Sifu Jason King's Blog – Chinese Martial Arts 20012

It’s been a promising week business wise. Started 3 new classes at Beaudesert on Thursday afternoons. It’s an after school care Arts Program using th facilities at St Mary’s Primary.

First class is 5-8 year olds and after trialling yesterday have decided it will be mostly fun and games involving exercise. Sebastian, Vari, and Jade to start off in this class.

Defending against grabs

Second class is the 9-12 year olds, with a couple of boisterous brothers (Dylan and Ethan), Malekai and another girl.

These kids are more interested in the martial side so I’ll be focussing on self defence, tiny bit of weapons work (sticks) and again, fitness and exercise.

Defence against grabs

The last class will be 13 years to adults and I’m hoping word of mouth will get some more high school kids and parents involved. Grayson and Shannon did really well trying to coordinate all the things I was getting them to do.

The focus will be on Tai Ji especially its health and stress relieving aspects. Great for teenagers!

  Grasp Sparrows Tail – Press

Another school has approached me for their school sports program at St Lucia on Friday afternoons and will hopefully kick off next month.  A schools based community group have also asked if I’d be involved in a term long performance project directing kids with physical skills. That’ll take care of Wed afternoons!

Most exciting potential project is a program involving Griffith University and Gold Coast Hospital. We’re looking to implement a rehabilitation program with cardiac related patients. I’d love to get this off the ground but naturally with Queensland Health there’s going to be lots of bureaucracy and red tape to get through.

But for now, my focus is getting through the weekend filming for Australia’s Got Talent. I have some sore joints from over training so I hope the adrenaline helps get me through!  Not allowed to say too much about the show but I’ll hint at how I go 

While this is a Water dragon as Australians know it, it is not what is being referred to in the Chinese zodiac. They refer to the 'regular' mythical dragon which symbolically is considered powerful and auspicious. From the 5 elements, this year partners water with the Dragon and the colour associated with that element is black. Hence Year of the Black Water Dragon.

Celebrating New Year in China is like being in a war zone. When I was there a few years ago, I was able to participate with my own box of various fireworks and crackers and join everyoone else on the streets and roofs of Beijing. I was amazed that the incessant noise 24/7 for the whole New Year week made the Sydney Olympics firework dislay look like a solitary sparkler!

I was living on the 19th floor at the time and so was at an amazing height to see fireworks exploding at eye level. When I spent time on the roof of an apartment block with friends, I was astounded to see nonstop explosions as far as I could see, in all directions. Dogs barked continuously, babies cried and I can't believe anyone slept well for days. I remember thinking to myself that it would be the perfect time to invade China because people would think bombs etc were just festivities!

Anyhow, this has been my first entry for some time and I'm not sure how we'll go with keeping it up. It previously got completely overwhelmed with Spam and bots clogging up the system but I'm hoping the filters and controls are better now.

Train well,

Sifu Jason

Strange week with no regularities and lots of one offs. Makes life interesting but you have to be flexible to just go with it.

My construction work came to a halt (whether momentary or long term is yet to be determined), and so again I find myself at home passing the time with a wide variety of activities. I’m spending lots of time on the computer and am trying to be productive – have organised a few upcoming gradings and events for the school which is good. I have an AGM and bunch of tasks to complete for that committee yet am not finding myself tremendously motivated since I lack much moral support in that department. I have used the free time to catch up with a variety of good friends, Michelle (and baby Sean) who I went to uni with, Webb who I sing with and even caught up with Ian who unfortunately is succumbing to his cancer. Great to see him but sad to be given a bunch of stuff as he doesn’t have need for anymore.

2 out of the blue teaching engagements this week. An acting class tonight specialising in clowning although I have given them a lot of my repertoire already. Hmm, will try to recap and expand on said material I suppose. Tomorrow I have an early start to get to Beaudesert to teach a primary class some Medieval swordplay. Wish I had that option as a kid! Usually goes quite well and since I’m down that way, I’ll drop in and visit Viv on the way back. Maybe I can drop off the bike and pick up the posters while I’m southside?

Enjoyed a singing lesson this morning – first since the concert. It was good to pul out and go over some older material. have to create a repertoire for my “Special” group concert on 12th September. Being the featured artist I’ll have to have songs from my two recent groups, Dimensions13 and Folk Ensemble, as well as about 4 solos. So choosing which songs I want to sing so I can specie them up. For solos I’m thinking “Easy like Sunday Morning” by Lionel Richie, “Forever Autumn” from “War of the Worlds”, “Ave Maria” (Beyonces recent version), and “Lady in Red” by Chris Burgh. Bit of variety there! I even watched the movie “Lady in Red” but it was entirely unrelated.

