Stumble It!
Prior to beginning martial arts, I did not think of it as an art form, but merely a way of fighting. As I continue to learn, I see more and more of the art form in the movements that we do. Just as in dance, the smallest of details can change the look of a form (kata). The position of your hands, where you are looking, and the depth of your stances all make a difference. Watching my daughter perform her form is like watching her dance. Her fluidity and grace are beautiful to watch.
A weapons form can be the same thing. Have you ever watched someone performing a form with fans? Beautiful....
When I began learning form 1 my focus was: a. remembering the direction I should turn and which hand to use (I still get confused!), b: putting power and intensity behind my punches.
The number of movements in form 2 were greater but the focus for me was still on getting the kicks and punches correct.
Form 3 added more movements from many of the different systems that we learn in Tao Hsieh Wu Shu and some of the movements were definitely more artsy.
Form 4 begins to look like a dance with many of the movements flowing from one to the other. You can truly see the grace in our style when watching this form.
This leads to question do our forms add more grace as they get harder or is the student beginning to gain an understanding of the movements? Soke Geniesse will often tell us to flow like water. I believe by the time you are learning form 4 this concept begins to sink in.
Amazing....
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Plantar Fasciitis
Well, I've learned alot about feet in the past 3 months, and I really don't like feet! But, I have been struggling with plantar fasciitis and I've learned more than I ever wanted to.
First, let me explain what plantar fasciitis is, just in case you don't know. It's pronounced "plantar fash-eee-eye-tiss". This is the condition that occurs when the long fibrous plantar fascia ligament along the bottom of the foot develops tears in the tissue. This creates pain and inflammation.
Plantar fasciitis causes the inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament which runs along the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia ligament is made of fibrous bands of tissue and runs between the heel bone and your toes and stretches with every step. Inflammation develops when tears occur in the tissue.
The pain can be a burning, stabbing, or aching. It is particularly painful in the morning when you first step on your foot. The ligaments tighten during the night and in the morning when you put pressure on it, the ligament stretches and creates an unbearable pain. After walking and stretching, the pain will subside until you have been on your feet awhile, then the pain returns.
Athletes most commonly develop this condition. Excessive running, jumping, or other activities can easily place repetitive or excessive stress on the tissue and lead to tears and inflammation, resulting in moderate to severe pain. Athletes who change or increase the difficulty of their exercise routines are also prone to overdoing it and causing damage.
One of the factors that contribute to plantar fasciitis is wearing incorrect shoes. In many cases, shoes either do not fit properly, or provide inadequate support or cushioning. While walking or exercising in improper shoes, weight distribution becomes impaired, and significantly stress can be added to the plantar fascia ligament.
This is exactly what happened to me. Usually, I go see my buddy Jeff Rainwater at the Big Peach Running store for my running shoes, but this time I opted to save some money. I went to the local wallyworld and bought cheap shoes, but justified it by buying some nice inserts. Later that Friday I went running with Sensi TJ and guess what, my foot began to hurt that night and hasn't stopped since. Lesson learned, don't run in cheap shoes even if you have good inserts.
I have struggled for almost 10 weeks now with my foot hurting! It has been frustrating because I feel like it has slowed my training down. I passed my green belt test with my foot taped, but let me tell you, I was in tears trying to hold the monkey stance because my foot hurt so bad!
So, what is the solution? ice, rest and new orthodic's for my shoes have helped. I'm still on the road to recovery and after the cost of the orthodic's I really wished I had just gone to see Jeff in the first place.
Lesson learned, shoes are very important! Don't make the same mistake I did. If you are getting shin splints, or your feet hurt while you are running or training trust me, your shoes have something to do with it. Find a shoe store that specializes in running and get properly fitted with a good shoe. You will be doing your feet a favor and you will save money in the long run.
Keep training,
Lisa
First, let me explain what plantar fasciitis is, just in case you don't know. It's pronounced "plantar fash-eee-eye-tiss". This is the condition that occurs when the long fibrous plantar fascia ligament along the bottom of the foot develops tears in the tissue. This creates pain and inflammation.
