Skidoosh!

Like everyone else, boot camp was the big event for me this week. I went in feeling pretty sorry for myself as I did not break my boards as hoped the night before. As always it was a challenging day and I had no choice but to think about the task at hand. Anyone who has attended boot camp knows that high you get at the end of the day after the run and the group is standing together, it's an amazing feeling. Most people never get to experience the kind of camaraderie you feel after going through something like boot camp together- it's really something special. I left feeling much more at peace with myself and with a more positive outlook on the board breaking. My confidence is still pretty shaky but I hope over the month until my next opportunity I can rebuild that and put twice the work in that I did before, I will try to see this as a chance to get better rather than a failure.

This was the third boot camp that I have attended and I felt that it was the most physically challenging one yet, and the most rewarding. I had no choice but to drop my feeling sorry for myself attitude and work my butt off with a great group of people that supported and inspired me all day. Thanks to everyone who was there and the Sifus who took the time to put together such a great experience.

Technique

We always talk about technique being the most important base to our kung fu before speed, accuracy and realism. This week I've had to go back to the basics- technique. I failed to break my boards at the tournament (due to lack of good technique) so this Friday is my opportunity. I have been practicing my breaking sequence over and over focusing on crane stance, chambering my side kick, foot position and connecting my hips into my kicks. I feel better about the techniques every day, I just hope my nerves don't get the best of me on Friday.

My training partner and I got some good advice on how to improve our time for the shuttle run- surprise! it's technique! By changing my technique for the shuttle run I took 20 seconds off my previous time, which is HUGE! It's amazing how many hurdles I have overcome that I never thought I would. I will continue to work on technique and I'm looking forward to the challenge of boot camp this weekend.

Z's

Recording my training this week continues to be a good tool for me. I have decided to narrow my focus as far as practicing techniques and try to get more repetition on one or two techniques rather than trying to cover a bunch. This will help me become more familiar and comfortable with the curriculum. I think this will improve my foot work, which needs a lot of work too.

This weekend some of the Sihings got together and did the run through of the fitness test. We got through it faster this time, but not as fast as we'll need to. At the end of the month we'll do it again at boot camp and we'll be pushed harder and have less rest time. I'm looking forward to the challenge and it's less intimidating than it usually is because we've been doing it once a month.

I've been doing some reading about endurance training and I realized I've totally neglected an important part of my training, getting enough sleep. Getting enough sleep helps prevent injury, promote recovery and allows you to train hard. It sounds silly but this is something I need to work on. This week my focus will be on triangle stepping pattern and practicing techniques for my board breaks.

An unexpected vehicle breakdown is making it more challenging to get to class this week, especially with the kids as the only transportation I will have is the motorcycle. We are going to have "class" at home tonight. Happy training everyone.

More

It's been a week since I started tracking my daily training with a few other members of the UBBT student group. More than anything it's made me realize I need to train more. I find that if I don't have something really specific planned I don't get much done. That is going to be my newest short term goal- to have a specific daily plan for my training rather than just "training".

Today and tomorrow I am taking my first aid and CPR, so although I'd rather be doing something more active it is very productive and it's another step towards grading in October. Some of the Sihings are getting together again this Sunday for a fitness test run through. I am grateful to be part of such a motivated and encouraging group. I will be able to do push ups and timed punches on the heavy bag this time thanks to the Recovery supplement I've been taking. Although I still need to watch how much I do with my upper body it feels so good to even be doing 10 push ups right now. Have a good week everyone!