Hi guys, just thought I'd provide an update, was prompted by a member here so thought I'd update, although not a great deal happening but still! Well, maybe there is, feels like it actually haha.
-Training is going well, I finished my instructor accreditation course (stiiill waiting to hear back about it), but been taking on more teaching roles in the dojo. I faced a bit of a slump recently with the dojo, and motivation really struggled for a bit... I'm not sure what to attribute this to but I know I was facing a few internal struggles... oh and got a new job and been finding it incredibly hard to deal with fatigue from it and recover effectively. Hoping this will improve over time... but motivation-wise I'm finding that asking myself quality questions regarding training can spur on interest and curiosity.
-So have been to a couple more kumite seminars at the full contact Shidokan Shorinryu dojo, and they've been awesome. In fact recently I was sick and missed the seminar which I was just shattered about, but the main instructor invited me to come along to their normal classes as the instructor from Japan was taking them, so I wouldn't miss out. Truly, this instructor is freakin awesome, super welcoming and friendly, and it can be rare in the martial arts for instructors to be so inclusive and open.
I actually really love what they do. I know I've mentioned wanting to revisit my roots, but I'm realising that it doesn't necessarily have to be in Kyokushin, but something similar but with elements that I felt were maybe missing in my previous style (that I was after). These guys have that, it's full contact but they really focus on relaxation and soft blocking. I find Shidokan Shorinryu to be a fascinating art and want to learn more about it. So it's possible I may cross-train a bit here! Not necessarily to grade in but just to learn and expand myself as a martial artist. They said I'm more than welcome to train with them anytime too. I still LOVE Goju and my club, but there are definitely elements there that I feel are missing which I want to develop and work on still.
-Tournaments! Haven't done any, I don't have a huge interest in it but there is still something niggling at me, wanting to compete. There was a tournament nearby today actually which I was potentially gearing up for, but I kept checking the divisions schedule and there were just no one in my divisions haha. Oh well, next time.
-End of year camp in November! At the same location with the same guys as last year, so I'm REALLY pumped for that!
So that appears to be all! I'm still delving into my training and still prompting myself to go deeper; not technique-wise but moreso underlying principles, essence of technique and on this more for lack of a better word spiritual angle... thinking and reflecting on a lot of things, like how training is a vehicle for direct connection to life. It almost forcing you to confront that in a sense... and this pairs well with my existential anguish and torment I've been grappling with haha...
Anyway, thanks for listening. I hope you are all well and your training is providing the depth and life you seek
. With the other group from last year (same style, different club/org). A solid 10 hours of training, and this year it's beachside, so hopefully we do some beach training!!!
but I saw a seal suspiciously observing me and a raptor dropping a dead pigeon almost upon me! 
. Incredibly sore head to toe, exhausted, so today was just filled to the brim with nothing. Very much loved it 
