tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36288166464431767732024-02-07T09:33:14.622-08:00Wushu NationAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03202174567383697826noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628816646443176773.post-28008962683010902352013-10-06T23:25:00.001-07:002013-10-06T23:25:51.942-07:00Weekly Wushu Talk: KicksHello Everyone! Due to last week's retreat, I didn't get around to writing here. Not that many people read this blog, but if you were looking forward for another post and didn't get one last week, I apologize (and you're awesome, whoever you are, for reading this blog weekly).<br />
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This week I'd like to talk about kicking techniques.<br />
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Wushu kicks are one of the very first things people learn if they are new to Wushu. While I'm not entirely sure why, I do have my own thoughts.<br />
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Kicking techniques are perhaps one of the hardest techniques to get familiar with. Not only does it take time and lots of stretching to kick up to a reasonable height, there is a lot of body mechanics involved that require one a long time to get used to (mainly controlling your muscles, as talked about in the previous post). I know that for a lot of people, me included, kicking with your non-dominate leg (left leg for most people) is really awkward and completely sloppy. I know when I do outside and inside slap kicks with my left leg, my body wobbles, I can't put out power, and just overall embarrassingly sloppy. But the interesting thing is, once you can kick with power and accuracy and control your body well enough for both legs, you know that you have achieved a high level of technique.<br />
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This is perhaps why they teach kicks first, due to its high difficulty, but I believe there's more than that. Because kicks are the hardest to control, it means that if you can control your kicks and place power to the right places, you can control essentially every single other movement. If you can focus your kick and create a loud slap, you can focus your punch and create a very powerful, sharp punch, and create a firm hammer fist etc.<br />
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Also, kicks are a good way to gauge how flexible you are. Since flexibility is the fundamentals of the fundamentals, being able to see how high you kick is a nice way to see how you are progressing in your stretches. Furthermore, learning to kick powerfully eliminates a practitioner from over-focusing on the flexibility, and not concentrating on the power at all. If you are flexible you can definitely kick high, but you won't necessarily kick powerfully.<br />
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Anyways, below are some tips on kicking techniques:<br />
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First: The Golden Rule of Kicks<br />
I actually learned this detail 6 years into learning Wushu. By then, I had already built a strong foundation, however an incorrect one. I had to re-stretch my muscles, and rebuild my foundations. This is very, VERY important:<br />
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Golden Rule: Your hips must be square at all times.<br />
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With the exception of side kicks.<br />
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What I mean by "hips must be square" is that your hips should not extend sideways. Try this: practice a few front stretch kicks with your thumbs on your hip bones and your hands directly pointing sideways (essentially making an L with your thumb and hand and having your thumb parallel to your hips and your palm parallel to the ground). If your hands move forward or backwards, you will notice that it is because your hips extended outwards. You do not want to do this. If you throw your hips forward when you kick, you will lose all the control of your leg and will be unable to produce any power. Another test is to do a front stretch kick as high as you can. If your toe's trajectory is going to hit your forehead, it means that you're good. However if it's going above your head, then it means that you're extending your hips.<br />
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To fix this, well, of course be more aware when you kick, but also start stretching with your hips square. It will hurt a lot to change and stretch a muscle you've never stretch before (it was hell for me), but in the end it's worth it.<br />
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So, keeping the golden rule in mind:<br />
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Front stretch kick:<br />
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Most important thing is to do the golden rule, especially for this kick. If you don't it will appear very obviously in your kick that your hips are not square. Another very important is that you have to kick downwards after you kick up. A lot of people think that kicks are simple kicking upwards and thus let their leg fall naturally downwards. This is wrong. The downward motion of the kick is just as important, if not more important that the upward motion. The downward motion creates the maximum dynamics in your movement, and if you can kick downward with power and have your foot return to neutral position, it displays a high level of control. Speaking of which, your foot should always return to your other foot's side without making any noise. You can accomplish this by either gently letting your foot contact the ground, or have your foot hover just very slightly above the ground so it's not touching the ground at all. The latter is of course a lot harder, and require a lot of balance an control, but looks a lot better.<br />
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Outside / inside slap :<br />
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If you weren't here when the founder, Chi To, was here, you missed a really good analogy. With the outside (and inside) slap kick, you should be drawing a snow cone with your foot (like an ice cream cone with the ice cream). This is exactly what you should do (though I doubt the Chinese coaches use this analogy, it will just sound comical I think: 用你的腳畫個冰淇凌甜筒!Yep, it sounds silly). Here's the reason why: the snow cone's shape perfectly splits the kick into its essential elements. When your foot is drawing the cone part (the triangle), you should be simply raising and lowering your leg (though when you lower your leg, you should apply a bit of power to pull your leg back). During the ice cream part (the half circle) is where you should apply all your power for the slap. The half circle should be a very, very fast and powerful movement, and thus creating the slap. Applying power at the ice cream part also follows the concept of using power at the last second (最後用力). Only by doing so are you able to create the loud and powerful slap<br />
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Front Slap:<br />
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The most important aspect is the coordination of your arms and steps. If you're not coordinated, it just looks like your tripping over your foot. Make sure that when you take your last slap is when your hands come together above your head. The kick should be, again, having your hips tucked in. If you feel that you're having trouble making a loud slap for the front slap kick, it is probably because your hips are extended and therefore you are unable to bring out the power needed.<br />
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Side Extension:<br />
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Make sure that you do split the movement into its two distinct elements: The raising of the leg, and then the kick. Do not try to kick while you raise your leg, otherwise it will become a stretch kick instead of a extension kick. Also, focus on the edge of your foot and the edge of your opposite hand. Imagine having a rope tied onto your kicking leg and opposite hand and the rope pulling your foot and hand in opposite directions. You should feel this outward force in your movement.<br />
Look towards where you are kicking.<br />
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Well, that's it for the major kicking techniques. If you want me to cover any other kicking techniques (side stretch, front extension etc), leave a comment and I'll add on to it.<br />
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Until next time, 加油 and fight on!<br />
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-StephenAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03202174567383697826noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628816646443176773.post-67100112902395133502013-09-23T16:02:00.003-07:002013-09-23T16:02:46.984-07:00Weekly Wushu Talk: Learning Control<br />
Hello everyone! I hope all has been going well. For this week, first watch this really awesome video:<br />
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTl3U6aSd2w<br />
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I bet you weren't expecting a tennis video were you?<br />
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So, I'd like to talk about learning control from Wushu. Since many of you are not quite familiar with Wushu and its movements, I thought I'd make an example with something we are more familiar with: Tennis.<br />
