End of the First Year

The first year has ended here at the Retreat Center. Its gone by so fast it’s hard to believe its over already. Its been a great year of training and learning under Shifu. We’ve all made much progress in this first year and I look forward to the 9 years remaining. Based on the progress we have made in this first year, I have confidence that we will attain our goal of preserving and further developing the arts. I want to thank everybody who has believed in us and those who have helped to make this dream a reality. Most importantly, I want to thank Shifu for believing in me and giving me this opportunity.

It took quite a bit of time to adjust to the Retreat Center life. It has been difficult at times making the transition from my old lifestyle to the one I have been living which in many ways is similar to that of a monk. I have always enjoyed studying philosophy-Hinduism, Buddhism, Daoism and learning about meditation, the purpose of life and the spiritual path...Studying is one thing, actually living the life is another. This is something I have learned during this past year training at the center. It is easy to get into deep philosophical conversations, simply repeating the things one has read. But to really apply and live what one has read can be incredibly difficult...however that is the only way the true value of studying philosophy can manifest.

The most difficult part of the year was in the beginning, the first semester. I was just recovering from surgery when the school year began. Because of this I was very far behind everybody as far as ability goes, and it was an uphill race to try and catch up. There was so much I couldnt do; running, jumping, kicking, stances...the list goes on. My brothers kept progressing in these areas and, although I was doing my best, I was falling further and further behind. I felt so much pressure from so many directions to push myself beyond what I thought safe. I did my homework on ACL injuries and recovery and I understood my limits. I wasnt about to risk re-injury and more surgery. It was hard having to keep explaining myself and why I couldnt do certain things. We even had a guest who claimed to see auras who was convinced my knee was fine! I'm sorry, it doesnt work like that! I have little patients for remarks like that. I felt pressured and stressed. Throughout the first semester I'm sure my attitude reflected this.

Thankfully as the school year progressed and my knee continued to heal and strengthen, I was gradually able to push myself more and more. I was convinced my injury was a minor setback and that no matter how far behind I was, I was going to catch up. That was one of my few sources of comfort...knowing that my injury was temporary and was getting better. I would catch up! I trained my ass off and made steady progress. At the end of the first semester, although I was still behind my brothers, I was on my way.

The second semester is when I made the most dramatic progress. I was 6 months out of surgery and was in the clear to really kick up the training. I was running, jumping, kicking, and my stances were finally getting back to where they once had been. I felt motivated seeing that I was getting better. I didnt feel as pressured or stressed and my attitude began to change. I trained harder. Shifu noticed this and that was another source of comfort. I felt better understood by the one who mattered the most.

Now its the end of the first year and I feel great. Not only am I back to where I was before my injury...I've gotten much better in every area! My kicks are stronger and faster, my stances are lower and more rooted, (we no longer run), and most importantly I have developed a greater sense of discipline. This past year has been the hardest one of my life but I never quit...even when I thought I would. Even at times when the pressure and stress were so great and I didnt think I could endure. I never quit. When I think of this I smile.

Throughout this year, through the good times and the bad, Shifu never gave up on me. He may have yelled at me at times, and even gotten a bit frustrated with my negative attitude and lack of discipline (I used to leave a trail wherever I went...socks, shoes, glasses etc). At times I was close to quitting, Shifu knew this I'm sure, but he never gave up on me. He reminded me of what it would mean if I failed, and more importantly through his example, his discipline, his achievements, his lessons and teachings, he has taught me how to succeed. He has inspired me to a degree I have never experienced. I owe him so much and I am very grateful for all he has done and all he has enabled me to accomplish. I have a long way to go before I accomplish our ultimate goal, but thank you Shifu, I am on my way.

1 Year down, 9 to go.