not 10 minutes at 10 days??" This is not a pattern based thing....its a "challenge the body yet allowing the body to gradually acclimate" thing. Again, dont rush. Its only a guideline meant to try Zhuan Zhuang for a bit each day. Moving on.....</div>
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Phase 3, body strengthening</div>
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Day 15: 9 minutes</div>
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Day 16: 10 minutes</div>
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Day 17: 10 minutes</div>
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Day 18: 10 minutes</div>
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Day 19: 10 minutes</div>
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Day 20: 12 minutes</div>
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Day 21: 12 minutes</div>
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Phase 4, mind/will strengthening</div>
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Day 22: 12 minutes</div>
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Day 23: 13 minutes</div>
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Day 24: 13 minutes</div>
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Day 25: 14 minutes</div>
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Day 26: 14 minutes</div>
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Day 27: 15 minutes</div>
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Day 28: 15 minutes</div>
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Day 29: 15 minutes</div>
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Day 30: 15 minutes</div>
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You'll notice that its not a 30 days to 30 minutes schedule. It takes much more practice to get to 30 minutes. Resist the urge to try for 30 minutes right away....believe me, if you've never done Zhan Zhuang before or have little or limited exposure to it, don't go for quantity too soon. You'll just miss out on the subtle improvements to your practice other than the usual academically noted "relaxed and calm" items. To truly listen to your body take TIME. If you miss a day or two, that's fine. Just pick it up a the next opportunity. This is merely a guide, not a rule book. For experienced practitioners, stand as your skill allows.</div>
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Time....time for skill to develop. Skill gained through time, persistence and effort is.....</div>
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<b>KUNG FU.</b></div>
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<b>Who's in for the 30 day Zhan Zhuang Challenge?</b></div>
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Restita, Seattle Wushu Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12160735807142139107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066262285605302905.post-9857070056440814722013-12-12T14:31:00.001-08:002013-12-12T16:01:15.109-08:00How to punch with impact. No, no, not with your fist...<p dir="ltr">Today at one of my satellite classes, the students actually wanted a lecture....can you believe that....they wanted one! What teenager actually asks for lectures? Hahaha! But they playfully call it "story time", because,  as a few of the teens put it, "They love learning from the stories".</p>
<p dir="ltr">So here's what I told them today.....<br>
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<p dir="ltr">As a martial arts instructor,  I've taught many people how to form a good fist and how to punch. I've have seen all sorts of fist variations from beginner students...... thumbs inside the fist,  fingers sticking out, wrists bent in cockeyed fashions,  etc.</p>
<p dir="ltr">If there's one thing that students find out while they're learning to punch, it is that the fist has to be tight, especially when striking a target. I tell my little kids class "all your fingers want to ball up tightly together,  to work together to make a punch strong" .  How many of you have I reminded to keep that fist tight? Yes, I'm aware that some people dont have all 5 fingers and will have to modify their punch technique. But I'm not talking about the technique itself. Instead I'd like to discuss the intention of a punch....I'd like to use the punch as a metaphor.</p>
<p dir="ltr">What is the purpose of a punch? That's right,  Pretty simple....to hit something. But if we dont pay attention to the elements of punching (such as proper fist formation and body mechanics), I won't matter how hard we want to make impact with the target...missing an element of punch execution will result in a poor strike.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Okay, so let's compare a punch impact with <i><b>life</b></i> <i><b>impact....</b></i>.</p>
<p dir="ltr">As I mentioned,  we want all fingers to work together tightly to make good impact with the target. Imagine punching a punching bag as hard as you can with your pinky sticking out or your thumb tucked inside your fist.....sounds sort of painful, doesn't it? In those examples, a single finger prevents proper striking. Now lets apply that thought by giving each of those fingers a "quality"....let's say, that each of our fingers represent:</p>
<p dir="ltr">- Persistence: Keep plugging along no matter what.<br>
- Upbeat attitude: "Upbeat" does not necessarily mean to act happy all the time. It also means carrying the ability to see the positive even when you're not feeling so jolly.<br>
- Nurturing quality: Too often we associate this word with "motherly", but we want to think about the quality of the nurturing intention. It is to care for the development and well being of other people or things. Nurture your self development,  nurture your learning. <br>
- Confidence: Pretty self explanatory....<br>
- Honest: Not only to others, but most importantly to yourself as well. Know what your goal is, and don't lessen your expectations just to meet your lack of action.  Honesty with oneself includes being able to recognize when we're making excuses, and admitting them without fear.</p>
<p dir="ltr">These qualities should work together in concert to make a tight "fist". When one of these qualities doesn't work at the same level as the others, then it becomes like a sole finger sticking out ofnthe fist....it prevents the rest of the fist from making an impact.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>P</b> ersistent<br>
<b>U </b>pbeat<br>
<b>N</b> urturing<br>
<b>C </b>onfident<br>
<b>H</b> onest</p>
<p dir="ltr">M<br>
To make a good impact, punch strong. Uncommitted punches don't hit well. Remember that making an impact doesnt always mean hitting hard, it means to also hit the right targets.....to put anothwr way, making an impact doesn't necessarily <u>mean</u> getting rich, being famous, or reaching thousands of people.  If you reach just one person or reach even just one of your goals, you've made an impact. <br>
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<p dir="ltr">Of course,  I made some points on the importance of staying in school, etc....and I hope they understood what i was trying to say.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Even if I reach just one teen.......</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiboecHe7zmUTIzwY6b0BB3xz5uDSugkHFHs1-VFdwvYCDBG8wCy6xgZXcK4r_i0gPABFudVuetx4MiV8qYycwTTMZhVm5AaEKDbzbhswxFvPWgrxnP0N9F2ea7nohe6qzyFcr0WsuHBcw/s1600/free_2306877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiboecHe7zmUTIzwY6b0BB3xz5uDSugkHFHs1-VFdwvYCDBG8wCy6xgZXcK4r_i0gPABFudVuetx4MiV8qYycwTTMZhVm5AaEKDbzbhswxFvPWgrxnP0N9F2ea7nohe6qzyFcr0WsuHBcw/s640/free_2306877.jpg"> </a> </div>Restita, Seattle Wushu Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12160735807142139107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066262285605302905.post-55087724666212626012013-04-12T22:25:00.001-07:002013-04-16T15:48:58.979-07:00My first attempt at knife makingOne of my Tai Chi students set up a private class with a local knife maker, David Lisch. "What a great opportunity..." I thought. "...To learn how patience and hard work forge into something sharp". A full two day workshop, we were excited, and a bit nervous.<br />
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David's school, "Studio 4" (which ironically is in room #3 in the building) was in an old metalworks building in industrial Seattle. Drafty and cold, we soon forgot the chill as we got down to business. David had already laser cut knife blanks for us, and we had a choice of style.....skinner, hunter, or Santoku style kitchen knife. I chose the hunter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31PR42glDFaHzzT0hEi7VbGk3hAQ7XwaboGLlTD21KnkBHjYYvtU0p4pDfZ-bDy4iWV9JtTwgaaUYq6soT2ShYl_ermdweJ7LXRBCGS5mCK_gpZyoMJJ-P0X4BrIlq3QzP_IUvaZoeXE/s1600/2013-04-06+09.19.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31PR42glDFaHzzT0hEi7VbGk3hAQ7XwaboGLlTD21KnkBHjYYvtU0p4pDfZ-bDy4iWV9JtTwgaaUYq6soT2ShYl_ermdweJ7LXRBCGS5mCK_gpZyoMJJ-P0X4BrIlq3QzP_IUvaZoeXE/s320/2013-04-06+09.19.39.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I looked at this hunk of steel and thought...."Now how am I supposed to get this blank looking anything like a real knife?" I was actually questioning my ability to make it happen. But David assured that if we paid attention and "didn't try thinking about shortcuts", we'd go home with a beautiful knife by the time the weekend was over. We chose our handle wood....I chose a beautiful purple analine dyed multiplex.<br />
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David took the time to explain geometry, steel characteristics, Metallurgy of carbon steel, safety precautions, etc. Then, down to work. Our first duty was to establish our plunge line and initial bevel, as well as rough shaping the handle. Standing at the grinder I was pretty happy to have a bracket that established the exact grinding angle for the plunge line . I would've freaked out if I was told to do it "by eye". hahahaha!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLg2BuCTF6CRIGqujfJIeHKwYTwjbCjTpIg_3BNDYRCnK44PpO4-hcX4IddFjgFSdKeb79XzLGepY-BOGTTeUPF_pgjDWv0Fvd6L1ECVfpXA-HWcjC4zzz2C6qWuta60wnBmULT7jsCoY/s1600/904297_10151522006679114_1467694720_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLg2BuCTF6CRIGqujfJIeHKwYTwjbCjTpIg_3BNDYRCnK44PpO4-hcX4IddFjgFSdKeb79XzLGepY-BOGTTeUPF_pgjDWv0Fvd6L1ECVfpXA-HWcjC4zzz2C6qWuta60wnBmULT7jsCoY/s320/904297_10151522006679114_1467694720_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Luckily, establishing the plunge line and grinding out the rough shape of our handle wasn't as hard as I thought. But I knew it was going to get more challenging. Next, we drilled our pin holes and we rough shaped our wood.<br />