Plantar fasciitis causes the inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament which runs along the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia ligament is made of fibrous bands of tissue and runs between the heel bone and your toes and stretches with every step. Inflammation develops when tears occur in the tissue.
The pain can be a burning, stabbing, or aching. It is particularly painful in the morning when you first step on your foot. The ligaments tighten during the night and in the morning when you put pressure on it, the ligament stretches and creates an unbearable pain. After walking and stretching, the pain will subside until you have been on your feet awhile, then the pain returns.
Athletes most commonly develop this condition. Excessive running, jumping, or other activities can easily place repetitive or excessive stress on the tissue and lead to tears and inflammation, resulting in moderate to severe pain. Athletes who change or increase the difficulty of their exercise routines are also prone to overdoing it and causing damage.
One of the factors that contribute to plantar fasciitis is wearing incorrect shoes. In many cases, shoes either do not fit properly, or provide inadequate support or cushioning. While walking or exercising in improper shoes, weight distribution becomes impaired, and significantly stress can be added to the plantar fascia ligament.
This is exactly what happened to me. Usually, I go see my buddy Jeff Rainwater at the Big Peach Running store for my running shoes, but this time I opted to save some money. I went to the local wallyworld and bought cheap shoes, but justified it by buying some nice inserts. Later that Friday I went running with Sensi TJ and guess what, my foot began to hurt that night and hasn't stopped since. Lesson learned, don't run in cheap shoes even if you have good inserts.
I have struggled for almost 10 weeks now with my foot hurting! It has been frustrating because I feel like it has slowed my training down. I passed my green belt test with my foot taped, but let me tell you, I was in tears trying to hold the monkey stance because my foot hurt so bad!
So, what is the solution? ice, rest and new orthodic's for my shoes have helped. I'm still on the road to recovery and after the cost of the orthodic's I really wished I had just gone to see Jeff in the first place.
Lesson learned, shoes are very important! Don't make the same mistake I did. If you are getting shin splints, or your feet hurt while you are running or training trust me, your shoes have something to do with it. Find a shoe store that specializes in running and get properly fitted with a good shoe. You will be doing your feet a favor and you will save money in the long run.
Keep training,
Lisa
A little bit of fun
I had the coolest epiphany last week. I was watching a fellow student's yellow belt test thinking how well he was doing when I realized, "Hey, I passed that test too! I really can do all of the things he's doing". It was a really cool feeling.
Granted, I don't have the finesse and speed as many of our younger students, but what I lack in finesse I certainly make up for in enthusiasm. I really enjoy all of our classes. I have so much fun doing things I never thought I would ever do. Me doing a jump double roundhouse? Yea, well it wasn't pretty, but I did it and it was a lot of fun learning how to do it.
Isn't that what it's all about? Enjoying what you are doing. Life is short and we each only have one day at a time. I hope today that you smile when you are doing what you are passionate about. Share the enthusiasm. It is incredibly contagious and in today's times, we need a little fun. So whatever your fun is, indulge today. I plan to punch on our kicking bag awhile, what are you going to do?
As I tell everyone, if I can do martial arts, anyone can. If you haven't tried it yet, go for it! What have you got to lose, a little fun?
Granted, I don't have the finesse and speed as many of our younger students, but what I lack in finesse I certainly make up for in enthusiasm. I really enjoy all of our classes. I have so much fun doing things I never thought I would ever do. Me doing a jump double roundhouse? Yea, well it wasn't pretty, but I did it and it was a lot of fun learning how to do it.
Isn't that what it's all about? Enjoying what you are doing. Life is short and we each only have one day at a time. I hope today that you smile when you are doing what you are passionate about. Share the enthusiasm. It is incredibly contagious and in today's times, we need a little fun. So whatever your fun is, indulge today. I plan to punch on our kicking bag awhile, what are you going to do?
As I tell everyone, if I can do martial arts, anyone can. If you haven't tried it yet, go for it! What have you got to lose, a little fun?
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Do you feel like a martial artist?