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As you can see from the video, Federer was so confident in his handling of the ball that he is able to serve the tennis ball with unbelievable accuracy. How did he achieve that? Well the answer is not that elusive, quite obvious actually. Federer was fascinated by tennis at the age of 4, and by the age of 6 he had been already training three times a week. The video was uploaded in 2010, so it means that he had been practicing tennis for approximately 25 years to achieve that level of skill. By 25 years of practice, a tennis racket and a ball would be second nature, if not then even perhaps first nature, to Federer.<br />
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This is not only in tennis. Go on youtube and search up sports accuracy videos. Like soccer or basketball or lacrosse. With extensive practice, you can be able to achieve great control over all the aspects in the sport.<br />
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You can see where I am going with this right? Control through extensive practice.<br />
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Let me bring in some ideologies from Wushu. When practicing with instruments (weapons, I call them instruments so... that's what I'm going to call them. Actually, I think I'll explain why right now than in a later post<br />
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Weapon implies the object intending to injure or harm someone. However in Wushu, when we use swords or spears or anything, we are not using them to cause any harm. When I hold a spear in Wushu, I do not have the intention of using it as a weapon, but as an instrument: an object to further express myself when I practice Wushu, to enrich my performance by using an instrument.<br />
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Think about it this way. If a tourist goes to China and buys a sword to bring back to the States and puts it on his wall for display, the swords is merely a decoration object, for that is what its owner's intention is. If I was walking down the street on Figueroa with my spear and I bump into muggers and they are trying to mug me (I sure hope that won't happen), I will use my spear to protect myself in which in the process I will most likely harm them. In that case the spear is a weapon of protection. However in Wushu, we are using the swords, spears, fans etc. as a method to better express ourselves. Therefore calling them "weapons" is technically incorrect.<br />
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A sword is to a Wushu practitioner as a brush is to a painter, or a violin is to a violinist. They are instruments, not weapons.)<br />
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Ok now I lost track of where I was.. Let's see..<br />
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Ah yes, when practicing instruments, it is important to think of the instrument as an extension of your body. A sword serves to extend the reach of your arm, to provide a sharper focus point for your movements. An instrument is not just an object in Wushu, it is a part of your body.<br />
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Which I believe is the same mindset Federer uses. I don't think it's quite possible for Federer to knock a bottle off someone's head if he treats his tennis racket and ball as simply objects for him to use. Instead, he treats them as an extension of his body. Knocking off the bottle with a tennis ball would be the same as Federer walking over and hitting the bottle over with his arm. The ball is simply a means of proxy for his body. However to do so is not just to change your mindset. You can't just say "Oh I the tennis racket is an extension of my arm" and start knocking bottles of people's heads. Otherwise William Tell would not have a statue of himself and be so famous.<br />
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In addition to having the right mindset, you also need great control over you body. In Federer's case, 25 years of practicing tennis has allowed him to develop such great control over his arm (and a bit of his body as he uses his body to follow through the swing) that he can hit the ball to anywhere with great accuracy. Control over his arm, control over the muscles he uses as he serves / hits the ball. Control is the key.<br />
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In the case of Wushu, the same concept applies. As you practice more, you will learn how to control you muscles. However here is the one point that differs Wushu from other sports: rather than just a specific muscle group (like the arms in tennis, or the legs in soccer), Wushu requires you to control your entire body. Not just the arms, not just the legs, but essentially every single muscle in your body. Your shoulders, abdominals, back, hips, legs, and the entirety of your body working together. That is what makes Wushu so exceptionally difficult to master.<br />
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If you just started out practicing Wushu, you will notice that it is hard for you to do the movements. Getting into a drop stance is difficult, and doing the hammer fist requires a lot of concentration and effort. Stretch kicks tire you out easily, and overall, you simply feel tense and clumsy when you do the movements. This is absolutely natural. Your body is still in the process of learning how to do the movements. You are still in the process of learning how to control your body. When you do the hammer fist, you still have yet to figure out which muscles you don't have to use, which muscles you can relax; and so you are using more muscles than necessary, making your movements stiffer, slower, and more clumsy.<br />
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I'll go off on a little tangent. I do card tricks. I've been learning magic for a good 5 years now. In hard handling, there is a technique called the pinky count. It is where you can hold a deck of cards and peel down the bottom right corner of the deck (assuming you are holding the cards with your left hand) with your pinky and count off any desirable number of cards. This technique requires you to use your pinky to apply tension diagonally across the cards, something that requires an extraordinary amount of power from you fingers. When I started practicing this technique, I couldn't get it at all. Counting individual cards was impossible, and the muscles in my forearms were so tense that I would repeatedly get cramps and muscle pain. This continued for a good two weeks or three weeks, until one day, I was able to do the pinky count without much effort. My arms relaxed a lot more, and it looked more natural. I had learned which muscles I need to use, and which muscles I do not need to use for the pinky count.<br />
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The same applies for Wushu. When you first learn the hammer fist, you have no idea where you have to use power. So you end up using more energy than necessary, but eventually, you will realize that you don't need to use a significant amount of energy to do the movement, and find the minimal amount of muscles to use and minimal amount of energy to carry out the movement. This is one part of control: learning to relax, and only using energy and power where necessary.<br />
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The second part of control is the literal idea of "control". Learning to control your muscles, learning to use muscles you have never used before. This is one of the very unique attributes of Wushu.<br />
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When I was 11 and back in my school's Wushu team, we had a really fun tradition. When we need to use mats for practicing splits or anything else, we would hold the mats over our heads, and slam the mats onto the ground such that it would make a really annoying, loud slamming sound. It was quite fun actually, except the fact that when I was 11 I didn't have enough strength to hold the mat above my head (it was a big mat). By the end of the school year, I was 12, but I was able to join in on the tradition, picking up the mats above my head and slamming it. The strange thing was, I didn't work out over the year, building my muscle or training to pick up heavy things. I just somehow managed to muster the strength I never had before. Now I realize that the strength did not come from nowhere: over the course of that year when I was with the Wushu team, I had learned how to use muscles I never had previously used before: I had learned how to control my muscles, bringing out the innate power I was not able to bring out before.<br />
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In Wushu, you do not build muscles for power. Power does not equal to muscles (will talk about this extensively in a much later post). In Wushu, you learn how to use muscles that have been dormant before, bringing forth power you never had before. You learn how to control these muscles, giving you great accuracy and focus in your movements. That is one of the many benefits of Wushu.<br />
