Hmm bout time for an update I reckon!
Work has been complicated to say the least recently. Can’t really go into too much detail, but there has been a lot of falling out between staff members and I have been getting really frustrated with the stupid politics that starts the minute you walk through the door. I’m not considering a career change at this point as I actually really like my job, it’s just the hassle that comes with it that annoys me. I’m sure it is very common when you have been working somewhere for about five years or so, you will naturally start getting tired of the same old surroundings, but unfortunately one of my good friends is now leaving for a new career in London and I am left with a few people who I really don’t get on with at all. I am a pretty laid back guy and I really hate falling out with anyone, but I can honestly say that I really dislike a couple of people I work with and find it hard to even speak to them, which is really unlike me!
Anyway enough of that rant, time to talk about more positive things! Our new academy is now fully up and running and has been the venue for some really hard lessons. Gaining our new academy has also brought the desire to establish ourselves and become the hardest working Martial Art School in the area, which means we have all had to increase our efforts. Some of the warm ups have been pretty brutal at times which has led to me feeling a little sore, but also left me feeling extremely fit and healthy. I was talking to an old work colleague a couple of days ago who I hadn’t seen in a long time. She commented on how well I was looking, which was nice to hear and also made me think that this is probably the fittest I have ever been in my life which is very pleasing.
Saying that, I am just recovering from a recent bout of illness. It is another sign of my training paying off actually because I can honestly say that since I started training I haven’t had a single cold or flu like illness until now. It hasn’t really been a really harsh one, I just had a really sore throat and felt really weak and nauseous. It only lasted for about a week and although I still feel a little groggy I am over the worst of it now.
Training has been a little bit mixed recently. I am as enthusiastic as ever and have spent a lot of time researching the history of Korean MA’s and brushing up on my terminology as much as I can. I have enjoyed every lesson I have attended since the launch of the academy and have been working hard of my syllabus things like my Il Soo Sik Dae Ryun and Ho Sin Sool, plus trying to improve Pyung Ahn Ee Dan as much as I can. The only problem I have been having recently is my sparring (again!). I am not really feeling it at the moment and have been thinking really hard about my future in the Viper Squad. I have been questioning my ability a hell of a lot and even though I really enjoy it, I have been wondering if that’s enough? To be honest I have been considering leaving the team and just concentrating on Tang Soo, but it would make me pretty damn sad to walk away from the squad. I’m a bit confused with it all really, so I might set myself a deadline and see how I get on. If there is still no improvement, I will re-consider.
I have my fifth gup grading on Sunday, to which I have been giving my un-divided attention. We were told in class that the grading would be a little less informal this time round and would be a little easier…. except for the green belts. Well now seeing as I am the only green belt, I interpreted that as everyone is going to get an easier one apart from me who’s going to get wasted! I suppose it’s no different to any of my last gradings at the end of the day. The weird thing is that I think I will be the highest grade student actually grading, which means I have a hell of a lot to prove and live up to and also fills me with absolute dread at the same time. I’m normally the guy at the back copying everyone else but this time I will be expected to be set an example to some of the junior guys, I will try my hardest. It will feel a lot better grading in the dojang as opposed to a completely separate venue. I was really starting to dislike Tremough Campus, as the only time I ever went there was to get a pasting. Used to walk in there, twitch a bit and mumble bad things under my breath as I entered. Not one of Dom’s happy places.
I’m really starting to feel completely at home at the dojang now and I will be absolutely gutted if our application is turned down. I know this sounds negative, but there have been a few complications recently and it has put me on edge a bit. I will do everything I possibly can to ensure that the council approve us and have fortunately gained a new friend in a local councillor who is prepared to fight for our cause, which is a massive help. I can’t help feeling responsible if we are turned down as it has been me who has done most of the liaising with the council over our application, but its early days and we also have a lot of positive things going for us so will just have to see what happens.
Outside the club I have been trying to get down the beach as much as I can due to the sporadic bouts of sunshine we have been having. Driven partly by James’ enthusiasm to get some waves I have recently reignited my passion for surfing, which for many years was what Tang Soo Do is for me now. A couple of years ago it was extremely rare that I would go more than two days without going in the sea and apart from the occasional (and I mean occasional) trip to the gym was all I really did outside of work. Tomorrow is my day off and the met office website has ‘promised’ me its going to be glorious sunshine all day, along with a pretty accurate online surf forecast website stating its going to be 2 – 3 foot and offshore! Result!!! Hopefully I will still have enough energy left for training in the evening, if not then its RIP Mr Lewis.
I guess that’s about everything for now, will obviously post about my grading pass/fail and keep up to date with anything else.
Have been going through a W.A.S.P phase recently as far as music goes. I honestly don’t think there is a better opening to an album than this. The first time i put the ‘Crimson Idol’ cd into my player and pressed play i was blown away. You HAVE to listen to this really loud to get the full benefit, trust me!!!
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