I have been learning the art of Tao Hsieh Wu Shu for a year and half and I am just now beginning to have the inkling of feeling like a martial artist.
The first time was a couple of weeks ago during the great Atlanta flood. We had been fighting water for 4 days and I was feeling frustrated vacuuming the water out of our exercise room for the umpteenth time. I looked at the kicking bag and thought to myself, "I just need to punch and kick the bag for about 30 minutes and I'll feel better". Suddenly I grinned at myself, realizing that I actually knew how to do that. This was a great revelation to me. If your a guy then you probably grew up knowing how to do these things instinctively. I did not have a brother or Dad to teach me these things and was not very athletic, so for me this is a cool feeling.
Another huge milestone has been learning to overcome fear. Don't get me wrong, there are lots of times in class that I get intimidated, but it seems to be getting less and my confidence more. I attribute this to our terrific teachers and my fellow students.
The more classes I attend, the more there is to learn. The more that I learn, the greater my abilities will grow. As my abilities grow, my confidence increases. This confidence will one day lead to feeling like a real martial artist all the time and not just some of the time.
But the beginnings of feeling like a martial artist is a cool thing!
Keep on kicking,
Lisa
The first time was a couple of weeks ago during the great Atlanta flood. We had been fighting water for 4 days and I was feeling frustrated vacuuming the water out of our exercise room for the umpteenth time. I looked at the kicking bag and thought to myself, "I just need to punch and kick the bag for about 30 minutes and I'll feel better". Suddenly I grinned at myself, realizing that I actually knew how to do that. This was a great revelation to me. If your a guy then you probably grew up knowing how to do these things instinctively. I did not have a brother or Dad to teach me these things and was not very athletic, so for me this is a cool feeling.
Another huge milestone has been learning to overcome fear. Don't get me wrong, there are lots of times in class that I get intimidated, but it seems to be getting less and my confidence more. I attribute this to our terrific teachers and my fellow students.
The more classes I attend, the more there is to learn. The more that I learn, the greater my abilities will grow. As my abilities grow, my confidence increases. This confidence will one day lead to feeling like a real martial artist all the time and not just some of the time.
But the beginnings of feeling like a martial artist is a cool thing!
Keep on kicking,
Lisa
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Victory
Each belt test is a hugh milestone in martial arts. Earning your way up to black belt is equilivent to being a baby and learning first to hold your head up (white belt), rolling over (yellow belt), sitting up (orange belt), crawling (green belt), walking (blue belt), jumping (red belt), running (blackbelt), and flying - beyond....
(We only have a total of six color belts in Tao Hsieh Wu Shu)
While it only takes about 1.5 years to pass those milestones as a baby, in martial arts it takes many years. After yesterday, I'm at the crawling stage (green belt). Crawling is a good description of all the things that I still have to learn and perfect. Yesterday was a great test but difficult one. I learned many things about myself.
First and foremost, I need to continue to work on my endurance and flexibility. My spinning kicks really need work as does my straight back kick. I didn't whip my arm enough in my ridge hand or knife hand punches nor did I put my shoulder into my hook and upper cut punches. As for cartwheels, let's just say they are not pretty!
However, I did learn without a doubt that if I was ever attacked, I could defend myself. I had felt that I could but yesterday seem to prove to me that I really can. To me, this is the most important thing I could ever learn.
There are many techniques that I'm not great at but need to learn in our system in order to teach others who may do it well. Everyone's syle is different as are their strenghts and weaknesses.
I do feel victorious this morning, even with all the bruises from the test yesterday. Bruises seem to be my mantra these days. But they will fade and I'll still have my green belt and the knowledge that goes with it. How exciting is that?
MMAMom
p.s. Special thanks to my uki yesterday (Rich) for pushing me and not just letting me have it. He made me look good.
(We only have a total of six color belts in Tao Hsieh Wu Shu)
While it only takes about 1.5 years to pass those milestones as a baby, in martial arts it takes many years. After yesterday, I'm at the crawling stage (green belt). Crawling is a good description of all the things that I still have to learn and perfect. Yesterday was a great test but difficult one. I learned many things about myself.
