I was mute on Thursday, as part of my UBBT empathy requirements. I figured it would be easy, since I don't talk that much anyway, but boy was I wrong! I couldn't talk to my mom on the phone when I got to school (I had to clap to let her know that I was ok), I couldn't joke around with my friends, and people just tend to ignore you when you can't speak. Taekwondo was interesting as well. I couldn't answer the phone, bow the class in, answer the instructor, or yell. I now understand just how important kiyaps are. I didn't have nearly as much power as I usually do, and the adrenaline rush that I get from kiyaping wasn't there, so I wasn't as energetic. Its definitely tough, not being able to talk, and I think that it's a good thing for everyone to try, just to get a different perspective on the world.
This morning we had our first group testing of the year. I was up for a progress stripe in TKD and my brown belt in Kobudo. It was small (only about 20 people) and Mr. Coleman conducted the test because Grandmaster Kim doesn't come down unless there are several people testing for dans or pooms (he lives in Pennsylvania). Demo team performed first which was fun. I have a new self-defense routine (wrote it myself and everything!) so I got to do that. Ms. Swing and I did a bo kata and I did my nunchaku kata. I broke too, with a 360 hook. I think I'm getting out of that rut that I was stuck in - you know, the one where I couldn't break with that kick? Glad that's over! TKD testing was next - Rodney got his deputy black belt, which was awesome! He's really dedicated and very talented. I passed my stripe testing, along with all the other black belts who were testing for stripes. Kobudo testing was last, and Ms. Swing and I were the only candidates. We went through a couple of katas on each weapon, Mr. Coleman gave us advice and pointers, and we both passed to brown belt! Now I just have to train hard for my 1st dan test (whenever it will be) because we have to test in front of Kyoshi Coffin (Mr. Coleman's weapons master). The man is absolutely terrifying and will probably be haunting my dreams for months before the test!
In other news, Mr. Coleman wants me to compete at the Battle of Atlanta this summer! So that will be exciting. But for now, I want to start my training for my 4th dan test (yes, I know, it's 10 months away, but still... I want to be in the best shape I've ever been so the sooner I start, the better.)
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Resolutions
In Taekwondo, we are required to submit 5 new years resolutions every year - I spent some time thinking on it, and this is what I want to accomplish in 2007:
1. Complete my personal test requirements by my 4th Dan test.
2. Have all of my college applications finished by Christmas.
3. Continue to deepen my faith.
4. Be responsible with the privileges that come with being 18.
5. Plan and organize an Invisible Children event.
Most people tend to think of resolutions as ways to better yourself, like losing 10 pounds or working out every day, but I like to think of them as the opportunity to commit to something that you've always wanted to do, but have never done, all the while bettering yourself and the people around you. Like the UBBT - I've never undertaken such an enormous physical committment, but this new year gives me the chance to say that, YES, I will complete the task I set for myself!
As for the college applications, I want to have them over and done with by the time I leave for winter break so they're not hanging over me - I've visited one college on my list so far, and have lined up two more visits this spring. I'm excited about starting the process!
Every year, at least one of my resolutions has something to do with my relationship with God, because heaven knows we can always use work on that one! This past year, making time to read and study my Bible, pray, and just listening to God has been a problem for me, so I'm resolving to make time for these things because nothing in the world is more important than developing and keeping a strong relationship with the One who made you.
My fourth resolution doesn't actually go into effect until July, but I wanted to keep it in mind anyway. Yes, I'll be 18, but that doesn't automatically make me a mature adult. That is something that takes time, experience, and wisdom, so I don't want to let any of the privileges of being 18 go to my head - I want to keep my feet firmly planted on the ground until I'm ready to fly.
The last resolution is more something that I've wanted to do for a long time - Invisible Children is an organization that raises awareness about children in Northern Uganda (and all over the world for that matter), who are being kidnapped by rebel armies and forced to fight as child soldiers (www.invisblechildren.com). Some of these kids are as young as 5 years old, and most of them are badly mutilated or killed by the commanders. Girls are usually taken as sex slaves by the officers. This is a horrible thing that is happening, and we're just... Letting it happen. The US did not offer any support for the recently collapsed Juba Peace Talks between the rebel army and the Ugandan Government, nor is our government making any effort to bring this news to our attention. That is where Invisible Children comes in; Three filmmakers went to Africa to film about the genocide in Sudan, but ended up discovering the "Invisible Children" of Uganda, which they decided to make a documentary about. I would encourage everyone to watch this documentary - It changed my life the first time I saw it, and every time thereafter it ignites a fire in me that I can't put out. I donate $10 out of my allowance every week to the organization and I have made information posters and put them around town, but this year I want to organize and execute a screening of Invisible Children.
I try to set high standards for myself, so in short, I want to change the world (or at least a tiny part of it) in 2007.
1. Complete my personal test requirements by my 4th Dan test.
2. Have all of my college applications finished by Christmas.
3. Continue to deepen my faith.
4. Be responsible with the privileges that come with being 18.
5. Plan and organize an Invisible Children event.
Most people tend to think of resolutions as ways to better yourself, like losing 10 pounds or working out every day, but I like to think of them as the opportunity to commit to something that you've always wanted to do, but have never done, all the while bettering yourself and the people around you. Like the UBBT - I've never undertaken such an enormous physical committment, but this new year gives me the chance to say that, YES, I will complete the task I set for myself!