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The fun part....heat treat! We watched as our teacher explained using a forge, and we had a choice of using the forge or the salt pot (which was much more consistent and suggested for first timers). No brainer....we chose the salt pot. We had to pre-treat our blanks with a torch to drive out extra moisture. When he reminded us that the blanks still carried a bit of moisture, we all shuddered..."Single drop of cold water in a pot of high temp molten stuff....that's an explosion!!". Needless to say, we all made sure to have Dave check our blanks to be sure they were good to go before we dropped them in the pot! Two treatments in the salt pot and oil quenched, we were good to go for that first class. Dave would put the blanks in the oven to temper, and by the next morning, we'd be set to for the real grinding and polishing.<br />
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<i>David explains and demonstrates at the furnace</i></div>
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<i>Knife held in the salt pot</i></div>
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Day Two: The polishing begins. After the tempering, we each had stations where we stood with sanding sticks, starting with 400 grit sandpaper and gradually going to 1200. Funny, just as I thought the steel was beginning to polish up, scratches that weren't there before, revealed themselves. I thought I was going to be sanding and polishing for hours.....which was pretty much the case. Two hours of patient polishing, and I had a shiny blade in comparison to the dull salt pot/oven tempered color that I started out with.<br />
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<i>Where the heck did those scratches come from?</i></div>
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<i>Almost there!</i></div>
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After the polish, which evened out the harsh bevel, it was time to epoxy the scales to the handle. Dave mixed the epoxy for each of us, as "two part epoxy was a tricky thing....if you don't mix it right, it will screw everything up and you'll need to clean off all the gunk and start over". Well, no one wanted that, so we welcomed the fact that he was willing to mix the epoxy for us.<br />
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<i>Ready for epoxying to tang....</i></div>
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Then...the fun but mind bendingly exhausting part......grinding and shaping the scales to the tang. I was doing fine until I messed up the underside of the handle (the area that sits above your fingers when holding in a standard grip). I had inadvertently put a bit too much pressure on on side, and completely lopsided that area. But Dave said "No worries...." and helped me fix it without changing the profile too much. I did my best to learn as he shouted over my grinder, and voila....all fixed.<br />
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<i>This underside part was all lopsided until Dave helped me fix it....</i></div>
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After things were all even, I opted for a slight palm swell. Dave gave great tips on how to use not only the belt part of the grinder but the platens as well. A final deep polish on the handles, and it turned out to be a beautiful blade.<br />
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After a final profiling of the blade, we all had Dave put the final sharpening on each blade. We all watched intently, and I tried to take mental pictures of how he did it....even down to how he took his stance in relation to the grinder and blade. Each of our blades were sharp.....mine not "crazy sharp" as Dave noted that since I wanted a utilitarian knife, he left enough "tooth" so as to cut through rope and twine, whittle wood, etc. Now my students who made Santoku style kitchen knives.....those knives were crazy sharp. Like "cut paper thin slices of tomato" sharp.<br />
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The youngest of our group, a 14 year old kung fu student of mine, turned out a beautiful hunting knife. Dave was there with Isaac all the way, guiding him through the power tools. I was so proud of this young man making his own knife, with the scary power tools! His mom, the Tai Chi student who initially set up this workshop, was a proud mama hen too.<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;"><i>The finished product!</i></span></div>
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All and all....a wonderful weekend. It felt great to know that a little bit of "me" was in this blade...and no amount of money will buy this blade from me. Now....to save up my $$ for more classes. The "great grinding" class sure sounds like fun......Restita, Seattle Wushu Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12160735807142139107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066262285605302905.post-48692744814423721262013-04-12T15:59:00.001-07:002013-04-16T15:52:57.372-07:00Book Review: "When the Fight Goes To The Ground", by Lori O'Connell<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This book can be purchased here: <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9066262285605302905#allposts/postNum=0" target="_blank">When the Fight Goes To The Ground, at Amazon.com</a><br />
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Being a Kajukenbo practitioner, I looked forward to reading this book mainly because of the expectation of seeing a mix of striking, kicking, and ground work. I wasn't disappointed. Now, before I go on, I just want to say that although I've learned very basic groundwork through Kajukenbo, I'm in no way skilled enough to even so much as compare myself to Brazilian Jujitsu or MMA. *This is why I read this book*!!<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">The Book:</span></u></b><br />
First off, I'd like to say that I've already read a few reviews of the book. What I've noticed in one review that was a bit less than favorable, is that it was written from a *established grappler/BJJ* point of view. I think that some others who reviewed the book, were looking at it from a competitor's point of view, and I'll bet, flipping through the pages to see if the triangles were done correctly or if Kimuras were locked in tight enough. Ms. O'Connell clearly states that she is not a BJJ black belt, so I find it unnecessary that people review the *techniques*. Its so easy to read into things and get a bit critical as an "expert"......so rather than look at this book from a "martial artist's point of view" or a "teacher's point of view", I'm going to get right into it as a "practitioner's" point of view....a view stemming from several decades of martial arts but not as much groundwork, and also look at the book from a woman's point of view. <br />
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It is refreshing to see a book that gets to the point right away, without leaving a reader guessing as to whether or not the book was a "win in the ring" or an "introduction to grappling". The author, Lori O'Connell, has been a practitioner of Can-Ryu, a "modern/traditional" system of sorts....and being a woman, she mentions <i>"What I lack in size, I make up with tenacity". </i>This drew me to the book because 1) In the case of women using ground skills for self defense, its one thing to get a man teaching a woman how to handle herself on the ground if she's ever put in that situation....its another when you get a woman teaching a woman. Women who are skilled at the ground game already know what tools they have at their disposal, and what limitations they have to consider. Guys....well....have to guess at those. Even if men are smaller in stature, the upper body strength factor is still something that won't allow men to really understand how women roll. No pun intended.<br />
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Ms. O'Connell adds well researched information on the percentages of fights going to the gound. These percentages aren't educated guesses.....she took the time to research legitimate sources to attain the statistics, and the statistics would make anyone consider learning even basic ground skills if they didn't have it already.<br />
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Before the book even gets into techniques, Ms. O'Connell makes a clear delineation between the ground "game" in the competition situation, and the ground skills for actual self defense. She makes it clear from the get go that the street has no rules, and that no announcer is going to preface your self defense situation with "Let's get ready to Rumblllllllllllle!". When the book does get to techniques, it covers the primary tools...understanding the ground, how to stay safe on the ground, understanding size differences, training options, vital targets for striking and kicking (not just grappling, but yes, striking and kicking), and other "need to know" (or "need to be reminded") items. This was a good thing to see, in that I've seen many books that cover history, then shoot right to techniques.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>The Techniques:</u></b></span><br />
Ms. O'Connell starts off with "weapons of opportunity". Let's face it, we're probably not going to be wearing our sponsor-patched keikogi and obi out on the street, so it makes sense that she introduces the use of found objects, the environment,or things in our pockets as equalizers to the fight. I liked the reminder that there are no soft mats to roll on in the street, and introduction of how to fall on concrete.<br />
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The photos in the book are very clear....great choice of contrasting shirt colors to make it easier to follow the photos. Techniques against standing attackers and mounted attackers led the segment. All of the techniques were photographed well, and each photograph is accompanied by steps on performing the technique, and things to watch out for.<br />
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What I found interesting, was defenses against side controls and bottom controls. One might think "If I were to be using ground skills in a real self defense scenario, why would I need to worry about being put in a side control, bottom control, or even neck restraints and submissions like in the ring?". Well, a good point made was that you never know if a grappler will be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or even just showing off to friends and don't know their own strength or have proper control.<i> I also see that many split second moments in time during a fight, will have physical reference points</i> with which these techniques against side controls, bottom controls and neck restraints will apply.<br />
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For the most part, the techniques are easy to follow, although there were just a few places where I couldn't quite get the gist of a movement. But....that's what the DVD is for.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>The DVD!</u></span></b><br />
Okay... a DVD was included with the book! Good call, Sensei O'Connell. One can actually see the techniques depicted in the book, done in real time. All you have to do is rewind a bit to catch a technique over and over. Well filmed. Kudos to Sensei O'Connell's Ukes for taking the brunt of the techniques!<br />
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Final Words:</span></b></u><br />
