I've been thinking a lot about my past recently-what led me to the martial arts, where I started, where I'm at and how I grew. What motivated me? How have I changed? Where have I been? I'm putting together a journal for my training, sort of a thing that one day I can hand down to someone and say "this is my life's worth of martial knowledge. Use it well." As such, a start point-almost a resume of my most recent training, very brief but a start nonetheless:
Kung Fu For Life-East/West Fitness World
Started training in May 2009 to reclaim some inner peace and confidence. Did not want to spar or deal with the combative side of martial arts, I instead wanted to focus on classical movements and forms. As I learned more and was introduced to sparring as a game in fall of 2009, I found a liking for it and learning the practical side of martial arts.
I had also become fitter and stronger than ever before and claimed a confidence I did not know I could at that time.
After a period of time, I began cross-training with Capoeira Regional and Yang Style Taiji. I also added personal training sessions at my gym with the aim of improving my explosive power and overall fitness.
Reason for leaving in Dec 2010/Jan 2011-upon much reflection, I found the business practices as a student and instructor immoral at best. Further, the head instructor consistently showed behavior unbefitting a 7th degree black belt-short temper, punishing students for bad eating while eating fast food, racist tendencies toward anything Japanese and homophobia as well. I also found that the style was not Kung Fu, but rather a form of basic Karate-Do/Kempo under a different name where things were being added to make it seem like it wasn't. While having gained good basic skills and confidence, I realized I could not grow within that school alone, so I chose to leave.
Capoira-Axe, general and Senzala:
Capoeira is where I found my niche. It is by far the most difficult, strenuous and most rewarding art I've learned. I learned to fly, roll and do what I thought was not possible for me. I started seeing the world in a new way, both in terms of martial arts and in terms of life and relations. This art became my heart and soul. The music empowers and the art teaches one to deal with things as they come, remain playful and relaxed and to trick others.
I first started with Axe. At that point, I still had no interest in fighting, so their emphasis on the martial aspect did not sit well. Now, I much respect and enjoy that view of training.
General: trained with others from Axe, Ginga and various other groups-learned new ways to look at old moves and grew my game by leaps and bounds.
Senzala: I found Angola here and learned to fuse the two in my own way.
Yang Style Taiji-EWFW
Trained under Shifu Wang and learned to use inner power and translate it to outer force, but gently so. My awareness of chi and how it flows began here, and realizing how to use minimal of my own chi was key. Also learning about timing to "eat" another's energy and redirect was a difficult skill. It took many months to finally understand and apply it in push hands training.
TKD-from friends
Yet another way to look at old moves in a new way and also to improve flexibility.
Muay Thai-from friends
Found a very calming part in the Wai Kru/Ram Muay and the music to pace. Very much like Capoeira and very much becoming one of my base styles.
Much has been glossed over, but for now this shall do as a brief reflection upon my former training. As time goes, I shall expand and add upon this...knowing one's past will help direct and lead one's future. This is where I came from and where I will end up, only time will tell.
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