I was on the tube on the way to class the other night, and sat right next to me was a business man. He had his briefcase open and was reading a report and scribbling changes and notes at the
Expert technique takes time.
A green belt student asked me for advice on his side kick the other day. He expressed disappointment when I told him that his side kick was fine. “But it doesn’t snap and sometimes I lose balance. Your kick is
The monk who can be cut into 10 pieces.
I was browsing through some old notes and found this story. I heard Master Chang recount it about 20 years ago! I would love to hear what it means to you… The Monk who can be cut into 10 Pieces
Taking time to appreciate a black belt.
Last month, after years of training and months of testing, one of my students received her black belt. As is the custom, the belt was presented to her at the end of a recent rank test. She was called to
Calming the mental clatter.
In Ki Class we often start with moving meditation. Sure, it helps strengthen and stretch us, but probably the main benefit we get is that it helps us to start to concentrate – to calm that mental clatter. Some people
Thoughts on perfectionism.
I shared the following story in class this week, dedicated to all the perfectionists we have amongst us. A monk was tendering the garden making it perfect. Japanese gardens are always just so. They have perfectly raked sand and pots
Practising what we’re bad at.
I had a student about 4 years ago who complained to me that people were advancing ahead of him and that I wasn't teaching him any new skills. To some degree this was actually true; he had reached a bit
Who is the bow for?
Most of the time, when I enter the gym, I will look directly at the students who have congregated outside the studio. Naturally they bow, “hello Saboumnim”. Occasionally I will overt my eyes. My peripheral vision sometimes allows me to
These ARE your skills.
Boxers have about 6 punches – but they practice and practice and practice. The difference in skill between Amir Khan and John Doe is obvious… but 6 punches, that’s it. I heard a great response recently… One instructor overheard his
Why must I accept with two hands?
As the Rank Test results arrived at the weekend, I have spent the week handing out new belts. It’s so wonderful to see all the new colours… Before conducting the presentations I always explain the process: When your name is