One of the best parts of Saturday’s tournament was, first
being attacked by sharks in the Lil Leopards class and then being a part of the
kids divisions (those kids are machines with pool noodles)! Some of these kids I have known for a few
years and to see they are still dedicated to and growing in their kung fu is
really cool. Could an adult ever learn a
bundle from these little guys. Although
some might be a bit shy initially, they don’t seem to have the same degree of
anxiety and fear of performing that I think a lot of us adults have. They go out on those mats and have fun. When it’s over, they don’t dwell on their mistakes;
they move on and continue to learn, sometimes without even knowing it.
I found this year more nerve
wracking than the previous years. Moving
onto divisions with black belts and the thought of competing with so many
committed and talented martial artists was intimidating and made my legs shake. To get up and fumble a form that I have done
repeatedly seemed so silly and disappointing.
It wasn’t even the form I intended to do. So what did I learn from it? I need to jump on more opportunities to put
myself in similar situations. I need to
continue to build confidence. I know I
have grown in the last couple of years with still a long way to go, but it will
come. Next year hoping for a little less
shakiness J
Alana Regier