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
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
