In my off time...
I do occasionally get away from the computer. Not very often but it does happen. This week has seen me working on getting my body into better shape (ugh) and getting back to something I adore...martial arts.
I've studied consistently with two teachers in my life and have had chances to study with others.
My first teacher was Sabonim Robert Clairday, of Clairday's Karate Studio in Hartselle, AL. I studied Tong Soo Do for a little over a year. I did choose to leave his studio. I felt that I was being promoted faster than I was actually ready for...and there was a lot of drama that was spilling over from other people in the studio.
From there I drifted for a bit. I thought about getting involved with another studio, but I allowed other parts of my life to become forefront.
Several years later things fell into place...as circumstances sometimes do. A coworker and I (working at Sears then) talked about martial arts, the different types, compare-contrast, and our mutual interest in learning. He made a deal with me. If he found a studio, would I go with him? Of course!!!
That led to my second teacher, Sifu Roger Hagood....the more influential of the two. My coworker and I were given the opportunity to .... "try out" for lack of better wording... and see if we would suit. We had one-on-one intro classes. After a couple of these Sifu would make a descision. If we met his requirements/standards we would be offered the opportunity to join the school and train in Southern Praying Mantis Kungfu. Both of us did. I wound up staying with the school longer as he went off to follow the military. That was my life for 3yrs or more. I would work during the day 5 to 6 days a week, then attend class 2 to 4 nights a week. I was luck as the school, the job, and my home were all in the same town (eventually). While I had the drive and opportunity I would attend classes Monday thru Thrusday for eventually 2hrs or more. (I was younger then) The school became an important part of my life and the guys became my "brothers". I left there on good terms. I became engaged and moved to Colorado to deal with a family emergency. My teacher went on to move to China and work on researching and publishing a on chinese kungfu systems.
Again I drifted....
I came to a point were I joined a school under the leadership of Sigung J.T. Runes. I had only been going a couple of weeks when the world re-asserted itself. My father passed away....found by his neighbors day(s) after the fact. I was called home. As I was his only child I had to be there to plan and arrange the funeral, to attempt to pack up a house, and pay my last respects. After being Alabama for two weeks I returned to Colorado...with a lack of drive for anything. I let kungfu drift away.
Now, here I am again...3...4yrs later. I found a school that teaches Nothern Mantis. I'm trying it out. They offer a 30-day free trial. I'm seriously considering joining. It is a drive from home. I have not done any serious working out in 7+ yrs. It's a bit painful to push. I'm not 19 or even 22 anymore. I've lost flexibility. I've damaged both shoulders in that period of time and still deal with it. I've gained 15 pounds in the past year (and gone up a size in pants...which s'cks). But it's an opportunity. I did love kungfu when I was in it before. In Alabama I would go late at night (when I couldn't sleep) and practice in the dark and empty studio. I would finally learn to handle my collection...instead of it collecting dust.
So..we shall see
I've studied consistently with two teachers in my life and have had chances to study with others.
My first teacher was Sabonim Robert Clairday, of Clairday's Karate Studio in Hartselle, AL. I studied Tong Soo Do for a little over a year. I did choose to leave his studio. I felt that I was being promoted faster than I was actually ready for...and there was a lot of drama that was spilling over from other people in the studio.
From there I drifted for a bit. I thought about getting involved with another studio, but I allowed other parts of my life to become forefront.
Several years later things fell into place...as circumstances sometimes do. A coworker and I (working at Sears then) talked about martial arts, the different types, compare-contrast, and our mutual interest in learning. He made a deal with me. If he found a studio, would I go with him? Of course!!!
That led to my second teacher, Sifu Roger Hagood....the more influential of the two. My coworker and I were given the opportunity to .... "try out" for lack of better wording... and see if we would suit. We had one-on-one intro classes. After a couple of these Sifu would make a descision. If we met his requirements/standards we would be offered the opportunity to join the school and train in Southern Praying Mantis Kungfu. Both of us did. I wound up staying with the school longer as he went off to follow the military. That was my life for 3yrs or more. I would work during the day 5 to 6 days a week, then attend class 2 to 4 nights a week. I was luck as the school, the job, and my home were all in the same town (eventually). While I had the drive and opportunity I would attend classes Monday thru Thrusday for eventually 2hrs or more. (I was younger then) The school became an important part of my life and the guys became my "brothers". I left there on good terms. I became engaged and moved to Colorado to deal with a family emergency. My teacher went on to move to China and work on researching and publishing a on chinese kungfu systems.
Again I drifted....
I came to a point were I joined a school under the leadership of Sigung J.T. Runes. I had only been going a couple of weeks when the world re-asserted itself. My father passed away....found by his neighbors day(s) after the fact. I was called home. As I was his only child I had to be there to plan and arrange the funeral, to attempt to pack up a house, and pay my last respects. After being Alabama for two weeks I returned to Colorado...with a lack of drive for anything. I let kungfu drift away.
Now, here I am again...3...4yrs later. I found a school that teaches Nothern Mantis. I'm trying it out. They offer a 30-day free trial. I'm seriously considering joining. It is a drive from home. I have not done any serious working out in 7+ yrs. It's a bit painful to push. I'm not 19 or even 22 anymore. I've lost flexibility. I've damaged both shoulders in that period of time and still deal with it. I've gained 15 pounds in the past year (and gone up a size in pants...which s'cks). But it's an opportunity. I did love kungfu when I was in it before. In Alabama I would go late at night (when I couldn't sleep) and practice in the dark and empty studio. I would finally learn to handle my collection...instead of it collecting dust.
So..we shall see
posted by Si-Jye | 3:32 PM
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