Writing

In the sihing class about a week ago, Master Brinker brought forward the idea of creating a training blog to publicly address strengths and weaknesses, and also provide a means in which to track the 26 000 pushups over the next few months. I was surprised at the hesitation of the class about the idea, but then again I'd be hesitant too.

I don't want my peers to know where I am in my training. If I have a bad day and write down what I'm feeling, I don't want the world to know about it. What if they laugh at me or think I'm less of a martial artist because of it. I would be very uncomfortable with the whole thing... IF I were at a different school.

If you're worried about anything I just said, don't. I know it's not that easy. We're allowed to be self conscious and worry. But look at these people you've been training with for the past few years. Think about the select few that have been chosen to train at our school, and I do mean chosen. We're surrounded by a support group; people that have been through injuries and personal struggles. By sharing your struggles, you're making yourself available to advice that may fix your problem. There may not be an immediate solution, but at least you won't be alone.

One example I know of is Sifu Wetter's speech "What Kung Fu has Done For Me". He wrote about his broken hand and how 26 000 pushups was such a challenge because of it, but he over came it. He made his struggle public and helped others because of it. Another student who broke his arm in a rather humorous situation, knew about Sifu Wetter's injury and asked for help. Other black belts have had problems that have gone unknown until their speech, but when they make them public people understand more and respect the individual for being open and sharing personal details of their life. It's eye opening for those reading or listening in the case of the speech.

We all have difficulties, but you don't get anywhere by hiding them. What good is it if you know your side kick sucks, but you do everything in your power to fake a good one. How will you improve? If I really want to do something I tell someone about it and then I make sure they stay on me. If I'm not accountable for myself, at least someone else will be giving a good boot in the rear to get me back on track.

The reason I am really hoping that people embrace Master Brinker's suggestion is the sharing of ideas. I love that I can come online, not that I get to very often, and write whatever I want and let everyone know what I've been thinking about. So many of my students have brilliant ideas, but they are not sure what the time and place is to tell someone else. If you're passionate about something, come online and write about it. Let me know why I should be living, sleeping, dreaming Kung fu or animals or motor cycles or anything! If you spot an act of kindness, write about it. If it made you smile it will probably make someone else feel good too. If we all feel good, then we'll act good and the cycle continues.

When I look at this I see nothing but positive outcomes. Every year in the black belt speeches, family within the school is brought up. We're all part of it. Silent River Kung Fu is a safe place to share yourself, so go crazy and write to your hearts' desire :)