Journey to a new style...

[HighKick]

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

Your consistent dedication to your craft and constructive curiosity to your craft has always impressed.

 

[_Simon_]

Your consistent dedication to your craft and constructive curiosity to your craft has always impressed.

Oh thanks so much, that really means alot

 

[Stuarto]

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

Simon, I'm so glad to hear you are enjoying your art, Shidokan Shorinryu. I too have gotten fatigued and unmotivated and have only been going for a year! I will often push myself to go and train, reminding myself that I always feel great after I do.

I'm happy that you have a vision for what you want to get out of your training. It's true that not everybody does it for the same reason. I do it for self defense and for a good workout to keep myself in shape.

Very glad to hear that it is also helping you with any pain and challenges you are face. Thanks for the update my friend! You continue to inspire me in my own training

 

[isshinryuronin]

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.

Looks like a great training group in the pics. I noticed as soon as I looked at that first photo that someone's belt was uneven. I never dreamed it would be you! Shame. I've lost all respect for you now. Actually, I would never notice something like that except you called attention to it. I did notice your stance (much more important) and it looked good.

X-training is good and you're young enough for heavy contact sport sparring. But when you're 40 the excitement for that will wear off, I expect. You can do goju when 70 years old and more. Also, in goju there are definitely elements (besides heavy contact) that are missing at this time for you. Maybe your dojo will get into some intense 2-man partner training on applications and bang you up a bit. I hope you stay with it and get into more depth.

Keep up the good work.

 

[_Simon_]

Simon, I'm so glad to hear you are enjoying your art, Shidokan Shorinryu. I too have gotten fatigued and unmotivated and have only been going for a year! I will often push myself to go and train, reminding myself that I always feel great after I do.

I'm happy that you have a vision for what you want to get out of your training. It's true that not everybody does it for the same reason. I do it for self defense and for a good workout to keep myself in shape.

Very glad to hear that it is also helping you with any pain and challenges you are face. Thanks for the update my friend! You continue to inspire me in my own training

Ah yeah so Shidokan Shorinryu isn't my primary style but one I will explore. Yeah we always feel better afterwards, and I feel it's worth reminding ourselves of our intention and reason for training. Letting that inform where our attention goes, and going deeper even in the simple things. I still learn and have huge insights from our very first beginner kata Gekisai Dai haha. I often think holy crap what was that that I felt... and I drill it until I feel what principle, power generation method, footwork/transition etc it's trying to teach me.

AND our reason for training absolutely can change over time organically, it did for me!

And thanks so much, appreciate your kind words! Keep training, the answer always just tends to be in the training huh...

 

[Fungus]

Osu Senpai Simon!

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...

I like the philosophy of always seeking improvement and finding deeper principles and how it is actually quite universal, and applies to learning in general research or science, martial arts or life. You can label this "training", "learning" or "research" but at a higher abstraction level it is the one same thing IMO but taking on different forms.

I think finding and sticking to such a universal principle will make you very strong and! as it brings stability and confidence even when superficial focus shifts back and life is bumpy, because even the bumps is an opportunity to "train/learn" something new.

 

[Gerry Seymour]

Simon, I love reading about your ongoing journey. I miss training, and meeting new folks when visiting schools. I'm living vicariously through these posts.

 

[_Simon_]

Looks like a great training group in the pics. I noticed as soon as I looked at that first photo that someone's belt was uneven. I never dreamed it would be you! Shame. I've lost all respect for you now. Actually, I would never notice something like that except you called attention to it. I did notice your stance (much more important) and it looked good.

X-training is good and you're young enough for heavy contact sport sparring. But when you're 40 the excitement for that will wear off, I expect. You can do goju when 70 years old and more. Also, in goju there are definitely elements (besides heavy contact) that are missing at this time for you. Maybe your dojo will get into some intense 2-man partner training on applications and bang you up a bit. I hope you stay with it and get into more depth.

Keep up the good work.

Hahaha, I deserve that! Can't stand uneven belts, it was a once in a 5 year thing I swear!

Thank you! I believe we were doing Rokkishu kata at the time (predecessor to Tensho). Haha we'll see if my excitement will wane . Yeah a couple of my dojo mates want to do more of this style of training so we'll keep it going for sure.

Appreciate your words as always, thanks isshinryuronin

 

[_Simon_]

Osu Senpai Simon!

I like the philosophy of always seeking improvement and finding deeper principles and how it is actually quite universal, and applies to learning in general research or science, martial arts or life. You can label this "training", "learning" or "research" but at a higher abstraction level it is the one same thing IMO but taking on different forms.

I think finding and sticking to such a universal principle will make you very strong and! as it brings stability and confidence even when superficial focus shifts back and life is bumpy, because even the bumps is an opportunity to "train/learn" something new.

Yes agreed, and very well said! Yeah it's something that can be extrapolated to many spheres of life for sure. It's letting that approach or inquiry inform your action or where your attention goes. Appreciate your thoughts, osu mate

 

[_Simon_]

Simon, I love reading about your ongoing journey. I miss training, and meeting new folks when visiting schools. I'm living vicariously through these posts.

Oh that means alot, and I'm glad this thread is reaching something in you of value. Hopefully you can get back into training etc soon, even just going to seminars are a great opportunity for that community and growth as a martial artist

 

[_Simon_]

Had the second class at the dojo which invited me, and the last class they held with the instructor from Okinawa. Again, incredibly eye-opening, and they said I'm more than welcome to train with them for supplemental or whatever any time. I believe I will

Didn't expect this trajectory at all guys!!! But I think sometimes when what we think is just nostalgia hitting, it's more that we are revisiting something which we saw tremendous value and meaning in from the past. We try to remember and stoke that sense of life within ourselves again, which enhances and strengthens our connection with life. It's just something I realised recently, as I've been SUPER nostalgic and couldn't figure out why. Revisiting my roots is a way to reconnect with that . As well as learning some bad-*** martial arts stuff haha