On Friday I felt like I jumped into the deep end. I am sure I am ready but it still was a bit unnerving. I can put it into perspective because it seems like it is something I have done all my life. When I was twelve years old I started to ski. I had skied three or four times only, when I told my parents I wanted to join a race team. I went on to race for eight successful years then began to coach and instruct.
My first literal experience with jumping into the deep end was my little brother. Trevor would have been three. After watching the neighborhood children swimming and diving into the pool all day he got up and move towards the deep end. I guess sitting on the shallow end steps became not much of a challenge anymore. It was so fast but I remember it in slow motion I was almost seven. He had to of been watching closely because he only bolted when he had three steps to go. He looked like a dog jumping in a pool for a stick. He actually starts to swim like a dog (doggy paddle). He was not going anywhere but he did not sink. The next part went very fast my father jumping into the pool fully clothed to retrieve him. Trevor never need help swimming again. I have played this story over and over again throughout my life relating to it. So I am ready for my new challenge like UBBT 7 was not deep enough. I am sure it will all tie together in the end. The deep end that is.
Brady
Tuesday, January 26, 2010 |
Category: |
Week three and I am feeling pretty good and ready for more. Each week I gain more confidence. Last week I started Body for life. I feel the sooner I do it the better and it will allow the next phase of this year to commence. I had success if the first week and out of the required forty two meals r (6 smaller a day) I missed only four. I lost three pounds in the first week. My only difficulty is getting the workouts in without getting very sore and not fulfilling my full UBBT daily requirements. Pushups and sit ups the main culprits. I really have not been without sore shoulders and upper pectoral muscles since the 1000 pushups on New Year’s Day. I look at it as it is constant remaindered of “What am I doing?”
I am working towards an incredible before and after photo twelve weeks with eleven to go or 462 more meals if I keep that number in my head I should never be hungry. How much tuna do you think that is?
Brady Young
Tuesday, January 19, 2010 |
Category: |
Perspective
As a non black belt participant I have a much different perspective on this journey then a teacher must have. I am a student of a student from an amazing peer group. Learning to live in the moment at this stage is a true blessing. Just when I think that was the best martial arts moment I have ever experienced another break through moment tops that. Yesterday in class we were working on a bit realism lead by Sifu Prince. I worked with Mr. Sinclair I could see him encounter exactly what I am describing. Mr. Sinclair is a white belt but not for long. I could see him use techniques from yellow core curriculum as we engaged with ease and comfort. I am sure he was experiencing a best Martial arts moment. I hope I never lose that ability to recognize others living in that moment. I started a journal the day I returned to Kung Fu mostly about just classes I attend I am going to go back and highlight moments. I look forward to passing this up and down for a long time to come.
I really feel connected to my teammates from my class. Having two Teachers participating, really four when you include Shings. Then two students we are able to talk every class about something pertaining to UBBT. Two other benefits are that we have two retuning UBBT members from UBBT 6 who share and are connected. There are so many tools now to help us succeed Sifu Brinker has really has extended himself to lead this team. The new Ning site is AWESOME. Sifu Princes Physout program is extraordinary. These are just two of the tools that can help steer us in the right direction.
Stay connected and stay in perspective.
Brady Young
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 |
Category: |
Yesterday was a perfect day for training. I actually accomplished all my requirements and more. I had a day off it was like the perfect storm. I even had extra time for stretching and meditation. New Year’s Day it took me almost the full 24 hours to complete the 1000 pushup’s challenge. I was not very sore the next day but the day after really felt it. By Monday I had recovered and Monday morning class was great. Then after class I went to the gym and the soreness came back. I guess this going to be the norm.
Really worked on my Kempo 2 yesterday which I have set as a requirement for live like a champion. Only second to acts of kindness I find this as the requirement that stands out for me. I think I have just enough room to practice it at home. The form takes up so much space. I look forward to learning Kempo 3 this year and completing most of my requirement doing 1, 2 and 3.
For Christmas I received a couple of weapons a long spear and kendo sticks. I can’t wait to learn some basics it only gets better and better.
On a side note: little things that tell me how lucky I am. Frances brings home a gift for me last night (for no reason). It is an almost life size poster of Bruce Lee with a quote. She was out purchasing a birthday gift for a friend and came across the poster. The kicker she has let me hang it in the living room. How cool she is, I know pretty awesome.
Brady Young
Thursday, January 07, 2010 |
Category: |