Finally managed to upoad my acro photos onto Facebook. Hopefully I can add some videos shortly too. Miss out tomorrow night but start again on Sat. I’ve been watching my Cirque du Soleil DVDS and getting some ideas!!

This weeks inspirations come from SimpleTruths.com

At 99 degrees, water is hot.

At 100 degrees, it boils.

And with boiling water, comes steam.

And steam can power a locomotive.

One extra degree makes all the difference

And, that one extra degree of effort, whether in business or in life

separates the good from the great.

Kop Kopmeyer authored many books on success and is often asked “Of all the one thousand success principles that you have discovered, which do you think is the most important?”

He replied without hesitating, “The most important success principle of all was stated by Thomas Huxley many years ago. He said, ‘Do what you should do, when you should do it, whether you feel like it or not.‘”
He went on to say, “There are 999 other success principles that I have found in my reading and experience, bu

t without self-discipline, none of them work.”
Self-discipline is the key to personal greatness. It is the magic quality that opens all doors for you, and makes everything else possible. With self-discipline, the average person can rise as far and as fast as his talents and intelligence can take him. But without self-discipline, a person with every blessing of background, education and opportunity will seldom rise above mediocrity.

The above two articles got me thinking and so……

So how can we develop or improve our self-discipline? One way is to prevent regular detrimental procrastination (acknowledging that sometimes procrastination is needed and useful!).  How often do we put off

unpleasant tasks even if they are more important than other simpler more enjoyable tasks. I know I do all the time! So here is the challenge – out of all the tasks you set yourself, choos

e the ‘worst’ one and do it first. You know which one. It’s the one that will take the longest or is the most complicated, or most unpleasant. But doing it first will often remove a burden from your shoulders and give you the impetus to then tackle all the remaining (easier) tasks. I’ve tried this myself and it works a treat. just have to do it enough enough so it becomes a habit!

Howdy all,

I’m pleased to say that I finally have my ‘new’ broadband established. Suffice to say, had I known the difficulties with Naked ADSL I wouldn’t have bothered. Perhaps I should thank TPG and Telstra for testing various virtues that I’ve written about!

I’m still on “holidays” meaning I’m in betwen work projects at the moment. I’m hoping that the Airport Tunnel Link will start soon. Else I’ll have to wait till September for a busway project at West End. Meanwhile, I can put some time into my school, some creative projects (acting, fight directing, singing) and keep an eye out for a potential date.       Actually I had an acting gig lined up for today but it was unfortunately cancelled at the last minute. I was to be a pregnant man as a gimmick handing out flyers at the baby expo! A la Arnold Schwarzenegger in “Junior”.

Last night after visiting friends, I participated in a singing Masterclass. Great experience to give feedback on others and see the improvement and also to receive feedback on what I did. It’s surprising what they see and hear that you don’t yourself expect.

Next week I will be finishing off my motorbike license and looking at getting a bike. I know it’s more dangerous but I figure I’m sensible enough and it’ll be much more convenient and economical. And I’ll look great in leathers! This is a bike I’m looking at maybe getting.

Only 2 weeks till my marathon attempt! I really should have done about 50 times more preparation but oh well, I’ll see how I go. I’m not out to break any records though I’m gonna take it easy. (well, as easy as 42km can be!)

Sad news this week with one my schools instructors heading into the last stage of his terminal cancer. I always think how sad it is when people reach that stage and find so many of their ‘friends’ unwilling to share that stage. The friends discomfort seems to outweigh the patients need for comfort and company. Of course it’s unpleasant to go through it but I don’t think you can give a person a more meaningful gift than your time and thoughts in such a traumatic time. I’ll be visiting Sifu Ian later this week  and will pass on any messages?

An unexpected day off means I can do a bit of bludging, a bit of tidying up and a bit of work on the computer. I’m currently uploading some video clips  onto my Facebook Fan pages. It’s gonna take a few hours though!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brisbane-Kung-Fu/71502368862?v=wall&viewas=673521198

Chat soon!

Sifu Jace

Being responsible means that others can depend on you. Being responsible means to do something well and to the best of your ability. It is being willing to be accountable for what you do or not do. Responsible means you will accept credit when you do things right and will accept correction or consequences when things go wrong.

Being accountable and showing responsibility demonstrates that your actions can be trusted. Responsibility is highly valued in both business and personal relationships.

To practise responsibility, when you agree to do something, honour that agreement by doing it and as best you can. If you do not want to do something, honour yourself by saying no. Sometimes accepting responsibility can mean extra training or hard work to carry it out.

Taking on responsibility separates you from the sheep majority. It can be a selfless or selfish choice depending on your motivations but either way, once  accepted try to do it well.