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Here's an analogy I like to make. Your body is like a giant switchboard. As of right now you have a lot of those switches, that leads to different muscles, switched on. As you practice Wushu, you will start turning on more and more switches, and eventually you will gain greater control over your body than you had previously before. The more switches you have turned on, the more muscles you know how to use in your body.<br />
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Many of you have asked me what are the benefits of Wushu. This is one of them. In Wushu, rather than learning specific skills like hitting a ball or kicking a ball, you learn how to control the entirety of your body, which makes Wushu a lot harder to practice than other sports, but in return the physical and health benefits being a lot greater.<br />
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Until next time, keep practicing, keep working hard. Please do leave comments or if you want me to talk about anything, do let me know.<br />
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Fight on and 加油!<br />
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-Stephen<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03202174567383697826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628816646443176773.post-19586910770262835492013-09-14T16:58:00.001-07:002013-09-17T21:50:09.566-07:00Weekly Wushu Talk: Technique = Fundamentals x TimeDisclaimer: That is not a real equation<br />
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But the idea is correct.<br />
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I think this is quite a fitting topic for my first post. Seeing how a new semester started and there are new members who just started practicing Wushu, I believe that I should talk about how to improve one's technique.<br />
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To some of you fundamentals might feel a bit overrated. I once have certainly felt that way. With all the martial arts movies out there on how the masters train their disciples by having them stay in the horse stance for hours or make them run up and down a mountain hundreds of times and screaming "基本功!" or "馬步!" and whatnot, it just felt like... it was too much. Too much about basics, too much about horse stances... If I can do the horse stance and bow stance and all the other fundamentals quite decently, I should be learning more advanced techniques. I want to learn how to do those awesome techniques that mesmerised me originally.<br />
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But here's the truth: in order to learn more advanced techniques, you need the fundamentals, and time. You might be wondering: "Stephen, that's obvious! Of course you need fundamentals in order to learn advanced techniques". Honestly I'm kind of thinking that myself. I think I just stated something very obvious. But for now, watch this video:<br />
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0ryYUrgbV8<br />
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If that feels crazy for you, you haven't seen all of it. I've been to a famous Wushu show in Beijing called "The Legend of Kungfu" a couple of times, and the kids in the show are absolutely crazy. They can do all the techniques with great power and precision.<br />
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But that is not the full picture.<br />
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Back in my freshman year in high school, I once asked my coach why is that the little 6 and 7 year old boys in the show can do crazy flips, butterfly 360s, and all the advanced techniques so easily while I have such a hard time doing so? My coach smiled and told me "come back and ask me the question after you graduate".<br />
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So I kept that question in my mind, and I did ask him again after my high school graduation. My coach asked me a question; but for now a little backstory: the wushu team in my high school started a wushu team at a foster home for children ages 7 to 12-ish. We teach them from the very basics, and I worked with them first-hand. So, the question my coach asked me was what I thought about the kids we taught at the foster home. Immediately I realized the answer.<br />
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Children ages 6 to 12, even until the age of 15, are not suppose to have this type of flexibility, coordination, and power. The foster children I worked with had immense trouble even learning the basic fundamental techniques. Kicks are terribly hard for them, and movements such as the hammer fist / back punch, wheeling arms, and even stances pose an impossible task for them to master. The kids at the Shaolin temple, the kids who can do advanced techniques, are, in most cases, unnatural. They have been forced to practice, the techniques drilled into them in unimaginable ways. Doing a head-flip and a butterfly 360 at the age of 8 is simply against the nature of human growth.<br />
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My coach told me: those kids you see at the shows, on TV, they never continue to practice Wushu after they grow up. They will eventually develop serious joint injuries and other chronic injuries.<br />
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So, why did I digress and talk about Shaolin kids? Well, they certainly have the technique and the fundamentals, but where did the time go in the equation? The absence of time in the equation is the reason why they develop joint injuries. You can force out techniques without the proper time needed, but at the cost of your health.<br />
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Here is my point: In order to develop advanced techniques, you need to train your fundamentals, and you need to give your body the proper amount of time to develop those techniques. One of the main outcomes in practicing Wushu is learning to control your body. As your practice Wushu more and more, you will begin to discover and learn how to use muscles you have never used before, and bring out the hidden potential of your body. However, this comes with time. Your body needs the time to learn how to coordinate, to develop your proprioception (will be talked about in another post), to develop techniques. You can't force out techniques without damaging your body.<br />
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So, since this is the beginning of the semester, I would like to stress on fundamentals, fundamentals, fundamentals. As the school year progresses, as you practice more, your body will build the necessary power and develop the proper ability for you to proceed to more advanced techniques.<br />
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Just this spring of this year, I went to Berkeley to attend the annual Chinese Martial Arts Tournament (CMAT). There I met my coach's coach, master Fong (Sifu Fong). I had a nice chat with him for about an hour, and one of the things he mentioned is: If you train someone's fundamentals well. Train their horse stance, train their leg strength, train their flexibility, there is no need to teach them the advanced techniques. They will naturally develop it themselves. Sifu Fong told me about one of his students that one day suddenly did the inside jump kick (tornado kick) without having been able to do it at all previously. He just one day went and jumped, kicked, and did a spectacular jump kick. Sifu Fong said that it is because he had the proper fundamentals, so it was only a matter of time before he can do the inside jump kick, naturally.<br />
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So, to all the new members. I understand that you may feel pressured when you watch the more experienced members do crazy techniques and jumps. I understand, I really do. I have once sat in the corner of the gym for an hour while I watched my seniors continue with their practice of more advanced techniques. I felt left out, I felt like I can never catch up. But I let time do its job. And one day, when I was in 8th grade, I suddenly did the inside jump kick, and butterfly kick, and the outside jump kick. Time played it's role in my life, and I urge you to let time do the same for you. But for now, while you wait for time to do it's role in the equation to develop your technique, focus on what you have control over: fundamentals. Stretch everyday (I should too, but you can do better than me right?), train your stances, make sure your fundamentals are correct. Point your toes in the right direction, keep your back straight, don't move your arms when you do kicks. Master the fundamentals, and let time do its job, and you will be able to do the advanced techniques when your body and your mind is ready.<br />
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For the more experienced members, I urge you to do the same. While time may have already done its job for you, there is always more fundamentals for you to train. I have certainly once felt bored with basics practice, doing the hammer fist / back punch every single practice, doing stretch kicks every singe practice, doing the same movements over and over and over again and not learning anything new. But I'll tell you this fact: you have barely begin to really master the fundamentals. If your toes are not pointed forwards in the horse stance, you have not finished your fundamentals training. If you do point your toes the right way, then aim to do the horse stance for 1 minute, for 2 minutes, for 3 minutes. The hammer fist may seem a simple movement that you have done to death, but there is more than the swing of the arms, the smashing of the fist and the stomping of the feet. There is more to the hammer fist than you can imagine. Keep training your fundamentals, there is always more to master. If you want to study deeper into the fundamental techniques, I'll be more than happy to share with you what I know. Keep training your basics, keep practicing, keep working.<br />
