During my vacation in Pennsylvania I got into a car accident. After x-rays and an MRI it was discovered that I have whiplash and 2 herniated discs (C5-C6 and C6-C7). And foraminal encroachment (C3-C4 and C4-C5).
So now I'm looking into therapy while I wait to see a neurologist. I dont know what the big picture is yet so I'm playing it safe and avoiding things that cause pain or anything that puts too much pressure and stress on my back. In the mean time I'm doing what I can to help with seminars.
Any suggestions, advice, or a similar experience please post or email.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
Craigs Visit to Northeast PA
Craig came down to shoot some stuff for the documentary. It's always a good time with Craig. He met Rebecca and Chynna and did some interviews with them. I could tell Rebecca loved being in front of the camera =) She's a natural and did a great job. She opened up and said some very touching things that brought tears to my eyes (The room must have been dusty lol). Rebecca's cockatoo wasnt left out of the action. She even put on a little show for craig...that bird is nuts!...but completely awesome.
This past Saturday Craig followed me up to my teacher Mark Seidel's school to meet him, do some interviewing and film some training. Mark is an old time student of Master Yang going way back and is one of the greatest teachers I know. His level of skill, discipline, and attitude towards training are very inspirational. Mark is a true example of what it means to be a martial artist. He has a wife, kids, and a stressful and hectic full time job. Yet he still trains EVERY single day regardless. Mark is a real bad ass...highly skilled and equally if not more important, has a high level of morality. I look to Mark in many ways as an example of what I aspire to be.
Saturday is his Hung Gar class...A brutal experience! Hung Gar is my foundational style. Marks class was painful as usual. Many row exercises with moves derived from the Hung Gar forms, followed by some partner drills, including applications and bridge hands exercises. We ended class with hard tiger qigong. When class was over my shirt was drenched in sweat, my forearms were jacked (from the hard qigong) and I was exhausted. I joked around afterward and told Mark that he is a sadist...enjoying the pain he inflicts on his students. Mark smiled and added that he doesn't just inflict pain, he shares the pain. What a generous guy!
(Mark Seidel and Me...My shirt is soaked!)
If anybody in the Northeast Pa, area (or anybody willing to travel the distance) has an opportunity to train under Mark, I highly recommend it. He teaches traditional Hung Gar, Long Fist and Yang Style Taijiquan in Scranton Pa, and can be reached at (570) 249-1087.
This past Saturday Craig followed me up to my teacher Mark Seidel's school to meet him, do some interviewing and film some training. Mark is an old time student of Master Yang going way back and is one of the greatest teachers I know. His level of skill, discipline, and attitude towards training are very inspirational. Mark is a true example of what it means to be a martial artist. He has a wife, kids, and a stressful and hectic full time job. Yet he still trains EVERY single day regardless. Mark is a real bad ass...highly skilled and equally if not more important, has a high level of morality. I look to Mark in many ways as an example of what I aspire to be.
Saturday is his Hung Gar class...A brutal experience! Hung Gar is my foundational style. Marks class was painful as usual. Many row exercises with moves derived from the Hung Gar forms, followed by some partner drills, including applications and bridge hands exercises. We ended class with hard tiger qigong. When class was over my shirt was drenched in sweat, my forearms were jacked (from the hard qigong) and I was exhausted. I joked around afterward and told Mark that he is a sadist...enjoying the pain he inflicts on his students. Mark smiled and added that he doesn't just inflict pain, he shares the pain. What a generous guy!
(Mark Seidel and Me...My shirt is soaked!)
If anybody in the Northeast Pa, area (or anybody willing to travel the distance) has an opportunity to train under Mark, I highly recommend it. He teaches traditional Hung Gar, Long Fist and Yang Style Taijiquan in Scranton Pa, and can be reached at (570) 249-1087.
Vacation Continues...
Vacation has been a blast! I've seen my family, some good friends and I've spent alot of time with my girlfriend Rebecca and her daughter Chynna. Chynna sure is growing up. She's starting to look more like her mom. Over the past year or so Chynna has been practicing singing and man what a voice! This girl can really sing...I told her when she gets a little older if she keeps practicing she should try out for American Idol. Both Rebecca and Chynna are an important part of my life and I miss them when I'm away at the Retreat Center. But they support me and understand my path.
(My Girlfriend Rebecca)
(Rebecca and Me)
I was able to see 2 of my good friends this past week. My old roomie and good freind Angie (or Spang as I call her) and one my best buds Mike Daly. I spent a couple hours with Angie. She just moved into a new place and is expecting her first child due in October. Wow she's gotten big! I cant believe what happens while I'm away. We didnt do much, just hung out and caught up on our lives. A good time.