In short, the book is an excellent source of reference for students of grappling arts, a great introduction to using basic ground skills for those with little or no grappling or martial arts experience, and a good reference for established grapplers to look at the art from a self protection or woman's point of view. By all means, this book is not meant to teach a complete art or system in 192 pages. If you get this book, which I do recommend, use it as a reference for tactics and strategies.....by all means, if you want to get more in depth, seek the tutelage of a qualified instructor. This book will be a good supplement to your training.<br />
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<i>Interview w/ Sensei Lori O'Connell</i></div>
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<i>Humorous "Making of" video</i></div>
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Restita, Seattle Wushu Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12160735807142139107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066262285605302905.post-29810456799115354512013-02-05T14:32:00.002-08:002013-02-05T14:32:52.081-08:00The importance of "tradition" in modern martial arts: What say you?As some of you may know, I host a radio podcast called "Dynamic Dojo Radio", and we talk about subjects ranging from fitness, training methods, running a school, guest interviews, etc. This past weekend we briefly touched on the subject of "tradition in modern martial arts training", and I will be featuring this subject in an upcoming episode....probably in March.<br />
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However, I want to hear from you, the reader. For those of who train in martial arts, there are those that train in traditional, sport, or modern arts. How important is "traditional ettiquette" and "cultural martial traditions" in today's martial arts training venues?<br />
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I'm aware that there are many things to consider....such as "are you in a traditional Dojo?", "are you doing MMA?" and "what does you teacher/coach prefer?" Granted, simple courtesy is number one....regardless of martial style, regardless or whether or not your gym uses the language of the country the art us from, I would venture to guess that we all would value common courtesy...."Please", and "Thank you" and good sportsmanship to name a few.<br />
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Are you a modern arts practitioner that observes the traditional "salute" at the beginning or end of class? How important is it at your gym to address teachers by given titles? Do you find value in learning the terminology of the techniques you practice? (i.e. "Kiba dachi" for horse stance, or "chuan" for fist, etc). I'd like to hear your views....and maybe....have you on our upcoming radio episode discussing this very subject.<br />
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Sound off!Restita, Seattle Wushu Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12160735807142139107noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066262285605302905.post-32714434036752080032013-01-18T15:50:00.003-08:002013-12-12T14:08:23.378-08:00Sharing an article....Great article....just wanted to share this:<br />
<a href="http://www.succeedsocially.com/negativetoothers" target="_blank">"Is thinking you're better than anyone else holding you back?"</a><br />
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As Mr. Rogers (of "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood" series) always pointed out, we're all unique and special.....and that advice helped pull me out of a painfully shy childhood. Anyone that knows me now would probably say "What? You were shy?" Yes I was. Very much so. There are still pictures of me hiding behind my father, or tucking myself under my Mom's coat. School pictures didn't have smiles because I was too shy to show a smile. I would hide in my room when the doorbell rang. Needless to say, I had great friends growing up that helped my out of my shell, as well as Mr. Rogers. :)<br />
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However for some, knowing that we're all unique can sometimes give way to big Egos....the type where some may obviously (or even secretly) believe they are better than others and they're not afraid to toot their horn about it.<br />
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Sadly, sometimes I see this in the Martial Arts world. One style thinks they're better than another. A practitioner assumes that since they've had more "real world" experience that they are automatically better fighters that anyone else. Rivalries spring up, and schools compete like the Hatfields and McCoys. Many organizations go the way of "competition" with each other instead of "community".<br />
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I see this also in areas other than martial arts. Everyone wants to have their own niche in their industry, thinking their style or method is the best, all the while looking for faults in other people in the same industry just because others aren't doing it *their* way (which, is merely a *perception" of what "best" is). Those people forget that there are indeed people that are better, more experienced and more popular (and most likely don't go around with a big head). But heaven-forbid that someone tell you that there are other ways and views. After all, you think you "created" your way.....the best way...."I'm the best", you think. <br />
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If there's anything all my teachers have taught....its "There's nothing new.....only different expressions.". <br />
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Just my two cents.<br />
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<br />Restita, Seattle Wushu Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12160735807142139107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066262285605302905.post-75325915662141978962012-03-09T22:40:00.001-08:002012-03-09T22:54:41.925-08:00Martial Arts does not teach violence...<div><p>How many of my martial arts friends out there have heard "Oh, I would never enroll my kids in martial arts classes because it teaches violence... "? I don't know how many times I've heard it, and not to mention the times I've heard "So, you don't have a 'real' job? "</p>
<p>Speaking of the martial arts/violence thing, I can see how parents can be misinformed about the nature of martial arts. TV, video games and movies can show the violent, blood spewing, vengeful ("you killed my master! You must die!) stereotypes of martial arts. I'm not going to say that martial arts is all about learning from the old size man at the top of a mountain, learning about the secrets ofbthe Universe, because for the most part, martial arts techniques *can* be violent in its execution. It is also meant as a method of fighting... However when the need arises. (it is a "martial" art after all) Most level headed martial artists would never pick a fight, but would have no qualms about maiming an attacker if their life were in danger. </p>
<p>But, as a martial arts teacher, I'd like to share the benefits that martial arts training can bring to kids:</p>
<p>1)It helps them learn a "standard" and to find ways to achieve a standard. </p>
<p>2)Self discipline : Let's face it, learning to do things you don't know how to do,&nbsp; takes a level of discipline if you want to get good at it. </p>
<p>3) Respect: To learn to see the goodness in other people, to have an open enough mind to realize that not everyone believes in the same thing you do. </p>
<p>4) Work ethics: Martial arts is hard work,  it's not some mere activity to take up time.  Children learn that hard work breeds success. </p>
<p>5)  Teamwork: Children can learn to work in study groups effectively,  to learn to contribute to a team effort,  and to learn how to incorporate different skills of team members. <br>
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6)  Recreation: Although it is hard work martial arts does have an intensely fun element. </p>
<p>7)  Self defense: kids learn that there is a difference between "fighting" and actual self defense.  They learn that it is perfectly okay to walk away from a bully,  but know how to handle themselves should the bully become violent. They learn to recognize potentially dangerous situations and to avoid them,  but should their safety be in danger,  to defend themselves with utmost commitment.  Learning de-escalation techniques is also a form of self defense. </p>
<p>8)  Appreciation: Kids learn to appreciate not only the skills of senior students or teachers,  but to appreciate the wisdom and experience of anybody else,  including their parents, school teachers,  etc. </p>
<p>9) It teaches them that violence *does* exist, and they're not immune because they live in a "good neighborhood " or are of high social status. This awareness helps them see why all of the aforementioned skills are important to have. </p>
<p>10) It teaches body awareness, coordination, enhances confidence and self esteem with the support of good classmates. <br>
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So..... While the kicking,  striking, grappling,  and weapons techniques of martial arts are indeed "violent",  good martial arts teachers for the most part do not "teach" violence.  We must look at other influences they are exposed to if they are in fact "learning" violence. </p>
<p>These were just a few benefits..... I welcome other martial artists to chime in with other benefits. </p>
</div>Restita, Seattle Wushu Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12160735807142139107noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066262285605302905.post-54548307361927507782012-02-24T11:19:00.001-08:002015-08-18T11:30:06.955-07:00Appreciation in context<div>
A few years ago, renowned violinist agreed to participate in a social experiment about conditions and context in a person's perception of value. Here's the story and video... <br />
http://rippleeffects.wordpress.com/2009/08/13/joshua-bell-in-the-subway/<br />
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Is "value " or "appreciation" of any art based on one's personal perception of what is best, more pleasing /anesthetic or superior? In the case of martial arts, I find this to be true. <br />
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One day I was at a gathering of different martial artists, when a student questioned my colleague's choice of stick techniques. He went on to say that his pain tolerance was higher, and that if he had a stick he wouldn't merely make someone "tapout", he'd break an arm.... Insinuating that my colleague could not or would not do so because her art was "less effective ". As I watched this unfold, I stepped up and said to him "You missed in the demo that she had already bashed the opponent in the face before applying the locks. She could not bash with full force of course, lest she injure her demo partner, and she was demonstrating slowly so the audience may see. You can see your own defenses *after the fact* with a slow demo... But remember stick fighting happens in real time. Before you question the art, pick up a stick and spar against an eskrimador. "<br />
