Part Deux...

I can easily say that my expectations for my second Power Weekend have changed tremendously over the past year (and even more so in the last month!) I started out determined to make this the best experience possible by making myself the best that I could be, improving in the areas I had struggled with in my first go round. I would be fitter, leaner and better able to stand up to the challenges put to me by the cadre of instructors that would be there the next time. I was very concerned with ME, mostly because I wasn’t sure who I could count on.

I was also very concerned with being a good STUDENT, but found that increasingly difficult. I just didn’t seem to have the time. Like Ian and Toni, teaching is the major part of my time at DeSantos, leaving very little time at the dojang for training. Again, in finding a way on an obscure path this meant that a lot of my training had to be done outside the dojang – and not just the physical part either. I’ve read and collected a wide range of books on the martial arts over the last two years, and they have been part of this journey as well.

Without really meaning to, TEACHING has become the thing that defines my time at DeSantos. When I started I kind of figured it would be something I would do a couple of times a week, teach a sparse class and have some fun. Much to my surprise, I seem to have become a teacher that people respond to, someone who people listen to, someone whose classes are sought out and someone who is given a great deal of respect – all of which is quite astonishing. I have always struggled in my life to believe in myself, and to accept that there are people in this world who look up to me, believe in me and love me. Finding my classes well attended, or having people come up to me after class grinning and thanking me for training them has at times been a bit disconcerting.

All of which is why by March Break this year I realized that my expectations for Power Weekend had changed. A year ago I wanted to be the best physically that I had ever been. Now I realize that either that is not achievable, or actually is not a worthy goal. Instead I think my intent has shifted to a devotion to getting the group prepared and through the weekend, and maybe they can give me the support I need to achieve what I want.

(more of the poster still to come, but the whole thing and the booklet is available for viewing at DeSantos. Take the booklet down, sit down and take some time to enjoy it. If you want a copy let me know and I'll print one up for you...)