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So, my main point is: Train your fundamentals. Develop your basics well, and be patient as time do its job. Eventually, you will be able to do the advanced techniques well. Of course you will need to practice them, but for now: Fundamentals, fundamentals, fundamentals. That is the best way for you to practice the more advanced techniques.<br />
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Anyways, that's it for now. Feel free to comment or to contact us if you have any questions.<br />
Until next time, 加油 and fight on!<br />
StephenAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03202174567383697826noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628816646443176773.post-33329345427090733962013-09-14T16:00:00.000-07:002013-09-14T16:00:35.876-07:00Hello Everyone!How's it going everyone? School has started for about three weeks now, and I have to say it's great to be back at USC with Wushu Nation.<br />
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For those who are new, or missed the first practice of the year when we had introduction, or those who are visiting this blog, my name is Stephen. I am honored to have been elected the vice president for the team this year, and I am really looking forward to a fantastic year of action and awesomeness.<br />
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So this blog was originally started by Rachel, the former president of Wushu Nation. She posted a lot of motivational (literally and not) interesting posts, so I really encourage you to read them. While I am not so poetic, nor spirited in my writing, I have quite a few things I'd like to write about and for you all to read.<br />
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Perhaps a little bit about who I am first. I started Wushu when I was about 7 years old. I lived in Beijing, and I studied under the same coach for the next ten years. After graduating from high school and coming to SC, I met Wushu Nation at the involvement fair. At the first general practice, I remember the captain of the team telling me "your movements are very traditional": exactly why I am writing this blog. My coach's method of teaching is considerably more traditional than the ways in America. Thus I tend to know more theories, concepts, and history about Wushu. While I don't want to bore people with dry, theoretical talk during practice, I still want to share my traditional knowledge with the team and anyone who is interested.<br />
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So, starting from this week, I'll be posting / blogging entries about techniques, theories, concepts, histories, and other Wushu related content for you to read. Feel free to contact me through the team email to let me know how I am doing or if there is anything you would like me to talk about.<br />
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Anyways, the first post will be up soon.<br />
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Until next time, 加油 and fight on!<br />
StephenAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03202174567383697826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628816646443176773.post-33607640224919591222013-03-11T14:13:00.000-07:002013-03-11T14:13:02.946-07:00Motivational Monday: KickNineteen days until CMAT. Nine of those days are considered spring break. One of those days is a traveling day. Of the remaining nine days, we only have practice on seven of them (if you include tonight's practice), so in terms of organized practices, you have one week until CMAT.<div>
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Of course, the hope is that you continue to practice over the break and really, every day outside of organized practice, but still--seven practices until CMAT!</div>
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Not to frighten you or suggest anything negative, but is that enough? What do you still need to do in order to feel confident going to competition? There is still some time, but how do you proceed?</div>
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In terms of timing, the placement of spring break couldn't be better if you intend to train hard over your days off. Spend this week really working on the details and the basics. Condition and run your forms intensely over break. Then, after pushing really hard the first part of the following week, do light practices the couple of days before competition. Then, BOOM! CMAT! Kick butt. And done!</div>
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But it all starts now! CMAT will be here before you know it! GO! GO! GO! GO! GO!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03202174567383697826noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628816646443176773.post-85363981727810593432013-03-04T09:32:00.000-08:002013-03-04T09:32:06.250-08:00Motivational Monday: Get PUMPED!<br />
CMAT is less than a month away! Now is the time to get excited. What better way to get motivated than seeing what craziness people less than half your age are capable of? You too can be a crazy Wushu child!<br />
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Jia you! Train hard! Happy Monday!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03202174567383697826noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628816646443176773.post-41835050344999543792013-02-11T15:04:00.002-08:002013-02-11T15:04:55.057-08:00Motivational Monday: UnbreakableI am not a large person, but I am still here.<br />
I am not the smartest, but I can still think.<br />
I am not the prettiest, but I can still smile.<br />
I am not the strongest, but I can still do.<br />
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I may not have the answers, but I will find out.<br />
I may not know the future, but I can see far.<br />
I may not always be right, but I will do right.<br />
I may not live forever, but I will live strong.<br />
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I may not be a beacon, but I contain fire.<br />
I may not be a bird, but I can still soar.<br />
I may not be a tree, but my roots run deep.<br />
I may not be a bank, but I hold such wealth.<br />
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I am not a large person, but<br />
My dreams are huge<br />
My plans are sound<br />
My will is strong<br />
My spirit unbreakable<br />
<br />
I am<br />
<br />
UnbreakableAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03202174567383697826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628816646443176773.post-48182112477831318232013-01-28T14:24:00.001-08:002013-01-28T14:24:24.942-08:00Motivational Monday: ReflectionLook inside yourself.<br />
<br />
What keeps you going?<br />
What is your fuel?<br />
What do you need to thrive?<br />
What are you after?<br />
How will you get there?<br />
<br />
Take a moment and think about it. You will find more fire within you than I could ever give you.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03202174567383697826noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628816646443176773.post-85268499457281048952013-01-21T10:08:00.001-08:002013-01-21T10:08:40.293-08:00Motivational Monday: MotionThe motions are not enough.<br />
They are merely the outline for your spirit to fill in.<br />
They are the vessel to hold your intensity<br />
The frame for your ferocity.<br />
They are the streets to take you to glory<br />
But your soul must make the journey<br />
And your eyes must burn with fire<br />
And each line of you must flow with intention.<br />
<br />
The motions are not enough.<br />
They are the foundation for the flourish<br />
The axis around which to snap.<br />
They are necessary and demanding,<br />
Require craftsmanship and care,<br />
Are the canvas on which to display your dedication,<br />
But the colors come from passion<br />
From fury and emotion<br />
From clarity of thought<br />
And purity of action.<br />
<br />
Each movement is made of moments<br />
Expressive and all yours<br />
But only if you realize<br />
The motions aren't enough.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03202174567383697826noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628816646443176773.post-35031477897257508002013-01-14T10:23:00.004-08:002013-01-14T10:24:39.990-08:00Motivational Monday: Side TrailsMonths of trying to go full speed will wear a person down, and it doesn't matter how well you're conditioned--at some point you succumb to fatigue.<br />
<br />
Not physical fatigue, but mental fatigue. You start wondering why you are doing what you are doing, what difference it makes, and who cares. You question the validity of even dreaming you can reach your goals and worse, your goals become blurry and ill-defined.<br />
<br />
These are the dark hours, when action is a chore and hope merely a shadow in the past. The road looms steep and never-ending before you. Simply stopping looks like the most pleasant invitation.<br />
<br />