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Of, course, didn't quite mean for it to be a challenge, but when the man's cohort came up in a failed attempt to sound peacemaker, I almost walked out of the gathering. He said to his partner "Hey now, don't question them... Just because there are arts that are *more effective* doesn't mean we can't learn from them"<br />
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WHAT! Another passive-aggressive insinuation that our art was less effective than their art. I almost shouted a retort, but let it go.<br />
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It was obvious that these two guys were proud of their "effective" art, but their perception of value in other arts paled in comparison to their own. They did not see the value of our art, seeing only the perfection and superiority of their own art. In this type of blindness, they failed to see several things... 1) a longer weapon has more range than hands only and 2) pain tolerance doesn't mean much when your body goes into shock. And 3) there are dozens more aspects to Eskrima than just a stick. <br />
We decided to walk away from the incident, leaving the guys to their smug superiority. Which, probably led them to believe that they "won" the debate. *rolls eyes*<br />
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But, does context and presentation in arts (any art) really make a difference in your appreciation of it? To an extent, I do believe so. In the subject of martial art, jt depends on your perception of "effectiveness"..... But effectiveness in WHAT? Self Defense? Stress relief? Lower body fitness? Upper body toning? Quieting the mind? Recreation? Martial arts are effective for ALL of that.... But which is important to *You*? <br />
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Martial artists, keep in mind.... What you find "more effective" or "superior" is just more effective for *you* and meets your personal goals if you practice correctly. Remember that not everyone joins martial arts to thumb someone in the eye or snap an arm, or make someone tap out. Some join the martial arts for community, traditional aspects, just fitness, physical therapy, etc. Those reasons are just as effective. To each their own. I just wish the jocks on YouTube would understand that and curb the testosterone-fueled flame wars on "soft" arts. To that, I say "My Tai Chi elbow hits others just as well as an MMA elbow. It's the application that makes it effective, NOT the label of "MMA" or "Muay Thai" etc. Keep the stereotypes and context out of it... Rather than disrespect other arts, just keep working on your own, for Pete's sake. <br />
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Joshua Bell made less than $40 in tips playing in subway....people walking past, bustling to work. But I bet these people would've sat rapturous had they paid $100 for a ticket to see Joshua Bell in a tuxedo in a large opera house. They could not "listen to the real music" because their minds had already assigned "beggar" and "street musician" to Mr. Bell, and their minds heard the music of a street beggar, not a world renowned talent. <br />
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Learn to listen to the real music. </div>
Restita, Seattle Wushu Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12160735807142139107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066262285605302905.post-32285944682155417272011-12-31T11:09:00.000-08:002011-12-31T11:12:41.504-08:002012: Year of the Water Dragon<h3 style="text-align: center;"><i>Water Dragons – Years 1952 and 2012</i></h3><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Water calms the Dragon’s fire. Water Dragons are able to see things from other points of view. They don’t have the need to always be right. Their decisions, if well-researched, are usually better since they allow other’s to become involved. (from chinesezodiac.com)</i></div><i><br />
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2011 was a great year. We had a wonderful year of new classes added to our martial arts studio's offerings, students made outstanding accomplishments inside and outside of the Kwoon, lessons learned from struggles as well as successes. <br />
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As we move into 2012, the year of the water dragon, let's take heed of what the "personality" is for a person of the Water Dragon sign.....and let's try to employ the concepts this year. We are all entitled to our own opinion, but to truly be open minded is to be able to see things from other points of view. This is not to say that we have to "believe" in anyone else's point of vew, but rather to understand *why* or *how* others have come to their point of view.<br />
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Some people have the standing of "Well, I see where your opinion comes from, but I don't have to respect it". This type of thinking keeps our minds struggling to always be right and keeping others wrong. True, you don't have to believe or even like the other person's opinions, but at least having respect that others have as much right to believe in what they believe as you do.....that's what I'm talking about.<br />
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I'm guessing that some people will have their own opinions about this blog post...and I welcome them. :) <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i>“Adult dragons are,astute,powerful,and sure of their strength. ” <br />
<u>― <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/930471.Ciruelo_Cabral" style="color: black;">Ciruelo Cabral</a><span style="color: black;">, </span></u></i><i> <u><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/34863" style="color: black;">The Book of the Dragon</a></u> </i></div>Restita, Seattle Wushu Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12160735807142139107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066262285605302905.post-39370394007019954062011-12-29T15:21:00.000-08:002011-12-29T15:23:34.145-08:00A fun time had by all at the 4th Annual Bullwhip Demo/workshop at SANCAOn December 27th I had the opportunity to work with wonderful bullwhip artists <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0502954/" target="_blank">John Leonetti</a> (Actor, cinematographer ,director and lifelong whip artist) , <a href="http://http//louiefoxx.com/" target="_blank">Louie Foxx</a> (Professional magician, comedian, whip artist, whipmaker and all around cool dude), and <a href="http://www.davidmorgan.com/index.php?cPath=192" target="_blank">Will Morgan</a> (whipmaker/whip artist and son of famous whipmaker David Morgan).<br />
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We did a bullwhip demo/short workshop at the <a href="http://sanca.org/" target="_blank">Seattle School of Acrobatics & New Circus Arts (SANCA)</a>, located in the Georgetown neighborhood of Seattle. It was a fun evening of discussion and hands-on learning, covering topics such as: History of the whip, whip types, whip anatomy, caring for a whip, whip safety and ettiquette. Each of us did a short demo, then the audience members broke up into groups to learn the basic cattlemans crack.<br />
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It was a fun evening! Not only did I get to work with some of the best in the business, but I reconnected with two previous martial arts students who study or work at SANCA! Many thanks to John, Will, and Louie for inviting me out. Would love to join them again next year if possible!<br />
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Go to the album link to see some photos that I took from the event: <br />
<a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/108455661859937675427/albums/5691682517187724177?authkey=CJjxoILX18aW_gE">https://plus.google.com/photos/108455661859937675427/albums/5691682517187724177?authkey=CJjxoILX18aW_gE</a><br />
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Here's some video that I took, also:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q44QsDFp-uc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
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And....pictures that Louie took.... <a href="http://bullwhips.org/?p=5061">http://bullwhips.org/?p=5061</a><br />
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<span id="goog_48688468"></span><span id="goog_48688469">For those of you who might be interested in learning to crack a whip, my studio holds a free monthly practice group that meets every 3rd Sunday of each month at 5 pm. Beginners always welcome! More info here (3rd entry from the top) : <a href="http://seattlewushucenter.com/FREEmonthlyevents.aspx">http://seattlewushucenter.com/FREEmonthlyevents.aspx</a></span><br />
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I'd also like to do a shameless plug for Louie Foxx.....if you're looking for wonderful entertainment for all ages (kids love his shows!), check out his site at <a href="http://louiefoxx.com/">http://louiefoxx.com/</a> . Great for birthday parties, fundraiser performances, school functions....any event where fun and engaging entertainment for kids is desired. Don't forget that he does shows for the grownups too!Restita, Seattle Wushu Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12160735807142139107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066262285605302905.post-85332863095356593312011-10-20T12:57:00.000-07:002011-10-20T12:57:31.708-07:00Partner work: Equal responsibility, maximum benefit<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqgIhvb68KarIVnwPbaT2fCLoP1HL7Tz2qySMOwoEza3MlvN7viUH0ASHDJ9oCNB8Gpc7JXUifz3vOVwipzKmMX_wXOfHox_pTBSSpu9sBUpxbMAmU2dg_2c2zPCVjOnFBOtYxTrmsxU/s1600/partnerwork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqgIhvb68KarIVnwPbaT2fCLoP1HL7Tz2qySMOwoEza3MlvN7viUH0ASHDJ9oCNB8Gpc7JXUifz3vOVwipzKmMX_wXOfHox_pTBSSpu9sBUpxbMAmU2dg_2c2zPCVjOnFBOtYxTrmsxU/s400/partnerwork.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Image license from 123rf.com</span></i></div><br />
In pretty much all martial arts, students are expected to do partner exercises. These exercises may be in the form of drills, self defense practice, forms practice, calisthenics, academic work, etc.<br />
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As martial arts teachers, I'm sure you'get had this happen at least once (especially in kids classes)....you say "Grab a training partner!", and kids scramble to be with their best buddy, often running across the floor to get their favorite buddy even when there is another child standing right next to them. Or, maybe a duo ends up talking about what they fed their hamsters that day, instead of practicing the drill you gave them. These things can happen in adult classes as well.<br />
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Situations such as these are not necessarily a result of poor teaching. (when such situations happened at my school I often wondered what I was doing wrong). Instead, it might be simply that the participants do not understand the purpose of partner work.<br />