“I must do something” always solves more problems than “Something must be done.”   ~  Author Unknown

“First we make our habits, then our habits make us.”                                                                ~ Charles C. Noble

“You must take personal responsibility. You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons,or the wind, but you can change yourself. That is something you have charge of.”                                                    ~ Jim Rohn

“You are not only responsible for what you say, but also for what you do not say.”                ~ Martin Luther

“Responsibility is the price of greatness.”                                                                                       ~ Winston Churchill

I saw this article recently and thought it was a remarkable example of perspective and positive attitude! If only we all could view the world this way – it would be an amazing place! Still if we all do a little bit, surely we can make a difference?

I am thankful for:-

· The taxes I pay because it means I am employed.

· The clothes that fit a little too snugly because it means I have more than enough to eat.

· The lawn that needs mowing, or the windows that need cleaning, because it means that I have a home.

· The spot I find at the far end of the parking lot because it means I am capable of walking.

· My large heating and cooking bills, because it means that I am always comfortable.

· The lady behind me on the bus who sings off key to her personal stereo, because it means that I can hear.

· The alarm that wakes in the early morning, because it means that I am alive.

Are you a person who is often depressed or negative? Imagine if you could turn around your thoughts to have the perception like these. How much better would life quickly become?

Now, let’s see… Telstra and TPG are blaming each other for the newly added 2 week delay (after already 8 weeks! Grrr!) on my broadband set up. How can I turn that perception around? Hmm… well,  no fees while it’s not working I suppose. Gives me something to look forward to. The opportunity to have it at all when 80%+ of the world couldn’t have it. You know what? I actually feel better about it!  

Patience is enduring a delay or troublesome situation without complaining. When you are patient you remain calm and tolerant when difficult things happen. When you are impatient your irritability doesn’t hurry things along, in fact it just makes people feel uncomfortable.

Accept that some things take time. Acceptance will help you to feel peaceful as you are waiting. Be gentle with yourself and others when you make a mistake. Mistakes only mean that you are still learning. As long as remain learning you are a developing human being and you are planting the seeds of success.

You know you are patient when:

· You remain calm during an inevitable delay

· You create goals for yourself and see them through

· You are gentle with others and yourself when you make a mistake

· You have faith that things will turn out alright in the end.

I like this Chinese quote:

If you are patient in one moment of anger, you will escape a hundred days of sorrow.

Sorry for the lack of entries of late. I’ve changed to a Naked broadband set up and there has been 6 weeks of  stuffing around in getting it set up. I hope to have it up and running within a week and I’ll add some more content then,

Don’t Worry , Be Happy!!

Sifu

After a month of everything falling apart, (job, relationship, car – even a cockroach landing in my thickshake!), I thought it incredibly ironic to be asked at that time to do a Motivational Speech talk on Self Esteem. I was interested but not sure I could pull it off. After all, my whole life I’ve tended to take in large presentations of information in various forms only to regurgitate it succintly in a ‘nutshell’. I even prided myself on being able to analyse, condense and summate. Hence my trepidation.

The project was an absolute gift. Being at a low point not felt in many years I wasn’t exactly flying high in the confidence stakes even if it wasn’t particularly obvious to those around me (still got those acting skills).  The gift was looking at my journey (from conception! to now) and the transformations I had gone through. If anyone is interested I’m considering transcribing my talk into written form.

Anyhow, taking the time to see how far I have come and what I’ve already persevered through and accomplished made me feel pretty good again. Plus the fact I haven’t thrown myself in the deep end for a while so it was great to challenge myself. As I said in the talk, if you tackle a challenge and give it a good shot you’ll feel good about it and get a buzz.

So a good weekend in all. Went to the rellies on Saturday night and found some more family tree research. So many skeletons!  So far we’ve come across adoptions, bigamy, homosexuality, incest, abuse, mental illness, refugeees, POW’s, and more. Fascinating stuff and we’re only 5% in! Sunday was a good day too. Took a friend Zorbing (rolling down a hill inside a water filled clear rubber ball) just like the coke ad in the 80′s. Great fun – followed by strawberry ice creams, Yatala pies, rock climbing, ping pong and fish and chips by the beach! An awesome active day, with variety and great company.  And the whole time being updated with the continuing successes of my students at the NAS tournament. 5 Competitors and 6 trophies brought home. I’m very proud of them all.

Have just sorted through over a thousand photos and decided to create a gallery. The new website will be the obvious place to do that in full. Meanwhile, I’ll put some up on the forum and I’m considering doing a Facebook profile for the school as well. Check my profile for the link. Actually, here it is -http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=74262&id=71502368862&l=0932500591

If you click on the photos they come up in full.

This week’s virtue of choice is…. Honesty.