How do you continue? What pushes you forward?<br />
<br />
When you are rested, the drive within you keeps you going. The fire blazes of its own accord. You can tell yourself that each step, no matter how difficult and painful, is bringing you one step closer to your goal. But when your soul aches for a rest and the motivational engine inside of you begins to sputter, do not be afraid to detour.<br />
<br />
You are strong, and your progress shows it, but it is not a weakness to slow down to take care of yourself. Give it all you've got and then some, and when that gets you just short of where you're trying to go, look around you and refuel. Read a book. Watch a movie. Listen to music. Stand in the sunshine or in the pouring rain. Pick up a new skill. Talk to a friend. Let the universe rush into you and restore your soul, refocus your mind.<br />
<br />
Keep your eye on the prize and always move forward, but don't discount the side trails and always remember to enjoy the view.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03202174567383697826noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628816646443176773.post-79564010348462187542012-12-03T14:24:00.000-08:002012-12-03T14:24:15.938-08:00Motivational Monday: Stay StrongI yell it to you towards the end of your form<br />
<br />
When your legs start to shake<br />
When it's hard to breathe<br />
When your arms start to flail<br />
<br />
At the start of the last section<br />
At the end of each jump<br />
At the hardest part of the ordeal<br />
<br />
<br />
When you want to quit<br />
When your mind goes blank<br />
When your focus wavers<br />
<br />
As your movements get slow<br />
As your motions get messy<br />
As you wish you were done<br />
<br />
I yell it to you towards the end of your form<br />
And say it with the hope that you will not just hear<br />
But understand and believe<br />
<br />
That that is all you have to do<br />
To make it to the end in one piece<br />
<br />
Stay strong.<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03202174567383697826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628816646443176773.post-30608642347014741102012-11-27T19:05:00.000-08:002012-11-27T19:06:18.673-08:00Motivational Mtuesday: The Art of Practice<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sorry for the delay. Take a moment to ruminate on the art of practicing.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><u>Practice by living. </u></b>Practicing twice a week is good. Practicing every moment is better. Find ways to incorporate what you want to practice into your everyday life. There are boundless opportunities to work on your posture, your intense gaze, your head snaps, throughout the day.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><u>Don't expect to be to perform at 100% if you practice at 75%.</u> </b>Treat every practice like a performance so that at performances you will be prepared to perform.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><u>Perfect practice makes perfect.</u></b> You can practice all you want, but if you spend a lot of time practicing something incorrectly, you just get really good at doing whatever you're trying to do incorrectly.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><u>Find your weaknesses and address them. </u></b>Sometimes this means being harsh, sometimes it means putting up with a little pain, but effective practice requires you to identify what you need to work on to improve and then take steps to improve.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><u>Find the joy.</u></b> It is easy to get caught up in techniques and criticism, but take a step back every once in a while and remember why you're practicing. Remember why the work is worth it and smile. Have fun. If you're going to be spending all your time practicing, you might as well enjoy it.</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I hope you had a happy Monday and that you have a wonderful rest of the week!</span></i></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03202174567383697826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628816646443176773.post-73669432477534946972012-11-19T10:23:00.000-08:002012-11-19T10:23:03.223-08:00Motivational Monday: Goals Part 2<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Somewhere in your life, written in bold letters on a sheet of paper that is taped some place you see regularly, is a single goal (you set all that up <i>last </i>Monday, right???). I'm sure it looks absolutely fantastic just hanging on a wall somewhere, but let's be honest, just writing down a goal and having it stare at you each morning as you brush your teeth does <i>not</i> guarantee anything.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Defining a goal is like picking a city to travel to. It gives you a direction to start heading in and gives you something to look forward to but, actually reaching your goal, like actually traveling to Paris, requires you to not just set your sites on the horizon, but to also make a plan and take action.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, take a moment and ask yourself: What do I need to do to get there? ("There," in this case, is your goal). Break it down--your big goal decomposes into smaller goals. Break those down too--those smaller goals probably breakdown into even smaller ones. Break it down as much as you need to, and at some point you will find that you have a large collection of little steps to follow. Start walking.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That is not to say that after you break your goal down into steps, that the steps will be easy, but they will be manageable. Tedious? Sure. Demanding? Quite possibly so. Sometimes discouraging? No doubt. And this is where people falter. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I have to do horse stance <i>every day</i>??? Yeah, that's not happening." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Running? Uh-huh..."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I'm never going to be able to snap like head like that. Never ever. It doesn't matter how much I do it. Never ever."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And that's it. They're done. Goodbye, Goal. Goodbye, Paris. Done before they even left. And the scary part is how easy it is to just give up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, how badly do you want it? Because, let's be honest again, you're going to have to want it bad. Want it like it's life or death. Want it like it will define who you are for the rest of your life and beyond. And perhaps it seems overly-dramatic to put it in those terms, but that is how much you will need to want it if you plan on traveling there by this route.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are no guarantees. There might not be a prize. Paris could be swallowed up by the earth before you get there. The road could be twisted, lead you through the jungle, under the ocean and over the thinnest of air. Prepare yourself. Realize what you are getting into. Prepare for hardships, exhaustion and pain, and then go and experience all the hardships, exhaustion and pain. And embrace it. Find the joy in it. It takes action to reach your goal. This is action. And it's difficult, time-consuming, tiring. But it's worth it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, go! Do not compromise your goals. They may not be all that you are, but they are all you can be.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Happy Monday!</i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03202174567383697826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628816646443176773.post-39526194428005369552012-11-12T10:34:00.003-08:002012-11-12T10:34:32.783-08:00CMAT 21!!!CMAT 21 has been announced and will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2013, at UC Berkeley!<br />
<br />
Registration is not up yet, but we will keep you posted! In the meantime, feel free to check out their <a href="http://cmat.calwushu.com/" target="_blank">site</a> and continue to train hard! Jiayou!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03202174567383697826noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628816646443176773.post-80318020567821549232012-11-12T10:26:00.000-08:002012-11-12T10:26:09.478-08:00Motivational Monday: Goals Part 1<h4>
Activity:</h4>
<br />
<ol>
<li><b>Grab a sheet of paper</b> that you don't mind writing on (preferably one with a large blank space) and a writing utensil (preferably a dark permanent marker, but as long as your writing utensil uses ink it is acceptable).</li>
<li><b>Think about your Wushu goals.</b> The competition season might seem far off, but it will be here before you know it. Think about what you want to get out of your training. Think about what you want to accomplish when you compete. Do you want to master a certain technique? Do you want to simply compete at any level? Do you want to blow everyone away? What is it that you want? </li>
<li><b>Come up with ONE goal that you really want to accomplish.</b> This goal should make you stretch and work hard to achieve it, but should not be so lofty that you will not even get close to accomplishing it. This is the tricky but key part. Your goal should be something that keeps you moving forward and, upon reaching it, should make you feel like you've accomplished something of consequence. </li>