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So then, what is the purpose of partner work? Obviously, it is used to practice techniques against an "opponent". But it is more than that. As a student, when you work with a partner or small group, you have a wonderful opportunity to learn in a way different from solo training. Here are some things to consider:<br />
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1) <b>You are responsible for your partner's learning.</b><br />
Just because you might be better than your partner doesn't mean you should constantly remind them of that. Partners must share equal<b> responsibility for each other's learning</b>. Working with a partner doesn't mean doing your own thing while your partner happens to stand near you.<br />
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2) <b>Challenge yourself while doing partner work</b>.<br />
If you are a higher rank working with a lower rank, this doesn't mean you can "lower your standards". Work at the lower ranks level, yes! But don't lower the standards of your own movement. Try your best to provide as best of an example as you can. If working on something very "simple" to you, then challenge yourself to execute as good of form and structure as you can. If you are a lower rank working with an upper rank, try your best but don't over-think things or become over-critical of yourself. You are not "holding your partner back", he/she is learning just as much as you are. Try to bump your comfort zone up a notch when working with a higher rank, by maybe lowering your stance, trying to up your speed a tad bit, etc. etc.<br />
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3) <b>Don't become impatient with each other.</b><br />
This holds especially true with teachers who demonstrate things while using another student. When you, the teacher, demonstrate with a student, you are doing partner work! Maybe your demonstration partner might react to your strikes a bit differently than what you feel is "normal', or they might make a slight mistake that messes up your flow. You MUST be patient and remember that you too, were once in their shoes. Allow your partners to figure things out as you nudge them along with guidance if need be, and allow mistakes from your partner and most importantly, yourself.<br />
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4)<b> Feedback and communication is important.</b><br />
Many lower ranks assume that they should keep their mouths shut and blindly follow the senior student, if they happen to be working with a senior. Feedback is just as useful for those upper ranks as with lower ranks! If you're working on a joint lock and your partner isn't quite locking it in, go ahead and politely say that it doesn't feel locked in. After all, if you don't say anything, your partner will assume that they are doing it right when they are not. Learn to give positive feedback without becoming "preachy". Nothing is more annoying than partners who appear to talk about everything they know about a particular technique.<br />
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5) <b>Regardless of seniority, remember that you and your partner are working toward the same goal.</b><br />
Whether it is sparring, grappling, push hands, etc.....keep your Ego out of the partner work. Sure, you might be the same rank, but when you start thinking you're "better", there's the possibility that your actions will show it. Then what, all your partner will learn is that you think you're better, or uncontrolled, or impatient, etc.<br />
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6) <b>Try to grab training partners of all types....don't stick with just one body type or your best buddy.</b><br />
Challenge yourself! While its so much easier to work with your best buddy or someone your own height and body type, you will learn a lot by working with varied people. Grab the person standing right next to you. If you happen to be standing next to someone, and you take a look at them and walk away to be with your best buddy, you just showed a huge amount of disregard and disrespect to that person.<br />
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Remember, partner work is an activity that your teacher trusts you with. If you are not ready to work with a partner, you teacher will tell you. Don't take it personally if the teacher has you practicing basic maneuvers solo while everyone is practicing with a partner. As I said before, partner work is an activity that requires both people to be responsible for their partner's learning for that period of time. If your teacher needs you to practice your basics for a bit before allowing you to work with a partner, then know that your teacher is simply getting you ready for the other "fun stuff". </div>Restita, Seattle Wushu Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12160735807142139107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066262285605302905.post-11403448350884104882011-10-10T10:18:00.001-07:002011-10-10T11:54:54.697-07:00Guide for martial Arts parents: 10 things martial arts instructors want parents to know...<div><p>As martial arts instructors, we teach all sorts of age ranges. If your school teaches kids, then its important that we teach patience, value of hard work, goal setting, etc. However we must not forget to educate the parents as well.</p>
<p>Unless a parent already has martial arts experience, many parents get their children into martial arts not knowing what it is about....that is what this primer is for.</p>
<p><b>"10 things Martial Arts instructors want parents to know"</b></p>
<p>(I will be speaking in terms of my school....)</p>
<p>1. Please use the proper term for the class. I teach Kung Fu, not Karate. While I also carry a black belt ranking in Karate, this class is Kung Fu. If they are cross training in another one of put classes, please use the proper term for the other class(es) well.</p>
<p>2. As stated on your class agreement, please call or email of you child can't make it to class. Just as you would call your child's school when he/she is ill, do notify us as we are a school as well. We plan classes with your child's attendance in mind, and we will need to adjust our class plans accordingly.</p>
<p>3. We  have belt ranks to show a child's progress and to teach the progression to children. Most importantly it teaches children that goals must be worked toward, and that success must be earned, promotion is a privilege (not a right). We didn't make up this ranking system...it has been around for a LONG time. We charge a fee for exams not to make "more money", but to basically pay for that nice belt your child is now wearing. If we have to bring in other teachers and masters to be on the exam board, it helps pay their travel. We make serious decisions about who gets to be on the promotion list, it is not some random name-out-of-a-hat. If you don't wish for your child to be promoted, then my school needs to know BEFORE the fact, not after I put the belt around their waist. However, consider that it is<b> your child </b>that is taking the class, so please consider their wishes as well.</p>
<p>4. I have taken many classes in subjects that relates to what I do and have undergone over 30 years of countless hours of training...please don't dismiss my position as something like a summer camp counselor or recreation leader.  I've studied many things in order to be a good martial Arts teacher.... psychology, accounting, business, philosophy, taken classes in teaching strategies, I take workshops and research many things, study first aid, CPR, and most of all I continue to be a student .....i don't just sit on my laurels as a "Master" The hours you don't see me, I'm practicing hard with my own teachers and putting in sweat and effort to become a better artist and teacher for your child. In many respects, I carry the equivalent of Doctorate degrees....teaching martial Arts is something not all martial artists can do....just because they can do, doesn't mean they can teach well. My goal is to be the best I can at both, to be able to do it well and teach it well. </p>
<p>5. I don't teach martial Arts to make a fast buck. I teach because I love the martial arts and I believe that the self discipline, confidence, and skills of martial arts will continue to be a part of a child's life long after they quit classes. While there are schools out there that charge exorbitant fees....have you noticed that my studio is not 5000 square feet, that I don't have locker rooms, showers, a lounge, and a fancy pro shop? Tuition fees, exam fees, workshop fees, etc pay the rent for our humble studio so that students have a safe place to train. </p>
<p>6. We are an "acceptance" school....we don't take every person off the street. This is why we have the intro trial lessons....it allows the visitor to see if our classes are a fit for what they're looking for, and allows us to see if the visitor is a match for the school. If a visitor has a bad attitude, is cocky or overbearing, they might not be accepted. We've turned away people, but we've always made good references for them to other schools. Doesn't matter if someone offers a large sum of money...if their attitude is negative, demanding (telling me what to teach them, when and how), or boastful, they will he shown the door. I've turned down a $1000 check for a private lessons because the person had a very bad attitude. It's all about the atmosphere of my school and the comfort of my students.</p>
<p>7. On the subject of testing, please don't demand that I test your child or ask when you will test for a rank. You will be notified personally if you or your child is ready to undergo a rank exam. If ready for ranking, then you're ready, if not, you're not.....and we'll let you know. Please leave the decision to the experts. And even if you have previous martial arts experience, allow the chief instructors to make the decisions.</p>
<p>8. We welcome applause and encouragement from parents if watching classes. But please, please please try NOT to correct your child....leave that to the teachers. By shouting across the training area, you take your child's attention away from the trained instructors. Please don't walk onto the floor to change your child's foot placement or posture. We understand that you want your child to do well, but please understand that a child's knowledge kinesthetic sense takes some time to develop. We are happy that you're interested in martial Arts for your child....we have classes where parents can work out with their kids.....you are welcome to do class with us on those days, however even then please leave the teaching to the teachers.</p>