Being honest is being sincere, open trustworthy and truthful. When people are honest, they can be relied on not to lie, cheat or steal. If they tell you something, you know they mean it.

With honesty you can count on your friends, family, classmates, colleagues and they can count on you. Honesty means not exaggerating something just to impress others.

Honesty is telling the truth no matter what, even it means disappointing someone. Being honest means you don’t make false promises. You do what you said you’d do. Your actions match your words. Integrity!

Honesty brings an element of trust and security to your relationships and to your life. Telling the truth and living your life honestly isn’t always easy and requires a lot of courage, but will bring you greater rewards in your personal and professional life.

• Admit your mistakes
• Keep your promises
• Say what you mean
• Mean what you say
• Tell the truth tactfully
• Refuse to lie or cheat
• Refuse to steal

What virtue do you want next?

Be honest     

A lie has speed, but truth has endurance.  ~Edgar J. Mohn

We tell lies when we are afraid… afraid of what we don’t know, afraid of what others will think, afraid of what will be found out about us.  But every time we tell a lie, the thing that we fear grows stronger.  ~Tad Williams

Some people will not tolerate such emotional honesty in communication.  They would rather defend their dishonesty on the grounds that it might hurt others.  Therefore, having rationalized their phoniness into nobility, they settle for superficial relationships.  ~Author Unknown

It takes two to lie.  One to lie and one to listen.  ~”Homer Simpson,”

Well, I’m glad that weeks over! Phew!

My recently serviced and fixed up car broke down again, so I went and got another hire vehicle. I needed it because I was doing night shift teaching on top of my day time labouring all week – crazy long days and very little sleep. It was an absolute overload but I really enjoy teaching at this particular acting institution – QAP. The Qld Actor’s Playhouse. It’s refreshing to have students who are eager, skilled and committed and it’s a reflection on the staff and the schoo as a whole. I just hope next time i get more than a couple of days notice before getting called in!

So then my hire vehicle broke down. (Well – a flat battery thanks to someone sticky beaking and leaving an interior light on). If that was all I would have smiled and moved on but THEN I picked up my car from the mechanics -suposedly fixed – and broke down on Hale St in peak hour. I must have run over a black cat recently or something. Anyway, did a self repair job on the radiator and some hoses, managed to make it home and took it back to the mechanics the next day.  Their response? Dunno. “Must have been an air bubble – seems alright now but?” So I left frustrated and not too confident – however so far no further problems so fingers crossed.

Had a good acro class on the weekend. Can’t wait to get good photos of the new balances we have. It’s challenging, a work out and rewarding to do the hard postures we do!

I’m looking forward to returning to singing lessons next week. Priority is the 3 duets I’m singing next weekend for a friends recital and then I want to start some new material. “November Rain”, “Hymn to Her” (with lyric tweaks), “Easy” are next on the list.

After such a big week I wouldn’t be upset to have a couple of days off due to rain. Plenty to do at home including rearranging the house.

Interesting week may be an understatement. My relationship of 7.5 years came to an end after much anguish but this is not a place to discuss it. On top of that my van broke down (only 2 weeks after spendin$1300 on it! I’ll find out today how bad the situation is with it. Thermstat’ broke’, thereby cooling system failed and radiator emptied, motor sizzled. In the meantime, I’ve hired a vehicle (very nice late model Commodore with too much power and too many perks and auto gadgets. A bit of a luxury for me!

I’ve also agreed to teach every night this week which is little ridiculous considering I’m working 13 hours each day already. But it is just a once off week teaching at the Qld Actors Playhouse. Great students – last week’s were very receptive which makes my job as teacher so much easier and more satisfying. I’ll be looking forward to a sleep in come next week!

Meanwhile, leaving work early today for a dentist and optometrist appointment before going home to help pack!

Well,

for the lack of anything interesting to say about myself today, here’s what  some others think. Makes me blush!

The weekend of the 7th & 8th March saw our Zen Chi Ryu Dojo host a Tai Chi Seminar with guest instructor Sifu Jason King.  Planning for this seminar began in the latter stages of 2008 and early 2009 when initial contact was made with Jason after an extensive Web search.  Jason was very approachable and keen to share his martial arts experience with our Dojo and so the date was settled and preparations began in earnest.

My interest in Tai Chi goes back a long way and its elegant and graceful moves coupled with the proven health benefits for mind, body and spirit enticed me to learn more.  I had participated in a series of Tai Chi Workshops in 2006, during which we were taught a ‘form’ and I thoroughly enjoyed that learning experience and believe that it complimented my growing knowledge base of the Martial Arts and Zen Chi Ryu in particular.