Mike was my old training partner back when we trained Hung Gar. Mike and I clicked from the very beginning. We're both into martial arts and philosophy. One of the greatest memories I have of Mike was when we went to this Vedantic Hindu monastery Arsha Vidya Gurukulam in Saylorsburg, PA. A beautiful place with a nice temple, good people and great food. This is the Monastery I got the Ganesa Pendant I wear around my neck nearly at all times...I'll tell the story and symbolism behind it some other time. I only got to spend a couple hours with Mike but they were overall a highlight of my vacation. We caught up on all that we've been up to since I moved. One of the biggest things going on with him is he recently had a son. A cool kid he named Jack...why he didnt name him Tom I'll never understand. He has a successful tatooing business up at his place. I'll give those interested the info (Phone number and website) when I get it.
(Mike Daly and Me Goofing Around)
(My Girlfriend Rebecca)
(Rebecca and Me)
I was able to see 2 of my good friends this past week. My old roomie and good freind Angie (or Spang as I call her) and one my best buds Mike Daly. I spent a couple hours with Angie. She just moved into a new place and is expecting her first child due in October. Wow she's gotten big! I cant believe what happens while I'm away. We didnt do much, just hung out and caught up on our lives. A good time.
Mike was my old training partner back when we trained Hung Gar. Mike and I clicked from the very beginning. We're both into martial arts and philosophy. One of the greatest memories I have of Mike was when we went to this Vedantic Hindu monastery Arsha Vidya Gurukulam in Saylorsburg, PA. A beautiful place with a nice temple, good people and great food. This is the Monastery I got the Ganesa Pendant I wear around my neck nearly at all times...I'll tell the story and symbolism behind it some other time. I only got to spend a couple hours with Mike but they were overall a highlight of my vacation. We caught up on all that we've been up to since I moved. One of the biggest things going on with him is he recently had a son. A cool kid he named Jack...why he didnt name him Tom I'll never understand. He has a successful tatooing business up at his place. I'll give those interested the info (Phone number and website) when I get it.
(Mike Daly and Me Goofing Around)
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Beginning Vacation
After a few minor hiccups my vacation is off to a nice start.
My flight out of Eureka was at 6 in the am last wed. We left the retreat center a few minutes late and raced to the airport. Ricardo was going to do the driving but because we were running late, I stepped up to ensure a speedy arrival. Thankfully I caught my first flight on time. My next stop was Los Angeles, Ca where I originally had a 3 hour layover...that turned into a 4 hour layover as there were apparently some difficulties with the airline (US Airways). The airline arrived an hour late at my second layover in Philly, Pa and subsequently I missed my connecting flight to Wilkes Barre/Scranton. This is the 3rd time I've had problems with US Airways. They wanted to put me in a hotel overnight and catch another flight the following morning. This was hardly an option as my vacation is precious...so much to do so little time! Thankfully I made a phone call to Rebecca, my girlfriend here and she made the 2 hour journey to pick me up...I ended up being the one driving back.
I spent the first couple days seeing her, my dad and family. One day on the way to my dads house for lunch, we were rear ended. The driver responsible was tailgating and when we went to make a turn he slammed right into us. Ouch! so we had to cut lunch short and went to the hospital. I had some minor neck pain and got x-rays and examined by a doctor. Nothing serious (Thank the Dao!) just some whiplash.
My remaining vacation plans? Training, visit my kung fu teachers here, visit friends and spend lots of time with my dad, grandma, Rebecca and her family. Providing no other hiccups, its should be a nice vacation.
My flight out of Eureka was at 6 in the am last wed. We left the retreat center a few minutes late and raced to the airport. Ricardo was going to do the driving but because we were running late, I stepped up to ensure a speedy arrival. Thankfully I caught my first flight on time. My next stop was Los Angeles, Ca where I originally had a 3 hour layover...that turned into a 4 hour layover as there were apparently some difficulties with the airline (US Airways). The airline arrived an hour late at my second layover in Philly, Pa and subsequently I missed my connecting flight to Wilkes Barre/Scranton. This is the 3rd time I've had problems with US Airways. They wanted to put me in a hotel overnight and catch another flight the following morning. This was hardly an option as my vacation is precious...so much to do so little time! Thankfully I made a phone call to Rebecca, my girlfriend here and she made the 2 hour journey to pick me up...I ended up being the one driving back.
I spent the first couple days seeing her, my dad and family. One day on the way to my dads house for lunch, we were rear ended. The driver responsible was tailgating and when we went to make a turn he slammed right into us. Ouch! so we had to cut lunch short and went to the hospital. I had some minor neck pain and got x-rays and examined by a doctor. Nothing serious (Thank the Dao!) just some whiplash.
My remaining vacation plans? Training, visit my kung fu teachers here, visit friends and spend lots of time with my dad, grandma, Rebecca and her family. Providing no other hiccups, its should be a nice vacation.
Friday, July 3, 2009
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.
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.
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