As for the college applications, I want to have them over and done with by the time I leave for winter break so they're not hanging over me - I've visited one college on my list so far, and have lined up two more visits this spring. I'm excited about starting the process!
Every year, at least one of my resolutions has something to do with my relationship with God, because heaven knows we can always use work on that one! This past year, making time to read and study my Bible, pray, and just listening to God has been a problem for me, so I'm resolving to make time for these things because nothing in the world is more important than developing and keeping a strong relationship with the One who made you.
My fourth resolution doesn't actually go into effect until July, but I wanted to keep it in mind anyway. Yes, I'll be 18, but that doesn't automatically make me a mature adult. That is something that takes time, experience, and wisdom, so I don't want to let any of the privileges of being 18 go to my head - I want to keep my feet firmly planted on the ground until I'm ready to fly.
The last resolution is more something that I've wanted to do for a long time - Invisible Children is an organization that raises awareness about children in Northern Uganda (and all over the world for that matter), who are being kidnapped by rebel armies and forced to fight as child soldiers (www.invisblechildren.com). Some of these kids are as young as 5 years old, and most of them are badly mutilated or killed by the commanders. Girls are usually taken as sex slaves by the officers. This is a horrible thing that is happening, and we're just... Letting it happen. The US did not offer any support for the recently collapsed Juba Peace Talks between the rebel army and the Ugandan Government, nor is our government making any effort to bring this news to our attention. That is where Invisible Children comes in; Three filmmakers went to Africa to film about the genocide in Sudan, but ended up discovering the "Invisible Children" of Uganda, which they decided to make a documentary about. I would encourage everyone to watch this documentary - It changed my life the first time I saw it, and every time thereafter it ignites a fire in me that I can't put out. I donate $10 out of my allowance every week to the organization and I have made information posters and put them around town, but this year I want to organize and execute a screening of Invisible Children.
I try to set high standards for myself, so in short, I want to change the world (or at least a tiny part of it) in 2007.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Keeping Track
Every night before I go to bed, I record my pushups, crunches, miles, form, acts of kindness, and sparring matches in a little journal. Since September, I have done:
Pushups: 6,078
Crunches: 7,180
Miles: 105.5
Form: 24
Acts of kindness: 135
Sparring matches: 24
According to the plan I set out with, I've only completed roughly 1 1/2 months worth of pushups/situps. That means I have 3 1/2 months to catch up on. That's 14,000 pushups and situps, + keeping up with what I'm currently doing.
Today I did 600 pushups and 1,000 situps. There's a man doing the UBBT, who did 1,000 pushups and situps EVERY DAY for 50 days in honor of his turning 50. And he's kept going (as far as I know), even after the 50 days. If a 50 year old man (however fit he may be) can do 1000 pushups and situps everyday, I can sure as hell do at least 200 a day to try to catch up to where I need to be. I think that'll be one of my new years resolutions...
Pushups: 6,078
Crunches: 7,180
Miles: 105.5
Form: 24
Acts of kindness: 135
Sparring matches: 24
According to the plan I set out with, I've only completed roughly 1 1/2 months worth of pushups/situps. That means I have 3 1/2 months to catch up on. That's 14,000 pushups and situps, + keeping up with what I'm currently doing.
Today I did 600 pushups and 1,000 situps. There's a man doing the UBBT, who did 1,000 pushups and situps EVERY DAY for 50 days in honor of his turning 50. And he's kept going (as far as I know), even after the 50 days. If a 50 year old man (however fit he may be) can do 1000 pushups and situps everyday, I can sure as hell do at least 200 a day to try to catch up to where I need to be. I think that'll be one of my new years resolutions...
Back into the Swing
My training has been going really well, as of late. I did all 1000 of my pushups and situps last week, and I'm almost done for this week as well! I got two testing applications last week - one for my 2nd progress stripe in tkd, and one for my brown belt in Kobudo. I feel pretty confident in both areas - I might need a little practice with Matte Ush, No Tonfa Ich, but I've pretty much got it down. I'm just worried about the next Kobudo testing - for my 1st dan. Black belt tests have to be conducted by Kyoshi Coffin, who can be quite a terrifying person to be around. But I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.
Last night was great. Brian has been coming more often (now that he isn't working 12 hour shifts) so it was good to train with him tonight. We also had two new black belts who just moved from Salt Lake City. Its a father and son (I think the son looks about my age - maybe a little older), and they were phenomenal! I could tell from the way they moved that they had come from a more traditional style, but they caught on quickly. Lane (the son) has an amazing jump back kick, and they both have very good form. I was paired with Lane for self-defense (we just did a couple of techniques - block/palmstrike and some wristlocks) - it looked a little awkward for him, like he hadn't done much with self-defense, but once he got used to it, he was a lot smoother. I didn't get to talk to them after class, but I hope they come back. Its nice to have some more adult black belts around.
Last night was great. Brian has been coming more often (now that he isn't working 12 hour shifts) so it was good to train with him tonight. We also had two new black belts who just moved from Salt Lake City. Its a father and son (I think the son looks about my age - maybe a little older), and they were phenomenal! I could tell from the way they moved that they had come from a more traditional style, but they caught on quickly. Lane (the son) has an amazing jump back kick, and they both have very good form. I was paired with Lane for self-defense (we just did a couple of techniques - block/palmstrike and some wristlocks) - it looked a little awkward for him, like he hadn't done much with self-defense, but once he got used to it, he was a lot smoother. I didn't get to talk to them after class, but I hope they come back. Its nice to have some more adult black belts around.
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