My previous experience was in an all female class with a female instructor and there seemed to be a calmness and serenity about the group. This weekend just passed, I thoroughly enjoyed working through this seminar with a number of males of varying ages including teenagers who gave the group a different energy and vibe whilst maintaining the calmness and focus.

When organising this seminar, I had no set expectations, but rather wanted to immerse myself and others in the experience.  We left it up to Jason to decide what he wanted to share with our group of novices and he delivered over and above expectations.  I found Jason to be very open, caring and passionate about his craft. He is eager to share and is a kind and patient instructor.

Jason allowed us to experience a number of building blocks of Tai Chi including the importance of warming up the body; the importance of stretching prior to exercise as well as stretching to increase flexibility.  We experienced and practiced Abdominal Breathing Exercises; Qi Gong Meditation; Sixth Sense Awakening; Tai Chi Applications in self defence as well as learning of the links between Tai Chi and Kung Fu.  The younger males in the group asked if Jason could perform a Kung Fu Kata for them and he did not disappoint.  He was lightening fast in his moves; powerful in the execution of strikes and kicks; athletic in his performance of jumps and rolls and extremely flexible in his deep stances…..Wow!!!

Woven throughout the weekend was the teaching of the 13th Form (Kata).  On the last day, we asked Sifu Jason to perform this Form so that we all had an idea of what it should look like when done by a person of his experience.  Jason was mesmerizing.  He moved through the eight directions of the form with poise and grace and we were all left wanting more.  It is now up to us to practice this Form to the best of our ability to ensure that upon Jason’s return, we might look even a fraction as elegant and graceful as he did.

It is testament to Jason’s interpersonal and teaching skills, that when parents began to arrive to pick up their teens, none of us had any idea that time had passed so quickly, leaving us with a thirst for more.  Jason is keen to return to Gladstone to continue where he left off and we are arranging another weekend mid year, which we are all eagerly anticipating.

On a personal note, I enjoyed the weekend immensely.  Jason was welcomed into our home and our circle of close friends and it was great to get to know him and share stories and experiences about martial arts and life in general. – Sempai Kate Reilly

Such kind words. I look forward to returning in August!

Well the trip to Gladstone went well. It started badly though with Qantas making several stuff ups with my boarding and check in procedure resulting in missing a flight and missing the start of the seminar I was teaching! Good flight – short comfortable trip. Refreshments provided were a single cookie and a half cup of water so I felt very priveleged!

Zen Chi Ryu were great hosts and provided about 16 participants for the Tai Ji workshop. Whole new world for many of them but they embraced it all with an open mind. I look forward to returning in August. The impending cyclone had everyone on high alert and steps were taken to prepare for a posssible hit. Everything outside put well away, food, radios, torches and batteries stocked up on. I was flying out just ahead of it so I was only expecting a fast flight back to Brisbane! Had another alert over the Sat night. Police knocking on our front door at 3am saying prepare to evacuate – there was a house fire a couple of properties away and there were concerns about gas bottles etc. In the end we were fine to stay but when I checked the place out the next day, there was nothing but a shell left. Maybe they’ll rethink inviting me up there again?

Cyclone resulted in wet weather here in Brisbane and as a result I’ve had a few days off work. Caught up on several tasks and even had an induction for this next project I’m applying for. The Airport Link/Northern Busway is 2-4 years potential work which would be great to be included on going into this financial/employment crisis.

If I have tomorrow off I’ll try to catch up with a few people and continue with my committee tasks!

To finish have a think about this quote from Michael Jordan. He puts into personal context the saying if at first you don’t succeed, try try, again.

“I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed.”
- Michael Jordan

Failing helps you succeed, as long as you continue to try. And it helps if you learn something from the failure as well. So don’t be afraid to fail. failing is only ‘bad’ if you you don’t try in the first place, or if you give up!

Well, I suspect my job is coming to an end (again!). The last few days have been spent cleaning and tidying up and I’ve been sent home early every day this week.  So I’ve had to put a couple of plans into action.

A. Be seen to be constantly working and not bludging (like many around me). Hopefully they’ll be let off before I am.

B. Be proactive about other projects. I have signed up for an induction on the Airport Link Tunnel which starts later this month. Unfortunately, I’m competing against a lot of guys and I don’t have the expoerience or know someone to get me in.

C. My boss finished up this week and is going to a project at West End/Stones Corner. If I can hang on for a month or two, maybe he can get me in on that job. He’s already mentioned a caretaker position which would suit me to the ground. Especialy if it’s night shift!

But if all fails, I can get by for a while so I shan’t stress.

I’m off to Gladstone this weekend to teach TaiJi at a Freestyle karate School. Flying up Sat morning, teach sat afternoon, sun morning and fly back sun night. Should be fun. Then in May I have a big trip to Perth planned. A few people to catch up and plenty of time to check the place out.