First and foremost, I need to continue to work on my endurance and flexibility. My spinning kicks really need work as does my straight back kick. I didn't whip my arm enough in my ridge hand or knife hand punches nor did I put my shoulder into my hook and upper cut punches. As for cartwheels, let's just say they are not pretty!
However, I did learn without a doubt that if I was ever attacked, I could defend myself. I had felt that I could but yesterday seem to prove to me that I really can. To me, this is the most important thing I could ever learn.
There are many techniques that I'm not great at but need to learn in our system in order to teach others who may do it well. Everyone's syle is different as are their strenghts and weaknesses.
I do feel victorious this morning, even with all the bruises from the test yesterday. Bruises seem to be my mantra these days. But they will fade and I'll still have my green belt and the knowledge that goes with it. How exciting is that?
MMAMom
p.s. Special thanks to my uki yesterday (Rich) for pushing me and not just letting me have it. He made me look good.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
When times are tough
To be truthful there are times as I am training that I wonder if I going to be able to continue. For example, tonight both of my wrist hurt, my forearms are bruised, my knees are bruised, my shin and foot is badly bruised, my shoulders hurt etc, etc, etc. I'm wondering if I'm crazy doing this at my age. Is it worth it? Why am I doing this?
This is when I have to sit back and reevaluate my goals. What have I accomplished so far? What do I plan to accomplish? Just where am I going with all of this?
Hmmm, interesting questions. First, let's look at where I've been. Prior to taking martial arts I had never done any sport at all. I never played any ball sport, took gymnastics classes, track or even swimming. I didn't learn to swim until I was 13 and then it was only enough to get from one side of the pool to the other. I was never athletic in any way. The only cool thing I did as a kid was ride a dirt bike.
Now, at the age of 44, I can throw a pretty mean hook punch and roundhouse kick. Grab me unexpectedly and I'm apt to throw you with a hip or leg throw. I think that is pretty cool. If you had told me years ago that I would be practicing a spinning kick I would have asked you, "what is that?". I can also break three boards with a reverse punch. That was amazing! You can see this on youtube at our Tao Hsieh Wu Shu youtube channel.
I also have a great time training with my kids, watching martial art movies with them and dissecting all the fabulous moves. I have also made many wonderful new friends that are now a part of my family.
That leaves me with with, "What do I plan to accomplish"? Hmmm, right now, just to make it through my next belt test. One day, to earn my black belt. Beyond that, who knows. Martial arts is a life long process of learning. Who knows where I'll be in my 50's. I hope to one day be able to teach self-defense to other ladies to help them gain some of the confidence that I have. That would be really cool.
So tonight, I'll put on the ice pack and grin about my martial arts badges of honor, my bruises!
Lisa
mmamom
This is when I have to sit back and reevaluate my goals. What have I accomplished so far? What do I plan to accomplish? Just where am I going with all of this?
Hmmm, interesting questions. First, let's look at where I've been. Prior to taking martial arts I had never done any sport at all. I never played any ball sport, took gymnastics classes, track or even swimming. I didn't learn to swim until I was 13 and then it was only enough to get from one side of the pool to the other. I was never athletic in any way. The only cool thing I did as a kid was ride a dirt bike.
Now, at the age of 44, I can throw a pretty mean hook punch and roundhouse kick. Grab me unexpectedly and I'm apt to throw you with a hip or leg throw. I think that is pretty cool. If you had told me years ago that I would be practicing a spinning kick I would have asked you, "what is that?". I can also break three boards with a reverse punch. That was amazing! You can see this on youtube at our Tao Hsieh Wu Shu youtube channel.
I also have a great time training with my kids, watching martial art movies with them and dissecting all the fabulous moves. I have also made many wonderful new friends that are now a part of my family.
That leaves me with with, "What do I plan to accomplish"? Hmmm, right now, just to make it through my next belt test. One day, to earn my black belt. Beyond that, who knows. Martial arts is a life long process of learning. Who knows where I'll be in my 50's. I hope to one day be able to teach self-defense to other ladies to help them gain some of the confidence that I have. That would be really cool.
