January 16, 2008
January 7, 2008
December 8, 2007
November 17, 2007
November 14, 2007
Eager for Improvement!
Since the new Dōkōkai has been established, my training spirits is lifted again. Previously I was stuck in sedentary life for more than a month while preparing for final exams followed by 3 weeks holidays away from Melaka (away from training with Adrian Senpai). My fitness level has dropped noticeably, sadly my weight rises noticeably on the contrary. 
Luckily I received a lecture from Senpai regarding my discipline. It seriously wakes me up. Guilt and worries have become the restart elements of my training.
The dōkōkai is very near to my house, a bicycle ride takes less than 3 minutes to reach there. Training is conducted on weekdays 7 to 9pm, usually I’m there before 7 to do some warm-ups and stretching. I enjoy the way to be taught and corrected by Senpai individually as it makes me more aware of mistakes under his full attention. I expect feedback from him each time after I perform a kata. Sometimes it’s a positive one, sometimes neutral and sometimes negative. Like a small kid, a “very good!” from him is like being rewarded a candy after you’ve done something good; but sometimes corrections will upset me, especially when I’m still repeating the same mistake and I thought I’ve corrected it.
For that I really appreciate Senpai’s dedication in guiding me (and also others) to improve time to time, though sometimes he’s kinda impatient. In Zankai training 2 claps are done before training starts to indicate you come to the dojo/dōkōkai to “give and take”, meaning to teach and learn. I used to take over Senpai’s classes when he was away for 1 month sabbatical training in Okinawa, I understand being a teacher/instructor is never an easy job. Other than great responsibility, selflessness is a must. Technically, a teacher/instructor has to give more than to take during the training. This isn’t everyone’s cup of tea after all, as lots of time and effort are committed.
Now I’ve got new assignment from Senpai. If everything goes smoothly it will be started next January. For the sake of Zankai’s development and image, as well as for my personal growth, I must train harder than before, but Senpai told me for women they have to train FIVE times harder in order to keep up the standard with men. Umm… a bit daunting…
I want to become stronger than I was yesterday, than I was half a day ago, than I was a minute ago! – Rock Lee in Naruto Shippuuden 28.
May 3, 2007
April 20, 2007
System down!
I had a lousy training just now. I wonder, have you ever felt your body and mind are asynchronous during the training? Like your body is just unwilling to cooperate with your mind to work properly, and everything you do seems not right. I experienced it just now. I kept telling myself to focus more, to do better but just can’t help. Every movement is just clumsy. I even secretly pinched myself to “awake” my spirits. 
Also, my heart pounded unusually fast at the beginning of the training. What’s wrong with me?? Hmm… just hope that tomorrow same thing won’t happen again in the training. I am looking forward to a good training tomorrow.