I’m working on a few duets with my mate Webb at the moment. We’ve been invited to sing at a mutual friend’s recital in a few weeks. Vincent (Dom Maclean), Forever Autumn (from “War of the Worlds”), and Senza Una Donna (Paul Young and Zucchero). Then I’m looking forward to starting fresh with some new solo material. Any suggestions?

Two students competed last week and did very well Karen and Marc both represented the school and were skilled enough to bring home awards. Makes me happy! Trophies number 387, 388, 389! Who will get 400!

My $360 – $550 repairs to my radiator ended up costing $1300+!!!! Not happy but at least the van’s not overheating now!

I’m gone for a couple of days, so Sun /Mon I’l tell you about the exciting township of Gladstone! 

So – if anyone out there is interested, let me know what you’d like me to write about? Do you want humour, inspiration, sage advice, or ramblings? What have you liked in my entries so far will give me an idea and help to prompt me as well!

SELF-DISCIPLINE

Discipline means order. Self-discipline means self-order. With self-order you bring order into your life. You decide what order you would like in your life and then you work towards achieving it. Without self-discipline your life can float along without meaning and purpose. You then risk feeling depressed and apathetic or chaotic and pressured. There are still times for being carefree and you still need to be flexible and open to change; the difference is that with self-discipline you take control of your destiny.

Practise self-discipline to take charge of your life. Decide what direction your taking and set about doing the work to make sure it happens. Decide what to do with your emotions. Think before you act. Sometimes emotions are so strong they cloud our judgement.

Practise self-discipline by thinking about what you want to do. Create a plan to do it. Break your goal down into smaller goals and give yourself realistic timeframes to do them in. Follow a routine to allow it to happen. Then don’t give up. After a while your routine will become second nature and your plan will be underway. You will end up with more confidence knowing you can achieve what you set your mind to. This will lead to greater freedom and taking charge of your destiny.

To sum up:

- don’t procrastinate

- make a step by step plan to

follow

-when making decisions detach

or consider emotions

- get things done on time.

I choose to live by choice, not by chance.

I choose to make changes, not excuses.

I choose to be motivated, not manipulated.

I choose to be useful, not used.

I choose self-esteem, not pity.

I choose to listen to my inner voice,

not the random opinions of crowds.

Alexandra Starr

Just thought I’d share a maxim that I try to live by. It sits on the wall above my desk!

CONFIDENCE is being certain and feeling sure. Confidence in someone else comes from trusting that person. Confidence in yourself comes from trusting yourself. When you are confident in yourself, you can do things without self doubt holding you back. Being self confident means you know your own strengths and weaknesses, and yet you still believe in yourself.

By practising confidence you are willing to try new things knowing that you will learn even if you make mistakes. Being confident means believing in yourself even if nobody else does.

You don’t have to wait until you know something before feeling confident. You can feel confident first, and then know that you will always get better and better at something. Feeling confident in your abilities opens up every opportunity for you. It means being able to step into the unknown. It means achieving your goals and being successful. Being self confident is the first step to a happy and successful life.

Try new things and feel good about it. Be gentle with yourself. Understand that you are here to learn and making mistakes is a natural process of learning. Understand your strengths and weaknesses but rather than using them to hold you back, use them to push yourself forward.

Scientific research has shown that a person who doesn’t appear confident is far more likely to be the victim of an assault than someone showing strength and purpose. So if you’re bullied or walked over at school or work, or don’t feel safe walking down the street at night, you can reduce the chance of victimisation by appearing to be confident. Walk with a purpose, your shoulders back, head held high.

The exciting thing is, if your physical body at least looks confident, you can ‘trick’ your brain into believing it is confident because the brain associates that positive body language with a strength of mind. I have used this tool constantly as a teacher , competitor and performer and can vouch for it working!!

As Anthony Fernando said this week, it’s hard to write something inspirational in the wake of something so terrible. Over 200 lives lost and incredible devastation. Amongst the many, many options of donations etc., I liked the following one where people have the option of helping in many different ways. If everyone does a little bit, the results will be tremendous so see what you can do to help.

Our Community has packaged up in one place all the various ways people can help out and give to people affected by the Victorian bushfires through our Giving Centre – which is proudly supported by our alliance partner Westpac Bank.

The page describes where to:

• Donate Money (Online, at Banks & Australia Post Offices);
• Donate Time;
• Donate Blood;
• Donate Clothes or Furniture;
• Donate Blankets;
• Help Animals;
• and more.