<li><b>Phrase your goal.</b> Put it in simple, concrete terms, state exactly what you want and start it with "I will..." The exact details about how you will reach your goal need not be included. This is like the thesis statement of your training.</li>
<li><b>Write your goal</b> in large, clear letters on your sheet of paper using your writing utensil. It doesn't have to be pretty--just big and bold. End your goal with a period.</li>
<li><b>Sign and date</b> your paper using your writing utensil.</li>
<li><b>Hang your goal somewhere you will see it every day</b> (preferably multiple times a day and preferably early in the day, like right when you get up).</li>
<li><b>Let this paper remind you what you are working towards and inspire you to continue to work towards it.</b></li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpOD4kkQeL_BmQCJ4RW-TGp_tXKkHn0miSD3TKoAB2qcpeVYvrEOh5vVVNpk09Bvcn0heOcFIBVTXpJXvO2FChQHhf5l6Bnq3VHzkG8UZ_73mTSFWT5u3zZrL0ueloVuptNDX_fjN1oNK/s1600/DSC04884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpOD4kkQeL_BmQCJ4RW-TGp_tXKkHn0miSD3TKoAB2qcpeVYvrEOh5vVVNpk09Bvcn0heOcFIBVTXpJXvO2FChQHhf5l6Bnq3VHzkG8UZ_73mTSFWT5u3zZrL0ueloVuptNDX_fjN1oNK/s320/DSC04884.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I posted mine above the mirror in my room.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Setting a goal does not guarantee reaching a goal. More on reaching your goal next Motivational Monday!</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03202174567383697826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628816646443176773.post-54947902015745263562012-11-05T09:50:00.001-08:002012-11-05T09:50:07.503-08:00Motivational Monday: Be StrongWhen I look at the world, I can see the impressions of the ways things could be: bigger, brighter, bolder. I can feel the paths leading to these possibilities tugging at my pant legs, craving my attention. There are so many possibilities, and I, in one lifetime, would not be able to follow all of them, but a select few I will give my attention.<br />
<br />
But reality can seem so bleak, and these visions can seem so bright. I tend to follow more paths than I have feet to follow at one time. But I can taste the future as vividly as I can see it, and to let it slip out of my hands would be like letting ice cream fall into the trash, so I will walk these many paths.<br />
<br />
It isn't easy. There is so much ground to cover over such difficult terrain. Sometimes it gets stormy. Sometimes the trail burns. Sometimes I start to wonder, "Why?" Why put myself through such agony? What will be gained through such trial? And I can look around and still see the outlines of the ways things could be, but they are not strong enough to rid me of my doubts.<br />
<br />
But sometimes, when things seem so bleak, and nothing seems to be going right, I hear footsteps and find my path crosses that of another soul. We are heading to different futures, but our trails converge for a stretch. There is no time to sit and chat, but let us talk as we walk our paths, and remind ourselves that though we are on lonesome quests, there are others out there to help.<br />
<br />
I cannot tell you where you should go. And you cannot carry me to my goal. But I can encourage you to keep going on, because if the future you see is even half what I see, it is worth the effort and exhaustion. So when we meet on dusty roads, I will remind to be strong. That things get rough and the road is long and wild and lonely. Be strong, my friend. Be strong.<br />
<br />
And I hope that when you, on your quest, come across another soul whose future burns as bright as yours, but whose heart is aching from unknown trials, you will walk with them for a while and tell them to be strong.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03202174567383697826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628816646443176773.post-47915198722690004662012-10-29T10:58:00.002-07:002012-10-29T10:58:29.726-07:00Motivational Monday: The Nature of "I Can't"<i>Happy Monday! You can do it!</i><br />
<br />
"I can't" is a troublesome creature. Sometimes it is loud and obnoxious--will plant itself firmly in your way and wave its frightening tendrils as it screams reasons why you will not be able to do what you set out to. Sometimes it flashes red, expands its chest and charges at you, makes you cry by battering your head with all of your inadequacies. Sometimes it wraps itself around you and tries to suffocate the fire within you.<br />
<br />
But it is not at these times that "I can't" is most dangerous. When it is in your face, you can fight it, yell back, prove it wrong. No. "I can't" is most dangerous when you don't realize it's there.<br />
<br />
When it is not shouting for your attention, "I can't" finds other ways to hassle you. It hides in the corners of your mind and whispers to you. It tells you not that you can't do things, but that you should doubt what you can do. It taps into your vision of the future and tells you it is only a dream. It sticks it rotten toes in your way and attempts to trip you like the uneven slabs of the sidewalk do. And the scary part is that you don't even realize it.<br />
<br />
You might even think that "I can't" is a safety, an excuse for when things don't turn out the way you want. But make no mistake--"I can't" is a monster that will eat out your spirit and drive if you let it.<br />
<br />
There are, of course, physical limits and things that your body is unable to do at any particular moment. But do not mistake this for "I can't," because they are different things. Physical limits can be met, can be changed, can be pushed, can be challenged. "I can't" is surrender.<br />
<br />
Do not trust "I can't." It tells you it knows the way out, but leads you to the door over the furnace. It promises comfort and a painless existence as it sucks the life out of you. "I can't" is no friend and deserves none of your thoughts or concerns.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03202174567383697826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628816646443176773.post-18488075450058644472012-10-15T12:45:00.002-07:002012-10-15T12:45:51.060-07:00Motivational Monday: Crazy Wushu ChildrenYou see them at Wushu competitions--the little kids who do flips and can extend their leg up next to their ear and then fall into the splits--and right behind awe, you feel inadequate. These children, who can't be more than seven, are doing things that you could only dream of doing. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's easy to say, "Yeah, well, they're kids. They're squishable and fearless. Of course they can do all of those crazy things! If I had started doing Wushu at that age, I would probably be able to do all of those things too."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But, alas, you didn't start training when you were three. Chances are, you don't remember very much of what you did when you were three. And while, indeed, you are probably not as flexible as you were when you were a child and you have at least a decade more life experience than a child, age is not an excuse. (At least, not while your body is still healthy)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The main difference between you and that kid tearing up the mat is not your years. It's your fear. Fear of failure. Fear of looking like a fool. Fear of being judged, of being told that you're not good, of being laughed at. Fear of forgetting the movements. Fear of falling, of tripping, of not getting enough air. You have experiences that tell you to set your expectations low so that if they are exceeded, it will be a pleasant surprise. But when you step on the mat and all you can think about is all the ways things could go wrong and all the ways you must not mess up, you have stifled yourself. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The mat is your playground--a place to have fun, to fly, to show-off. The impressive Wushu children might not think this consciously, but you can see it in their movements. You can see the energy and the joy as they move across the floor. They are not afraid to go big--were not afraid to try something new at practice and were not afraid to get up after their first failed attempt to try it again. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Fearless? Naive? Who's to say. But why not try something new? Let go of your fears. Find the joy. And try it like you mean it. Because, yes, you are not that kid, but if that kid can survive learning those movements, why wouldn't you? </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03202174567383697826noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628816646443176773.post-67961595016685483542012-10-11T22:16:00.003-07:002012-10-11T22:16:49.347-07:00APASA Night Market Performance!Come support Wushu Nation at APASA's Night Market, Friday, October 12, at 7pm, in McCarthy Quad!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03202174567383697826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628816646443176773.post-72996777268098811042012-10-08T10:02:00.003-07:002012-10-08T13:25:24.796-07:00T-shirt Design Candidates<i>Below are the submissions received for the 2012/2013 Wushu T-shirt Design Competition! </i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Choice 1</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJmKnftqd_r_dIN3ETeuHfq0uWPQQPGhyphenhyphenNC6ciX2Kl2X3OpRCefrVnsnrIPksJgxm2LNd9peUcwgDmhLbHT7pL1nSIhmgIZiR5LjdcIr8GebNmTtbicfid6g15hZSnQw18FcFPfOFAXBK/s1600/DSCN1991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJmKnftqd_r_dIN3ETeuHfq0uWPQQPGhyphenhyphenNC6ciX2Kl2X3OpRCefrVnsnrIPksJgxm2LNd9peUcwgDmhLbHT7pL1nSIhmgIZiR5LjdcIr8GebNmTtbicfid6g15hZSnQw18FcFPfOFAXBK/s320/DSCN1991.