So tonight, I'll put on the ice pack and grin about my martial arts badges of honor, my bruises!
Lisa
mmamom
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Any shape or size
I didn’t realize how long it’s been since I updated my blog. Life seems to be coming at me at 90mph and I'm moving 30mph!
I am getting ready to test for my green belt that I began training for in Feb. at the end of this month. It has been a long journey that at times has been difficult due to my lower back issues and other physical issues. You will often have injuries as you train and I am no exception.
I’m made some interesting observations over the past few months and I wanted to share one of them with you that has been a revelation to me. I have had the opportunity to meet many different martial artists this year in different martial art systems. The one thing that intrigues me is that martial artists come in all shapes and sizes. I had always had the preconceived idea that to be a martial artist you had to be this perfect athlete and in perfect shape! Yes, most of your competitive martial artists are in phenomenal shape as they train for 2-6 hours per day. As a mom of 5, this simply is not feasible for me. Nor is it feasible for many of the black belts that I have met. The one thing we all have in common is a passion and love for the sport.
A martial artist doesn’t have to be in perfect shape. It is easier if you are young and in shape or even older but athletic. I guess my point is that you don’t have to be in perfect shape to learn martial arts. You can be any shape, any size or any age to learn. It may take you longer, may be a little harder but it can be learned. I have seen people much larger in weight than I am throw a kick that was techniquely beautiful! It’s not about the weight, it’s about fitness and fitness can be gained no matter what your weight is.
I write this as I am struggling still to lose the weight due to going through menopause (yes I’m an early bird), but knowing that I can do this and I am in better physical shape. Strength training has helped me a great deal as I need stronger muscles to be able to do what I want to do with my extra weight! I still have a ways to go with my technique but I have figured out how to throw the power of my weight into my kicks and punches.
If you enjoy watching martial art movies and have ever had the thought, “I wish I could do that”, try. You will be amazed at what you can do no matter what your size, weight or athletic ability. I’m a perfect example of being able to do it. My kicks are not as pretty as my beautiful girls, but I remind myself that age and wisdom comes into play!
I am getting ready to test for my green belt that I began training for in Feb. at the end of this month. It has been a long journey that at times has been difficult due to my lower back issues and other physical issues. You will often have injuries as you train and I am no exception.
I’m made some interesting observations over the past few months and I wanted to share one of them with you that has been a revelation to me. I have had the opportunity to meet many different martial artists this year in different martial art systems. The one thing that intrigues me is that martial artists come in all shapes and sizes. I had always had the preconceived idea that to be a martial artist you had to be this perfect athlete and in perfect shape! Yes, most of your competitive martial artists are in phenomenal shape as they train for 2-6 hours per day. As a mom of 5, this simply is not feasible for me. Nor is it feasible for many of the black belts that I have met. The one thing we all have in common is a passion and love for the sport.
A martial artist doesn’t have to be in perfect shape. It is easier if you are young and in shape or even older but athletic. I guess my point is that you don’t have to be in perfect shape to learn martial arts. You can be any shape, any size or any age to learn. It may take you longer, may be a little harder but it can be learned. I have seen people much larger in weight than I am throw a kick that was techniquely beautiful! It’s not about the weight, it’s about fitness and fitness can be gained no matter what your weight is.
I write this as I am struggling still to lose the weight due to going through menopause (yes I’m an early bird), but knowing that I can do this and I am in better physical shape. Strength training has helped me a great deal as I need stronger muscles to be able to do what I want to do with my extra weight! I still have a ways to go with my technique but I have figured out how to throw the power of my weight into my kicks and punches.
If you enjoy watching martial art movies and have ever had the thought, “I wish I could do that”, try. You will be amazed at what you can do no matter what your size, weight or athletic ability. I’m a perfect example of being able to do it. My kicks are not as pretty as my beautiful girls, but I remind myself that age and wisdom comes into play!
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