The page is at www.ourcommunity.com.au/bushfirehelp

This is a one-stop-shop to help out individuals and workplaces who want to contribute to the emergency and recovery efforts. Please feel free to place the link on your own websites etc and spread the word. If you would like an image for your own page you can find some downloadable images here: www.ourcommunity.com.au/bushfirehelpimages

Best regards,

The Our Community Team

My first instructor John Nalder, whom some of you met on a training camp, sent me this during the week. Very touching. When we think the going is tough, that everything is just crap, we need to remind ourselves that there are people out there who have it so much worse than ourselves!

http://www.maniacworld.com/are-you-going-to-finish-strong.html

Last night was my first committee meeting as President for the Society of Australian Fight Directors Inc (SAFDi). Things have been stagnant for the society for quite a while, but just by having a meeting, delegating some tasks and making some decisions, we have made a good start. It reminded me of a favourite saying:

“The smallest deed is greater than the smallest intention.”

The next step of course is to take note of the Actions to be done and folow up on their progress, else they’ll remain as ‘intentions’!

As soon as I was prepared for a bit of time off, I started making plans. This included dentist appointments, social catch ups, inductions for other job possibilities. And then, my old work rang me and ask me to come back ! After only 3 days off!

So it’s good I’ve got my job back, but it can be sure frustrating having circumstances keep changing on you! It is important however to be flexible with your approach to life or else changes that occur will throw you for a spin. Most people are scared of change because they are used to being in their comfort zone. I approach change as though it is something to be excited about, after all, we have one (that much we can be certain of!) lifetime here on earth and I believe we should experience as much as possible. Unfortunately, change to most people is something they are scared of and as a result miss out on maximising their satisfaction.

I dislike hearing people complain about their job, relationship, finances, training or whatever, when they don’t attempt to change their circumstances. They themselves have the strongest opportunity to try something different, apply for a different job etc.

In martial arts its crucial to go with the flow, if your opponent does something unexpected you can’t ignore it and keep doing what you were doing. You have to adapt and let go of preemption. A mental resistance will create a physical resistance and then its too late.

My spar in Kokoda is a good example. When I expected some close range handwork and instead got a flying kick to the head, I had to change my attack or get knocked silly.  Only by being relaxed and open to adaptibility did I manage to get a block up in time, and an evasive movement out of the way.

Likewise, there have been times in grappling where i didn’t want to give up a grip or hold I had even though it wasn’t fuy working. Then my opponent was able to get my submission because he was more open to adapting his moves.

See you at class!

Sifu

Ahhh. Sleep ins – gotta love them! At least for the short opportunity to enjoy them.

Well I’ve been productive the last few days at least. Caught up with a few people, prepared everything for Training and starting up classes, keeping Epson in business by printing and sorting reams and reams of stuff!   I’ve actually whittled my To Do list down considerably which is very satisfying. Many items are now simply waiting for someone else to do their bit so those things may creep back on my list as people invariably don’t follow through. Such is my life at the top. Still delegating and requesting is the only way to get ahead or else I end up so deeply bogged nothing gets done at all!

Well, it’s good to see my students back at training. As per the norm we have a small influx at the beginning of the year which includes some privates on the weekend which I look forward to teaching.

The new Direct debit system *should* make life a bit easier for the instructors. Students will gradually transfer over to that system as their cards expire.

Must take down the Christmas decorations today. Should have been done already but what benefit to me when I’m here on my own?

My first day on “holidays” today. I started with a sleep in, some Wii time, some computer procrastinating time and then finally settled down to be a little more productive. I’ve spent this evening writing up a new bio. Anyone care to offer suggestions on it? It seems a bit long but I’m not sure if I can summarise it any further without just leaving bits out. Which seems ridiculous when you consider I want to do Bios for acting, singing, fight directing and clowning as well!

Sifu Jason King has been studying martial arts for over 21 years. Jason is highly regarded in the martial arts community for his great skill and comprehensive knowledge of martial arts, and his excellent, accessible teaching style.

Jason’s first substantial involvement in martial arts began with studying Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu for three years under Sensei John Nalder until Sensei Nalder’s retirement. This provided confidence, positive mentality, combat attitude and survival skills that remain to this day.

In 1990 Jason met Master Yi-Yen (Ian) Lee, who was at the time founding the Wu Zen Dao School in Brisbane, Australia. Initiated by Master Ian Lee, Jason was inducted as a disciple (private student) and trained daily in both the Internal and External martial arts. Jason lived with Master Lee for a year and in 1992 they traveled to Taiwan to meet and train under Master Lee’s own Grandmasters. By 1993 Jason achieved the rank of TaiJi Instructor, and the following year that of Shaolin Kung Fu Instructor. In 1995, Jason took over the running of classes at the school.

Jason has several referee accreditations including a 2nd level national judge within the National All Styles Tournament circuit. As a competitor, Jason has received well over 100 trophies in various tournament categories including forms, demonstrations, weapons and fighting (points sparring, grappling, push hands, continuous fighting and full contact). More than 30 have been for State, National or International Titles.