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Choice 2</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUtpccQhHQQ0u3HJ1XVy7SFyv7xmbsc_28CGbvePZI2wZbxpfnkqpymySkj66DA5AqdWQzfL-wxCoDAv4hPX5exWUJaDPJqYR-3AqJg1UH2KZwyNoYndg3e6_mH7vA-0sGZjP1edfo9fj/s1600/DSCN1992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUtpccQhHQQ0u3HJ1XVy7SFyv7xmbsc_28CGbvePZI2wZbxpfnkqpymySkj66DA5AqdWQzfL-wxCoDAv4hPX5exWUJaDPJqYR-3AqJg1UH2KZwyNoYndg3e6_mH7vA-0sGZjP1edfo9fj/s320/DSCN1992.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Choice 3</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCsrSrOpWRUjpCQoo8mzWSbZl8JZfKE4tGrgVU-x1hfYaIuLXsvU7m0BaqGWJNx5fWkTv0mRhoBb52-Huxx4mDh7g9C3BoRStzsg3AWGNx6TyDnXrOAHkKFjUkyzJdcTInMSgFfr8chvD/s1600/DSCN1993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCsrSrOpWRUjpCQoo8mzWSbZl8JZfKE4tGrgVU-x1hfYaIuLXsvU7m0BaqGWJNx5fWkTv0mRhoBb52-Huxx4mDh7g9C3BoRStzsg3AWGNx6TyDnXrOAHkKFjUkyzJdcTInMSgFfr8chvD/s320/DSCN1993.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Below are all the same design in various color combinations</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFE-SHpR_9MefvRn5zdZD-Iv6TPOc3C5ozs30pkQg7snlqsrdlLp54uxXxOaSd8HJbtxJrcKADbRohpLwhoAXLZgo5ZQfoclgdRP14INj3Zj9xzxDhjcpvoilYKks48fdhoY3S1YUBMNv/s1600/121007+Shirt+Design+Back+BW+Oto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFE-SHpR_9MefvRn5zdZD-Iv6TPOc3C5ozs30pkQg7snlqsrdlLp54uxXxOaSd8HJbtxJrcKADbRohpLwhoAXLZgo5ZQfoclgdRP14INj3Zj9xzxDhjcpvoilYKks48fdhoY3S1YUBMNv/s320/121007+Shirt+Design+Back+BW+Oto.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
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Choice 4: white on black</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3IH6wz-uqnP9-qvya0FcwD4oABpIDTPlUf6gqQargXlBzRqwl_TDXl22YM1zEJ9RXZj7CMyKFaQ3h26pIvwJnC4mmzw1-dj0EgYFHtMF_Kv9wI1HCxkiz-Xz9rGrGQhv4mWmwM8luvSn5/s1600/121007+Shirt+Design+Full+BW+on+Black+Oto.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3IH6wz-uqnP9-qvya0FcwD4oABpIDTPlUf6gqQargXlBzRqwl_TDXl22YM1zEJ9RXZj7CMyKFaQ3h26pIvwJnC4mmzw1-dj0EgYFHtMF_Kv9wI1HCxkiz-Xz9rGrGQhv4mWmwM8luvSn5/s320/121007+Shirt+Design+Full+BW+on+Black+Oto.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Choice 5: red on black</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLiJfqeVXUvSZUzWZxboKSiR1gkzOlH7j_lIuXgMMGAIlHGXEKSLnh0A87LdxVnBCj2lvGbkLpZPFlKBdRvE19HHYHZB7TwKVfo1CWcLgx3wHL1sN84WoIEbd0LaqNqEyfscLPq265ZX2l/s1600/121007+Shirt+Design+Full+Red+on+Black+Oto.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLiJfqeVXUvSZUzWZxboKSiR1gkzOlH7j_lIuXgMMGAIlHGXEKSLnh0A87LdxVnBCj2lvGbkLpZPFlKBdRvE19HHYHZB7TwKVfo1CWcLgx3wHL1sN84WoIEbd0LaqNqEyfscLPq265ZX2l/s320/121007+Shirt+Design+Full+Red+on+Black+Oto.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Choice 6: yellow on black</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdA5SOw2SHwWGKUJrOEHviSVQX18ZEjK5-pr1wdmReMm8rvSn6N6PHBjBq6BHPgYiMademzGbFkHt6hDtub5TptSsOv6nvAIazU6jVs3AxdZ6Dw-LFberk0s-8z6Tynkpv4XssWPDqdDA/s1600/121007+Shirt+Design+Full+Yellow+on+Black+Oto.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdA5SOw2SHwWGKUJrOEHviSVQX18ZEjK5-pr1wdmReMm8rvSn6N6PHBjBq6BHPgYiMademzGbFkHt6hDtub5TptSsOv6nvAIazU6jVs3AxdZ6Dw-LFberk0s-8z6Tynkpv4XssWPDqdDA/s320/121007+Shirt+Design+Full+Yellow+on+Black+Oto.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Choice 7: black on white</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7SgZd_2Kjz_2OzJ_FBdCb-LbAm9TkFENnyVfNXbMvrYTDz2gkRm31rpy0FEnkmG0Yuu7U9mK2uV7NUE7qY-OX3dAkZTL2DFfvMDnYJUjvcK4zIwAewU7BcFt6TL5T8wXU8XZMHWWoUncs/s1600/121007+Shirt+Design+Full+BW+Oto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7SgZd_2Kjz_2OzJ_FBdCb-LbAm9TkFENnyVfNXbMvrYTDz2gkRm31rpy0FEnkmG0Yuu7U9mK2uV7NUE7qY-OX3dAkZTL2DFfvMDnYJUjvcK4zIwAewU7BcFt6TL5T8wXU8XZMHWWoUncs/s320/121007+Shirt+Design+Full+BW+Oto.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>This last submission would require two colors and would thus be a little more expensive.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiM6ReyYKuOg0_zB9MlHU6S2ZMIvjkHxjwDqKLZQXMqIh6DjRkxJXMSFAteYzTAn7zkVer8J-RYpYDURIMbTaMNUkTgN73PicMXvb8-8XIchit2066GttwYRp0Rq9P0Y3lpJQav5GtAjU/s1600/121007+Shirt+Design+Back+Oto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiM6ReyYKuOg0_zB9MlHU6S2ZMIvjkHxjwDqKLZQXMqIh6DjRkxJXMSFAteYzTAn7zkVer8J-RYpYDURIMbTaMNUkTgN73PicMXvb8-8XIchit2066GttwYRp0Rq9P0Y3lpJQav5GtAjU/s320/121007+Shirt+Design+Back+Oto.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
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Choice 8 : black and red on white</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJBcw6-ZY78DuFztA-mw0VjqwOXZAfoPRXQLlwOLVhCX19anddZDAqUdORfoNpef5GjESWD_MHRNYjoScSugzG1tGweYfxFczbSowxW8u_OUENjyqI8l2KjCORyMWI3Y9jM0iflT8o-zT/s1600/121007+Shirt+Design+Full+Oto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJBcw6-ZY78DuFztA-mw0VjqwOXZAfoPRXQLlwOLVhCX19anddZDAqUdORfoNpef5GjESWD_MHRNYjoScSugzG1tGweYfxFczbSowxW8u_OUENjyqI8l2KjCORyMWI3Y9jM0iflT8o-zT/s320/121007+Shirt+Design+Full+Oto.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Choice 9 Front:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPLmjmA-Gt-uvx0P7UKQ1wPpwCgXJFmAqIq3M51XjGtE5cKumdxvrch-FE_QUMSY1Jss5jfCb5HzddTBm7qslfUKafctr6PYU1cR_MzPpM3Rd5W9Neya77gixY6UnVvwgE5Xn0k2Jv4t5/s1600/SCN_0012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPLmjmA-Gt-uvx0P7UKQ1wPpwCgXJFmAqIq3M51XjGtE5cKumdxvrch-FE_QUMSY1Jss5jfCb5HzddTBm7qslfUKafctr6PYU1cR_MzPpM3Rd5W9Neya77gixY6UnVvwgE5Xn0k2Jv4t5/s320/SCN_0012.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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Choice 9 Back (will be colored fully):</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCp6cyQtx0ulJI5cRM6f3MYVwvssQ8GDwlPsXJEOhc-dVuSzgRcNhb7tJ_hvuZkrdYcQ4-JiBgSsxlq0jl_vg1lLwFzU8Wjo8b_L6yLnvfdRYXOyVl9rrOFsERldAJ0t2al3UXDc00lOR/s1600/SCN_0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCp6cyQtx0ulJI5cRM6f3MYVwvssQ8GDwlPsXJEOhc-dVuSzgRcNhb7tJ_hvuZkrdYcQ4-JiBgSsxlq0jl_vg1lLwFzU8Wjo8b_L6yLnvfdRYXOyVl9rrOFsERldAJ0t2al3UXDc00lOR/s320/SCN_0011.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03202174567383697826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628816646443176773.post-20324516477154102892012-10-08T09:47:00.001-07:002012-10-08T09:47:46.194-07:00Motivational Monday: Non-linear SuccessSuccess is a funny thing. People tend to want to believe that it's directly related to effort--"If I put in a little effort, I get little success. If I put in a lot of effort, I get a lot of success." And for many situations that seems to be true, but success does something funny when you start to reach a certain level--it becomes non-linear.<br />
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Sure, when you were trying to learn something simple, the more you put in, the more you get out, but what happens when you're reaching the extent of your capabilities? What happens when your mind or body or spirit (or all of those) is strained and putting in more effort takes more effort? Then your Success-Effort curve starts to flatten out. You put in more and more effort, but you get the same level of success. It's frustrating. It's disheartening. It's what happens. You set a goal, you start moving towards that goal and as you get closer to reaching it, it seems to get more difficult to get to.<br />
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At this point, many people give up. The success that they wanted was too much for their patience given the Success-Effort curve they were on. Things get tough. People get tired. People lose interest...People let go...<br />
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But, like I said, success is a funny thing. Not every goal you set has the same Success-Effort curve. Some have curves have larger linear regions--you get the same proportional amount of success for your effort for longer. Some have steeper curves--you get just plain more success for your effort. Some force you to achieve levels of success that you wouldn't have otherwise--they pass through previously frustrating levels of success on a kinder curve.<br />