<p>9. If you want your child to learn discipline, then please don't be shocked and tell Timmy to stand up if I put Timmy is a one-minute timeout in horse stance for pushing Johnny to floor in order to be the first in line. If little Johnny makes little Jane cry by not sharing an apparatus, I will have Johnny apologize out loud to Jane and give Johnny 5 to 10 pushups....please don't tell him that he doesn't have to do pushups. The words Please, Thank You, Yes Ma'am, No Ma'am, Yes Sir, etc take priority in the class terminology. We teach kids that "self discipline is doing what is right even when no one is looking." We are trying to enhance similar tenets that you may have at your own home, not take over the discipline.</p>
<p>10. Lastly, please don't use my martial arts class as discipline at your home. Try not to enforce a "horse stance" if they don't clean their room....it will only undermine the real class. Do not threaten to take away martial Arts classes if they do something wrong....if they don't attend class how can they learn that their teacher supports your discipline?  Do not use me or the other teachers as a threat (If you don't clean your room I'll tell Sifu!). </p>
<p>Communication is key.....as they say, "it takes a village". Communicate with your child's martial Arts instructors....it is a team effort. Sometimes you might find some statements or rules sort of odd, or that you might initiatially disagree with some rules. Before you form an opinion, be sure to get information and facts before making assumptions about school procedures. This is for the smooth workings of your child's class. </p>
</div>Restita, Seattle Wushu Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12160735807142139107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066262285605302905.post-14749495152373372532011-09-25T19:23:00.000-07:002011-09-25T19:23:13.119-07:00Beat stagnancy in its tracks<div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"When you're green you're growing. When you're ripe, you rot" - Ray Kroc</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">(Part 2 of a 4 part series about the internal (mental, emotional, spiritual) aspects of martial arts and self improvement.)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We all hit a stagnant phase in our martial arts training. That feeling of almost being "bored" in our art. This feeling of stagnancy may manifest as a "lack of interest", a feeling of not feeling motivated, or feeling as if things remain the same even if you try hard.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Someone asked me once some years back, "Wow, 30 years studying martial arts....how do you do it for that long? Doesn't it get old?"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">"Old? Not really...." I responded. "I guess I got lucky enough to find something else fun and exciting to play with in my martial arts all this time..."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">To best explain why I chose to keep going in the martial arts, beyond the "hobby" phase, I'd like you try this simple visualization/meditation:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">From the standpoint of being a martial artist in the present time, ask yourself, "Why did I get into martial arts in the first place?" (insert any long term activity here if you're not a martial artist). How long ago was it? Did you get into it because you saw Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? Did your parents get you into it to learn about fitness and self discipline? Whatever the reason, think back to that time. What was your first lesson like? Try to remember as many moments of that lesson..... Were you excited at the prospect of learning "ancient fighting moves"? Did you start dreaming of using a staff like that one Ninja turtle? (I forgot which one had the staff!).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Now think about one time where you realized you really "got" a particular technique. Allow yourself to feel that sense of satisfaction and pride in yourself that you "did it". Allow yourself to feel that "reward" of being able to do that same new move again, and again. The trick now is, to find ways to bring that sense of excitement back....otherwise, things might start to be "same old, same old"..</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Most times, we grow out it, or something piques our interest enough to get back on the bandwagon and go "gung ho" into the training again. </div>If you find yourself hitting a stagnant period of your practice, ask yourself "am I really 'training' or am I merely practicing at a comfortable level?" If someone is practicing the same Kata over and over again, it can get a bit monotonous if you don't approach your training with a mindset that motivates you to find a new twist to the Kata or the finding a way to apply the Kata in a way that improves other facets of your training. <br />
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For example, let's take the basic Kata or routine from your art. Do it once, as best as you can. Okay, looks great...but how to improve? How about putting a new weapon in your hand, one you haven't worked with before. I taught a basic Eskrima class to people who had little or no weapons experience, and the addition of an apparatus really brings one's awareness back into the form...instead of just "doing the Kara", now you have to think again! Puts a different spin on the same Kata! <br />
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Try doing your kata slow. I mean really slow, with stances lower than you normally would. At my school we call this "low and slow" training. The trick here is to not cheat by making the transitions between movements too quickly....instead think of making the pace consistently slow throughout the form. Your legs in the low stances might remind you they are working. :) You might find your balance a little off, or that you might lose your place in the form a time or two. This "tai chi" type of training can aid in keeping your awareness in each movement. <br />
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Sparring: Let your imagination drum up different ways to approach sparring. How about sparring one handed? Maybe not allowing kicks with one leg? How about adding the "push hands" or "chi Sao" sticky hands exercise to your drills? There are many possibilities! <br />
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Let your creativity go wild in finding different ways to train your self defense, sparring, forma and fitness. Creativity is one way to beat stagnancy! I would love my readers to share their own methods and ideas for fun alternative training drills and activities.....please post!</div>Restita, Seattle Wushu Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12160735807142139107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066262285605302905.post-4889230156156179582011-09-25T19:08:00.000-07:002011-10-02T22:10:59.762-07:00Aware mind and Thinking mind in martial arts and other experiences....<div><i>This is part 3 of a series about the 'internal' aspects of martial arts training. Its nothing mystical...its simply the mental and emotional components we have that help or hinder our training and motivation. :)</i><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Thinking, or more precisely identification with thinking, gives rise to and maintains the ego, which, in our Western society in particular, is out of control. It believes it is real and tries hard to maintain its supremacy. Negative states of mind, such as anger, resentment, fear, envy, and jealousy, are products of the ego.</b></span></span></i></div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #990000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-decoration: none; text-transform: none;"><b> - <a href="http://www.woopidoo.com/business_quotes/authors/eckhart-tolle/index.htm" style="background-color: transparent; color: #666666; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-decoration: none; text-transform: none;" title="Eckhart Tolle quotes">Eckhart Tolle</a></b></span></span></i><br />
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I was talking to someone about the meditation practice that I open to the public each month. I invited him to a session and he said "I'm not very good at it, I can't get my mind to shut off, I keep thinking."<br />
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"That's why its called 'practice'. Its not called a 'meditation master' class." I replied.<br />
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"I don't know how you guys do it..." he said. "I just can't get my mind to shut off".<br />
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"Its not about shutting off your thoughts....Its about not dwelling on them or passing judgments based on them. If you're not thinking, you're dead." I said. "But...we tend to over-think a lot of times. Meditation balances us out a bit, and allows us to to be open, honest, and aware. Its just sitting and experiencing each moment as it comes without judgement and without goal. Its a quiet awareness....not not overactive thinking. You could benefit from the practice...you should try it out".<br />
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I haven't seen him at a practice yet.<br />
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So, what's the difference between the Awareness mind and the Thinking mind, anyway? I'm just going to present my view, based on experiences so far.....pardon me if I ramble.<br />
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Awareness is a 'moving stillness'...it moves from one moment to the next, not dwelling on the material from a previous moment, nor judging the moment or material. Our thinking mind can become judgmental or try to convince us that we can predict the future *based on past experiences". There's a catch to this "future prediction"....if your experiences with something are what you consider as "bad", then there is the possibility that you will "expect" the same if a similar experience happens.<br />
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Awareness is now, not the future or supposed possibilities. Awareness allows us to recognize and experience the world around us, whereas thought can give us the ability to change how we view the experiences. Awareness is acknowledging each moment and living each moment as it comes without trying to control, prove or disprove.<br />
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Thoughts are largely comprised of things we've remembered, imagination, even "pictures" and words. However, the thinking mind tends to bring out the judgmental sides of us. For example, consider the "Vulcans" of the "Star Trek" series.....Logic was a revered trait, and everything was based on this "thinking mind" and logic. It is possible to become obsessive with the thinking mind, logic and reason,... that it affects our ability to feel emotions fully. Some may turn overtly to the thinking and logical mind to avoid past emotions that were painful, or to maintain a sense of "control".<br />
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I'm not saying that logic and reason will turn you into Mr. Spock. We all need logic and reason to experience the world in many degrees. However, if we get stuck in logic and become overdependent and obsessive with it, it can probably prevent us from getting "full" experiences.