Jason has coaching qualifications recognized by the Australian Sports Commission (ASC). As well as having the school registered with the Martial Arts Industry Association (MAIA) which is the peak Industry body for Martial Arts in Australia, Jason is involved on the Qld committee of the Australian Kung fu Wu Shu Federation (AKWF). He is acting in the role of Qld Liaison officer for Kung fu Fighting events. Establishing a local to national protocol will aid the long term goal of presenting Kung Fu to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

In addition to his martial arts work, Jason is also an actor and accomplished stage fight choreographer, having featured in many plays and films. Currently he is the President of the Society of Australian Fight Directors Inc which is the governing body for the art forms of stage combat and fight direction in Australia.

In recent years, Jason trained in several security courses, culminating with not only security qualifications and extensive work in the security industry, but certification as an Executive Protection Officer (bodyguard) as well.

2009 sees Sifu Jason and his school in high demand for demonstrations, workshops, and displays with regular invitations to perform at National Titles and World Cups. In the future, there are plans to expand the academy and to publish several books and DVD’s.

Reliability means you can be depended upon. It is following through on your commitments without forgetting, needing to be reminded or changing your mind to suit yourself.
When people can count on you, it gives them a sense of trust and relief. Reliability in yourself means setting goals, achieving them and fulfilling your dreams.

Unreliability means distrust and uncertainty from others. This will lead to less responsibility being given to you and fewer opportunities.

You can be reliable by

• agreeing to help others
• meaning what you say
• being honest with yourself
• being honest with others even when you know they won’t like it.
• being punctual
• committing to your tasks and following through
• doing the task well!
• not being distracted ( no changing your mind!)

http://www.cartoonstock.com/cartpreview.asp?imageref=rte0283

http://www.cartoonstock.com/cartpreview.asp?imageref=rhan823

Ah the irony of my last post! The very next day I’m told that I won’t be needed after this Friday! Well, after the shock of being sacked had settled and all the frantic phone calls were made (looking at other work project options), I thought how do I apply my favourite motto?

“Things turn out best for those who make the best of how things turn out.”

What are the positives you may ask? Hmmm…….
1. Back on holidays – I may get a chance to play that Wii I got for Christmas!
2. Not having to work in the blazing sun for 12 hours straight on these 30 degree plus days!
3. With the Kung Fu school starting up again next week, it gives me more of a chance to do the huge amounts of preparation required and help out with teaching. Especially as there is usually an influx at the beginning of the year.
4. New work opportunities. Change is refreshing after all – it prevents boredom and stagnation from setting in. And maybe I can find night shift work. Apparently there is a tunnel project needing workers, starting up in a month or so.
5. More free time may enable me to pursue some performing projects in the short term.

6. More time for kung fu training.

7. More time for visiting friends.

So, lucky I was saving! Now – just 2 more days of bike path boredom left to endure!

Sifu Jason

As much as we don’t (generally) enjoy going to work, there is something that can help us persevere with it. It’s a saying I heard a long time ago and I’ve used it ever since.

“It is better to work so that you can live, than live so that you can work”.

Seems obvious but how many people waste away the years for no apparent purpose. If you are working for the money (which I currently am, and I suspect most people do), then make sure you use some of that money to treat yourself. Save up for a holiday, travel overseas, see some shows or concerts, whatever it is that you would love to do if money wasn’t an option. If you work for the satisfaction your job gives you, great! But make sure other satisfactions in your life don’t suffer for it.

In my case, my job is completely dissatisfying (except for the pay packet). But I’m making a choice to suffer in the short term so that I can be more satisfied in the long term. When I can buy or build my own academy in a couple of years time (hopefully), I can earn my living following my passion, teaching and training martial arts.

So if you’re working for a purpose, it is easier to get up in the mornings, to get through the day and to unwind at night. If you don’t have a purpose, come up with one or be brave enough to make a change to your worklife. No one lies on their death bed wishing they spent more time at work!

Sifu

Happy New Year’s everybody! I know it’s early but I’m off camping for a few days. There’s nothing like getting back to nature for clearing your head, relieving stress and chilling out. Perfect conditions for goal setting (in amongst relaxing and/or adventurous activities of course!).

Joining some good friends, vanning somewhere on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and staying for New Years Eve. Last chance to enjoy quiet times before heading back to join the rat race.

My next post will be in 2009 and enlightened from my camping experience. Chat to you then. May your New Years Eve be spent with loved ones, fun filled, and safe. Stay aware, look after yourselves and steer clear of the inevitable idiots.

Yours in Ming,

Sifu Jace