Carpe Diem

Bill Glasheen · Post by **Bill Glasheen** » Fri Feb 27, 2004 7:04 pm

So often we think life outside and inside the dojo are separate. We bow in, and are supposed to leave "it" all behind. We bow out, and become civilians again.

Meanwhile... What's the state of mind when the BG jumps out in the parking lot? What's the state of mind when suddenly surrounded and outnumbered? More simply, what's the state of mind when you see a godan not able to do a kata he's done thousands of times when performing at a test?

Scenario training is one of the flavors-du-jour of contemporary training. We try to recreate the situation. We try to use the language, act the hostility, ramp up the intensity.

Meanwhile... Many of us are under stress every day. We come to workout and maybe we put it behind us. Or maybe we don't... Does it pollute our workout?

Last night I had a private session with a woman who is preparing for a nidan test Saturday. She set out from home in her 3-week-old car to come to workout. The other car is in need of an engine... Money is tight... The insurance deductible is high... She's driving behind another car on the interestate, when suddenly it swerves. She sees a rather sizeable wooden chair IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. Too little time to react; she plows into and over it. Maybe it didn't hurt my new Corolla. Maybe...

She pulls into the parking lot gym. She looks at the front of the car. One of the legs is sticking out through the grill. Hood is bent. Bumper is mangled. Etc., etc.

I noticed it was taking her a long time to get ready. It was fine because I was working with another student, but she was the reason to be there that night. Then she finally comes in with gi on and tells her story.

Yes, I expressed my sypmpathy. Yes, hubby will be pi$$ed when he comes home from his business trip. (He INSISTED she drive the new car...)

Then we worked through the entire nidan test as a dress rehersal. Damn her feelings. ****** it up. Dig down deep. What do you have inside?

The story isn't over, but I thought I'd share the chapter. It isn't often that teaching opportunities are right there in front of you.

- Bill

benzocaine · Post by **benzocaine** » Sun Feb 29, 2004 12:37 pm

Wow. How unfortunate that her car was damaged like that. LIfe is uncertain. If her hubby is smart He'll only care that SHE is OK.

I can relate to her not being able to focus in class, and having her mind on other pressing issues.

I hope she did well on the Dan test. Was it a regional test??

Bill Glasheen · Post by **Bill Glasheen** » Sun Feb 29, 2004 12:45 pm

Yesterday Vicki successfully passed her nidan test. It was a mixed organization board of IUKF and Shohei Ryu practitioners. Dana and Heather did the honors of being her sparring partners - one right after the next. It was fun to watch.

Shelly Dunn's student also did well and got his shodan.

The worst injuries were to the car. The estimates are in and it will be fixed.

- Bill

chef · Post by **chef** » Sun Feb 29, 2004 1:47 pm

Ouch! So is this chapter closed?

Your student,
Vicki

Bill Glasheen · Post by **Bill Glasheen** » Sun Feb 29, 2004 6:08 pm

How's the foot? And speaking of which, wonder what Heather's elbow looks like...

One chapter gracefully completed. You were maaavelous, Vicki!

Kanchin here we come!

- Bill

benzocaine · Post by **benzocaine** » Sun Feb 29, 2004 10:30 pm

Congrats Vicki!

Post by **gmattson** » Sun Feb 29, 2004 10:31 pm

Well done...

Susan is very impressed!!!

RACastanet · Post by **RACastanet** » Sun Feb 29, 2004 10:46 pm

Yep, Vicki was special yesterday. When I saw what her ankle and foot looked like after the sparring I could not believe she finished the match. It hurt just to look at. Also, I wish I could put on a game face as she does. Very scary...

Rich

benzocaine · Post by **benzocaine** » Mon Mar 01, 2004 1:38 pm

Bill.

Sent a PM to you.

M. Keller · Post by **M. Keller** » Tue Mar 02, 2004 7:44 pm

Congratulations vicki! I have no doubt that you cleaned up

Best,

Mike

UVATigress · Post by **UVATigress** » Tue Mar 02, 2004 9:44 pm

Congrats on the nidan test, Vicki! You're quite an inspiration to all of us women trying to head up in the ranks of Uechi.

Beth

chef · Post by **chef** » Tue Mar 02, 2004 10:57 pm

Thank you one and all for such gracious and encouraging words. I am where I am because of a dedicated and diligent sensei...one who has blessed me with excellent instruction, great patience, and continued work. We are where we are in life with the help of others along the way.

Thank you, Bill and any others who have been on this personal journey. I am indebted.

Regards,
Vicki

Van Canna · Post by **Van Canna** » Wed Mar 03, 2004 12:17 am

Good for you Vicky. Too bad we did not get to see your performance at camp.

Congratulations.

Dana Sheets · Post by **Dana Sheets** » Thu Mar 04, 2004 6:55 pm

Just wanted to add my congrats to Vicki. She did a wonderful job - as did Shelly's student.

Also Heather and I extend our thanks to Bill for inviting us down and to Bill and Shelly for welcoming us onto the test board. It was good to see Bill, Rich, Vicki and other familiar faces. And Rich - thanks' for letting us sit in on your class.

It's good to know there's lots of good Uechi in the world!

Dana

benzocaine · Post by **benzocaine** » Sat Mar 06, 2004 3:15 am

Bill and Rich,

It looks as though I will not be in Richmond tomorrow. I really do want to see you all soon. I am hoping some folks from my club will want to make the trek over forthe Arnis seminar. Hey, how about this great weather??

Sorry to hyjack the thread like this.
Ben

Carpe Diem

Carpe Diem

...Life's challenges

Congratulations Vicki

Thank you