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So, how can we use awareness in our martial arts training? Well, one good exercise is to feel your body as you practice a form or Kata. Feel each stance as you move....check your stance without looking down at it....does it feel correct? If not, correct it the best way you can, based on what you perceive a "correct" stance to be. If you don't know if it is correct or not, ask your teacher. If you make a mistake, don't concern yourself with "did Sensei see that?" or "I'll never get this right"....that negative self talk is your THINKING mind being judgmental. As we practice awareness in our martial arts training, we must be honest with ourselves. If we try to control everything and pay attention to every little thing, that is not awareness....that is merely the need to control. Its as if you impose your opinion on everybody else while saying you will hear others...., that is not awareness, that is still the need to be controlling. Its hard for us to let go....many people see this as "giving up control" or "relinquishing one's power" or even "giving in to delusions".<br />
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Awareness, however, is not expecting or waiting for things to happen. In my martial arts classes, we say the "awareness is the most important aspect of training". However many students assume that it means "paying attention to what is going on around us....and most times, they associate this awareness exercise with an exercise we do called "circle drill", where people in a circle randomly "attack" the person in the middle of the circle, who in turn has to defend himself/herself. In this type of attention, the attacks are already expected....the defender just has to react. Is it still awareness? Depends on how you approach the exercise.<br />
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Ever meet a martial artist or athlete that instantly knows what needs to be adjusted in their movement or technique? Those people have great body awareness. Ever see a beginner or intermediate martial artist be corrected by the teacher in class, only to repeat the same mistake over and over? Its not that they are necessarily "uncoordinated", its just that they need more practice at being aware and present in their own bodies......it is common for beginners to concentrate so much on the outside form of the techniques, trying to get their fist to go this way and their legs to go that way.....and that can prevent the inner awareness from paying attention. This is expected. Practice is the key.<br />
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I tell my students all the time about how our minds can trip us up by being tricked by our own need to be in control.....and many have found that the harder they grasp on to control of their goals, the lesser grip they have on the process of getting to the goal. And some have found that if they get too logical and scientific with their martial arts, the less it makes sense and the less intuitive their reaction times are. When I say "stop thinking so hard", I'm often met with a blank look.<br />
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Again.....I'm not saying that logic, reason, and the thinking mind are bad. I'm not saying that at all (Did some of the judgmental minds think so??). As I said earlier...."Thought" is part of the content of awareness, and thought allows us to reflect...which in turn, allows us to grow intellectually, emotionally, and even spiritually. Overthink, and you override the process of turning thought to intuition. Many people make the choice to not listen to their intuition or "follow their heart" because they believe that thinking with intuition or emotions only leads to heartbreak. I disagree. Whatever negative things that happen when you follow your gut, has nothing to do with you following your gut! If something doesn't go your way, its usually because you still tried to impose your control over the event or person. That's not following awareness of intuition. <br />
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I've taught students who are very concerned about the "science" of martial arts"...the exactness of perfect parries, the perfect stance, etc. To a certain extent, as martial artists we must embrace the science, but allow awareness.of "now" to develop into "intuition". Let's face it....when the crap hit the fan during a physical confrontation, the assailant won't give a hoot about how good your grasp of martial "science" is. You have to pay attention to "right now" if you want to fight effectively. <br />
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I know other's views might be different, I've even been accused of having "negative" views of the overly logical bunch. I'm not looking for judgement or being told I'm wrong or right....to be honest, I don't much concern myself with what anyone else thinks . (And I don't mean that in a mean way....I'm just saying that comments that come from people who feel the need to argue or to prove their point, don't bother me). When the judgmental minds start balking, they really aren't listening. Its kind of hard to listen when you are holding on to listening yourself think,and grasping so tightly to maintain control of your reality.<br />
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I'd be interested in hearing your views on Aware-Mind vs. Thinking Mind. Remember though.....no judgments! :)Restita, Seattle Wushu Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12160735807142139107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066262285605302905.post-36620995510880883562011-09-20T16:14:00.001-07:002011-10-09T22:43:56.149-07:00Academic knowledge, experiential wisdom<div><div>*This is part 4 of a series about the internal (emotional, spiritual, mental, etc) aspects of learning martial arts. *<br />
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In an earlier blog post, "Is it knowledge, or just your opinion?", I spoke about surface knowledge and actual internalized knowledge. Now I'd like to post thought about "experiential wisdom"....something gained when you truly know and understand something. Experiential wisdom is gained in any subject, but in this case I'll be speaking about martial Arts. <br />
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If you're a martial arts teacher, you've met them before...the people who talk more about what they know instead of having skill that matches all that information. When you invite them on the floor, they politely decline, or they have an attitude that screams "inflated perception of one's own abilities." <br />
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Memorizing techniques and retaining academic information is great....but I'm a believer that people shouldn't say that they know something unless they've worked at it for a long while and has explored as many aspects of it.....otherwise, its merely thin opinion, not knowledge. True knowledge of a subject can't be gained by merely reading books or scouring the internet....you have to practice it, explore it, feel it.....and all the while keeping an open mind that allows for other variations of information to be considered for your learning. Most of all, you have to give that new found knowledge time to integrate with your experience. It is this time, as well as absorbing the knowledge and experience, that eventually turns into experiental wisdom. The thing to remember is to allow time and practice. <br />
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Too many times however, in martial arts, some choose to consider themselves experts at something when they have little experience. Give it time....give it energy and commitment. Accept that you don't know it all and stay motivated to gain actual experience. <br />
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Wisdom awaits....what will you discover in the meantime?
</div>Restita, Seattle Wushu Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12160735807142139107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066262285605302905.post-37871708014431402532011-09-14T12:16:00.001-07:002011-09-15T10:56:29.862-07:00Is it knowledge, or just your opinion?<div>Part 1 of a series on internal aspects of martial arts and self improvement....
<p>Have you ever noticed, that the most opinionated people tend to rant, complain and find fault the fastest? While those who are truly knowledgeable make their points known, but not point fingers and look down their noses at others?</p>
<p>I call the behavior of complainers and know-it-alls, the "attempt to control Universal knowledge".</p>
<p>I get youngsters visiting my studio a lot, many times with previous Karate or Tae Kwon Do experience....usually around 3 to 6 months. When they take their intro lessons at my school, sometimes I'll be interrupted with "Karate does it like THIS..." Or "That's easy, I already know dragon stance...." (when in fact they have never done it before).</p>
<p>So why do young kids blurt things out like that? Adults in the martial arts know that if they interrupted the teacher, they'd get a bunch of pushups. But even if the kids knew this, it doesn't stop them. Why not?</p>
<p>Because there's that point in childhood where everything is about them and what they know...for many youngsters, their world is the world everybody else experiences. This mode of perception could be at 2 years old, could extend all through teenage years. I know some adults that still think their perceived world is the only true world. :) kidding aside, if kids are exposed to only one thing, one activity, one facet, without seeing the variations, they believe that is exactly what everyone knows....a "universal knowledge". They're not trying to be rude, they just assume everything is Karate. </p>
<p>I had one new 4 year old tell me I needed to get karate belts. "we wear sashes to show our belt rank" I said. "yeah, but...but. but you should get belts so everyone knows what belt you are." Heh heh! The child didn't hear what I said....instead made sure I knew the right way to do things. :)</p>
Ever notice too, that the word "you" is used a lot by those who feel the need to prove their point? More "you" refererences than "I" references....usually in pointing out others supposed faults..."You need to do this", "you need to do that."....many times this phrase is used by "academic masters" not true, "knowledge earned though toil-sweat-and-struggle" masters. Hint, teachers....try saying 'that skill needs....(insert points), and here are tips for you in practice"....this allows students to feel a GAIN, not a sense of incompetence when you say something like "you NEED to relax!" They know they 'need' to, but since they know they're not there yet (otherwise you wouldn't be saying "you need to...") , it can make them feel that they're missing something.
Just goes to show that just because you know, doesn't mean you can do. Just because you can do, doesn't mean you can teach.
<p>Problem is, sometimes people don't grow out of that mode of thinking. People assume everyone should think like they do, and they look down upon anyone that doesn't think as they do. They make general assumptions, even going so far as to label others with their opinionated "truths". Personally, I'm getting tired of seeing constant flame wars about which martial arts is best, religion vs. Athiesm, people thinking they're smarter than others, labeling others as stupid or delusional, Tai Chi style arguments, the best way to make a pie, etc etc......In the end no one gives a hoot about how smart you *think* you are or how good you *think* you are....<font color ="#000000">a</font> Get a grip on Ego and the need to be right, people.</p>. Someone once tried to tell me who I was as a person, what I thought, and what my beliefs were......WRONG WRONG and WRONG. (yup and the words "you you and you" were used a lot)..... It was all based on opinion, not true knowledge about me as a person or an attempt to try and understand my core beliefs. I didn't believe exactly as they did, and therefore I'm black sheep....something they themselves despised being tagged as. Go figure.
It is said that knowledge is power.....but be careful that your don't rely on it as your sole support. That would be like relying solely on your pocketknife for self defense, and not going to Martial arts class because hey, you have a knife right? Don't need anymore of that antiquated martial arts stuff. Get that knife taken away from you or get frozen by adrenaline dump....NOW WHAT? You should realize that the knife is a tool in your toolbox of self defense or combat tactics....no one tool will match every job.
So the next time you think about being a blowhard, ask "Is this true knowledge or just my opinion based on my biases?"