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So, if you find that you are hitting some threshold where accomplishing anything becomes discouragingly difficult, instead of giving up on the pursuit of that level of success, change your goal. Aim higher, further out, or just plain differently, and you might be surprised where the curve will take you.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03202174567383697826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628816646443176773.post-27049149511262177172012-10-01T10:22:00.004-07:002012-10-01T10:26:18.715-07:00Motivational Monday: Perfect Practice<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Here is a video of the form we're teaching you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/GggclLCmoZo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As you watch it (over and over again), not only look at the movements, but also at the rhythm. Look at the accents, the flow, where the dynamics change. Look at the details--the head snaps, the arm placement, the stances. And find the differences between what you do and what the guy in the snazzy pink silks is doing. Really critique what you do and use your findings to your advantage. Write them down. Be as detailed and instructive as you can be. Next time you practice, change them. Or at least try your hardest to change them. Real improvement rarely just happens--it is a product of conscious effort. But all the strife will be worthwhile, because practice doesn't make perfect--<b>per</b><b>fect practice makes perfect.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy Monday!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03202174567383697826noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628816646443176773.post-91020128473636153042012-09-24T08:52:00.001-07:002012-09-24T08:52:48.213-07:00Motivational Monday: Self-Validation<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><i>The universe doesn't just hand you things (except on Mondays, when it hands you motivation).</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Just me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">That is all </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I have to mold into</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">The person I want to be<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Be my own hero<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Be my own idol<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Not care what they think<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Not care if they see<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Not care what they want to see<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">I can only be me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">I can only move myself forward<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">And will do so with such ferocity<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">That there will be no question that<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">I am the drive<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Am the power</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The hunger</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The thirst</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">That makes me the change I want to see<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">That makes me the person I want to be<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Uncompromising<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Unforgiving<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Tenacious</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Almost vicious<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">It doesn’t matter what they think<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">I can only be me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">And I will be me with such force<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Such truth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">That everything else won't matter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><i>Be fierce. Claim your place in
the universe. Happy Monday!</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03202174567383697826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628816646443176773.post-75599595871814798422012-09-17T08:57:00.000-07:002012-09-17T08:57:15.992-07:00Motivational Monday: ChallengeI present to you a challenge. Bend down and touch your toes. Loosen up your hips. No, that wasn't the challenge--I just want you to warm up first.<br />
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Place your feet a little more than shoulder's width apart (and place your monitor somewhere you can still read this). Sink into horse stance.<br />
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Check yourself. Are your toes pointing forward? Is your tail bone tucked under? Is your chest up? Can you go lower? Make your back straighter?<br />
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Are you skipping lines of text hoping that you stumble upon the line where I say to relax? (YOU BETTER NOT RELAX YET) Are you breathing?<br />
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Check yourself again. Where are your toes now? Is your butt sticking out? Can you go lower?<br />
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Squeeze your abs. Tuck your tailbone under.<br />
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Are your legs screaming for you to stop? Your core pleading for a rest? Your feet burning from being placed at such awkward angles?<br />
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Adjust. Can you push your knees farther out? Shift your weight? Relax your shoulders? What is absolutely necessary for you to continue to hold your stance? And what can you relax?<br />
<br />
Breathe. Your body will know when it cannot take anymore--in that moment your body will stop even if you tell it to keep going. It is your mind you have to train to continue to tell your body to go on even when things get difficult.<br />
<br />
Keep going. Don't worry. I tested this challenge--read the words out loud as I did horse stance--you still have more in you.<br />
<br />
Check yourself. Toes? Knees? Tailbone?<br />
<br />
Jia you!<br />
<br />
Keep breathing.<br />
<br />
Ten. Nine. Eight...<br />
<br />
...Seven...<br />
<br />
Check yourself.<br />
<br />
Six...<br />
<br />
...Five...<br />
<br />
Love the burn.<br />
<br />
Four...<br />
<br />
...Three...<br />
<br />
Revel in the pain...<br />
<br />
...<br />
<br />
...Two...<br />
<br />
...<br />
<br />
Smile--you're almost done.<br />
<br />
...<br />
<br />
One.<br />
<br />
Relax. You did it (unless you cheated--but you would never do that. Right???). It hurt. There were times when you wanted to quit. But you pulled through.<br />
<br />
You can accomplish more than you think--more than anyone wants to tell you can, more than what you believe your pain threshold will allow. Tearing down walls is not a peaceful act, but living forever within walls is not a fulfilling way to live.<br />
<br />
BONUS CHALLENGE: Do it again.<br />
<br />
TRAINING CHALLENGE: Do it every day.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03202174567383697826noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3628816646443176773.post-34783683217111657852012-09-10T06:30:00.000-07:002012-09-10T09:49:56.623-07:00Motivational Monday: Get Out of Bed<br />
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<i><b>Sometimes we just need some motivation... Happy Monday! </b></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Get out of bed, you lazy bum.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Words I should post over my bed, so that they are the
first things to greet me when I wake up. I should also post them on the wall
next to my bed, just in case I wake up facing the wall. And I should post them
on my closet door, just in case I wake up facing the closet. Really, I should
make them the alarm on my phone, so that they ring in my ears first thing in
the morning.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>Get out of bed, you lazy bum.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Harsh? Perhaps. Not a gentle nudge or a pleasant, “Time
to get up, dear,” but when it’s Monday morning, the dream was sweet and the
sheets still smell like Snuggle, those words could be a necessary jolt—a shock
to get the blood flowing and a challenge to prove them wrong. I am NOT a “lazy
bum.”</div>
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<br /></div>
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I must get out of the warm sheets, because if I lay here
and make excuses—</div>
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<br /></div>
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“My body needs the rest”</div>
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“A couple more minutes won’t hurt”</div>
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“I’m still exhausted from yesterday”</div>
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<br /></div>
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--I am everything I claim I am not. I cannot accomplish
things when I am unconscious, and man, do I have things I want to accomplish.
There are dreams that I have when I am awake, more precious, more valuable and
more extraordinary than the ones I have when I am asleep. And these dreams will
not just pour out of my mind into being. I must act. I must do. I must…</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>Get out of bed, you lazy bum.</i></div>
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There is no doubt that sleep is good and necessary. And it
is not out of a lack of respect for my body that I say these words to myself.
It is out of recognition that I am great, can accomplish what I want to, can
stun, amaze and achieve--that I am worth the discomfort of opening my eyes,
worth shaking the soreness from my muscles, worth the seemingly endless trek to
the bathroom. I am so much—can do so much—and I must prove it, not to the
world, but to myself. I must earn my
rest at the end of each day, sleep with the satisfaction that I did all I
could, and the only way I can do this is if I </div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>Get out of bed, you lazy bum.</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03202174567383697826noreply@blogger.com