</div>Restita, Seattle Wushu Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12160735807142139107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066262285605302905.post-81605094355609764232011-07-13T18:52:00.000-07:002011-07-17T01:23:44.065-07:00Book Review: "Beyond Human--Claiming the Power and Magic of your limitless self"I wrote an editorial review of the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0983459207/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_dp_gc6gob0KJGYYB">"Beyond Human--Claiming the Power and Magic of your limitless self"</a> by Jaden Rose Phoenix, because I believe that the concepts and insights in this book would be great for martial artists. This book goes beyond run-of-the-mill "self help" books (and I've read a lot of books in the genre), allows the reader an opportunity to feel comfortable in moving the veil of human Ego aside, and take a deep look inside. <br />
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Want to move beyond fear, self doubt, and other roadblocks that prevent you from attaining goals? Then is MindBodySpirit book is a wonderful place to learn ways to "get out of your head" and into personal successes. <br />
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Don't worry, reading this book won't make people think you're weird or a spacy "woo-woo" New Ager. This fear is what prevents many from reading books like this..... however, Jaden takes the jargon, mystery and "guru mythos" out of it, and explains techniques to make positiv<span class="text_exposed_show">e shifts away from our control-freak-expectation oriented brain barriers. In my opinion, many of us (if not all of us) program our own thought patterns into belief systems, and hold so tightly onto these patterns that sometimes we work too hard to fulfill our self-made prophecies....it feels good to be "right", doesn't it? But sometimes we want to be "right" all the time and we'll fight tooth and nail to prove ourselves right. Jaden's techniques help guide people out of this self-programming and Ego feeding, and onto success. As Jaden points out... <em>"fear is simply an illusion".</em></span><br />
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Many of our stumbling blocks to success are based on fear. We've all probably seen the saying: <span style="font-size: large;"><em>"Fear: <strong><span style="color: red;">F</span></strong>alse <strong><span style="color: red;">E</span></strong>vidence <strong><span style="color: red;">A</span></strong>ppearing <strong><span style="color: red;">R</span></strong>eal",</em> </span><span style="font-size: small;">right? Well, many people, when they hear this, become motivated to move beyond fear, however they will <em>ignore</em> the fear in a vain attempt at courage.....but this doesn't solve the issues as to WHY you fear situations, people, or things. Nor does it address HOW to move beyond it. Jaden's book moves you through finding your way through fear, and to a "point of Power". </span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show">Its a quick read, entertaining, and the exercises Jaden presents are easy...with no experience in meditation or any other "consciousness practices" required. Give it a look!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0983459207/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_dp_gc6gob0KJGYYB"><img border="0" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGUORFcafqwFw0VWMXW8cKQi8z3USwksh5Y2dggtj9gl1co9wdGGf6KcSZuBYMIMYD9TcKqdKxUvEaA3cuDhftWuxjN0C7n7J_cBBGJrPE37q6Urc8rLlt5oLD9RSPmImhiq6d-Vc0Ns/s1600/beyond+human.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0983459207/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_dp_gc6gob0KJGYYB"><span style="font-size: large;">Available at Amazon.com</span></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div>Restita, Seattle Wushu Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12160735807142139107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066262285605302905.post-33339599959489317972011-07-12T00:43:00.000-07:002011-07-17T01:30:00.476-07:00Middle age: Crisis or celebration? For me, a celebration!<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;">I'll be turning 45 this month. Yes, not often do women give away their age, but I'm okay with it. :)<br />
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What exactly is the "mid-life crisis" that people so often speak of? Is it where people ask themselves "Am I where I hoped I would be?", "Well damn it, I should be at *this* goal but I'm not, now what?". Is it a realization that we're not as nimble as when we were 20? <br />
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Whatever it is, I don't see middle age as a crisis. I see it as a celebration, for me at least. Each year is a celebration, because I wasn't even supposed to be here, actually.....<br />
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I was born prematurely, at 6 months. Being that technology for premature baby care in hospitals was still very new at the time, I had to be airlifted from the small hospital in the outskirts of Seattle where I was born, to University Hospital in greater Seattle, where their new wing for premature births had just opened, with all the latest medical technology of mid 1960's. The doctors whisked me away from my mother after I was born, trying to keep my tiny lungs from collapsing and to keep my heart beating. According to Mom, I started to come out breech, then the doctor tried to turn me around, then my foot kicked out (hmmm, sign to be a martial artist?), but they finally turned me around. I did not cry at birth, and my appearance made the doctors realize they'd better do something quick. My Mom says that I fit in the palm of the doctor's hand. Wow, hard for me to imagine!<br />
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After being airlifted to University Hospital, I was kept in intensive care for 3 months in an incubator, hooked up to breathing tubes and lines stuck into my arms. According to my Mom, several other preemies were in the same room in other incubators...another 6 month old, and a couple 7 month olds. They passed away a few days later. My parents started to freak out....they didn't even name me yet, because they weren't sure if I was going to make it either. My Mom remembers... "When I would see you with all those tubes sticking out, I would always feel faint!" A small hole in my heart was something that the doctors debated about operating on, being cautious as they didn't know if I'd survive the operation. But apparently, the hole closed up on its own and I started to breathe on my own.<br />
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After staying in the hospital till "full term", Mom and Dad finally got to take me home. There's a picture my Mom has of my homecoming, and I still ask my Mom to this day "Wow, that was me? I was soooo tiny!" I definitely wasn't the same size as most newborns when they come home.<br />
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What's funny, is that I was told by friends that I "change" as the days come nearer to each birthday. Sometimes this "change" might be "spaciness", sometimes incredible changes in temperament, sometimes even changes in "energy". I used to scoff at it, convinced it was all in their heads. But, oddly, as I think back, I remember many occasions *after* my birthday where out of the blue I'd "hear" odd noises like muffled voices, doors opening and closing..."feel" odd sensations like being picked up, hands on me, being cold (even in the middle of summer!), the feeling of being short of breath....and sometimes, I'll pick up the distictive odors of iodine, alcohol, and "new carpet" out of the blue (I still don't understand the new carpet smell!) ! Some have theorized that somehow I "remember" some parts of my months in the hospital, but I honestly don't remember anything specific! Would these changes in temperament and odd sensations be a result of my body "remembering" the trauma?<br />
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My Mom has always said "There's a reason why you lived through that, even though those other older babies-bless their souls-did not". To this day I still wonder what the reason is, but I'm guessing the path I've chosen to take has led to me several things: Sharing with others, following my passions, experiencing the many lessons of Love, Happiness, even Anger (and other less than savory emotions), and feeling joy for even the littlest of things. If this is what being "alive" is, and if this is the reason I'm here, then I hope for at least another 45 years. <br />
</span>Restita, Seattle Wushu Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12160735807142139107noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9066262285605302905.post-80176321688188830402011-06-16T10:38:00.000-07:002011-06-16T10:38:47.716-07:00Mob mentality: Vancouver, what happened?Last night, Downtown Vancouver BC erupted in violence and looting after the Canucks lost the Stanley Cup final. Story here: <a href="http://www.lawofficer.com/article/news/vancouver-hockey-fans-run-wild">http://www.lawofficer.com/article/news/vancouver-hockey-fans-run-wild</a> (thanks to Brian King for the link)<br />
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I must say....I AM SO DISAPPOINTED. When we had riots here in Seattle in 1992 about the Rodney King verdicts (<a href="http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?displaypage=output.cfm&file_id=3054">http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?displaypage=output.cfm&file_id=3054</a>) , it was sort of understandable. I was still disappointed in our city back then, about the lack of emotional control that the citiziens of our city displayed. But, I have a few words for Vancouver:<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">IT IS A FREAKING GAME, FOLKS!</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"> A GAME! <span style="color: blue;">JUST</span> A GAME!</span></strong>Let me reiterate....I'm not disappointed at Vancouver as a city. I'm disappointed at the citizens that CHOSE to throw a temper tantrum just because their team didn't win. I'm disappointed in the women that crashed through stores and stole Coach bags and stole makeup and clothes. I disapointed in the people that didn't care that there were people that just wanted to get out of the riot area. We'd expect this type of behavior from 4 year olds that don't get what they want.....but grown adults. Come on.<br />
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Now that I've gotten that out of the way, I'm not going to sit here and pretend that I'm better than that and spout fortune cookie wisdom. I'm not going to sit here and type about how badly those riot mongers acted and try to give counsel and advice as to how the violence can be "controlled", nor will I spout off about "Its not about if you win or lose, its about how you play the game". You know why? Because we are <strong>HUMAN.</strong><br />
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Anger is a secondary emotion. In the case of the Canucks loss, the fan's own disappointment (sadness?) played a big factor. Can you imagine?...after all the buildup of the Canucks making it to the finals, and playing on home turf....can you imagine wanting the victory so badly on your own turf that you could literally taste it? Then being soundly defeated on your turf? I'd be disappointed too! We're human and yes its natural to feel that disappointment.<br />
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But what separates rioters from those who can just move on, is how we process that disappointment. It is common for anger to rear its ugly head and cause us to want to inflict the same hurt and disappointment on someone else, or in this case, to destroy the streets of downtown Vancouver. The mob mentality is so easy to get sucked into. All it takes is just a few other people to do what you only think of doing....and if you see others doing it, then it tends to trick our brains into thinking that you now "have permission" to do the same ("if they can do it so can I"). There's a lot of news footage of people standing near burning cars and throwing garbage....do you think they actually thought about the video proof that could land them in jail? Of course not....the only thing that mattered was letting loose of that anger about losing the Stanley Cup.<br />
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I'm sure that most of the people that were involved in the looting and violence, would never start such actions on their own. "Strength in numbers". But come on Vancouver brothers and sisters....looting is STEALING for gosh sakes. Vandalism is vandalism, doesn't matter that the Canucks lost and you think its okay that trashing the streets is justified.<br />
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This is why I practice martial arts....it allows me to remind myself to keep concentration on myself as well as everybody else. Having been a victim of my own anger and fury, I know how it can affect my critical thinking, problem solving skills, and awareness. I've said and done things out of anger that I've regretted ....and I know that I might give in to anger again. But I can only hope that I can recognized myself when I get to the fury point and "check myself before I wreck myself".<br />
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Is "mob mentality" necessarily a bad thing? Not really....depends on what type of mob mentality we're talking about. If a group of people are thinking positively and working toward a good goal, then people call it "Group Support". But if the group is feeding anger to each other, then we tend to call it "mob mentality". But in the end, the group thinking and the cohesiveness of the group is the same....they're both "mob mentality"....but its just a matter of what mentality we choose.<br />
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Positive Mob for me, please. :)Restita, Seattle Wushu Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12160735807142139107noreply@blogger.com1