Back to Basics

This year I am not continuing with the I Ho Chuan but my goal is to continue on the road to mastery.  Everything that I have learnt in my years with the I Ho Chuan has set me up to do this. 

I remember last year when Sifu Hayes was working with me while I was slide stepping.  When I was stepping forward I was transferring weight from toe to heel making me lose the distance of one foot for every step forward. 

Recently it was shown to me how when I was "belly" breathing, I was using stomach muscles and NOT the diaphragm.  Just by changing the way that I breathe and tilting my hips, I am actually engaging and strengthening core muscles.

Who knew that as I progressed with Kung Fu that I would be correcting basic items like breathing and walking.  Previously that would have made me frustrated and discouraged but now I am embracing these changes and knowing that they will improve me in all areas of my life including Kung Fu.  Who knew it would take me this long to get back to basics. 

See you on the mats!

Leaders

This week I had a great conversation with Mr. Repay regarding traits in leaders that I wanted to share.  When I first started my job, I was excited to have the title Manager.  I thought that it was more prestigious than being titled Leader.  Through the years though, I have discovered that being a good leader is better than managing people, sure the title is the same but it is the approach that makes the difference.


I have had the opportunity to lead two great teams over the years.  The first team was established and it was my job to learn the business and the people running it and then try to become a higher functioning team.  The second team was just recently and my staff are provincial and never worked together, but in the short time that we have had together, we have built a strong effective team that has developed relationships outside of work.  Although my title is still Manager, I am proud to say that I am a leader of these teams.


Being a good leader is the ability to find the strengths in people and making sure that they build on those.  To listen to what others have to say, add your advice when needed but not to have things done your way.  If someone comes to a leader with a problem, a good leader will not provide a solution but guide the person to figure options out on their own.  There are many different ways to approach an idea or problem.  A leader will support people and give them freedom to do things their way.  To make sure they are praised when things go well and be the one to protect them if things do not go well.  A leader must give someone the tools to succeed, make sure that they are on the right path, make readjustments as needed, and be there to help if things go astray.  A leader is accountable and trusts those he leads.  A good leader also knows that there is always room for self improvement.


So how does this relate to Kung Fu.  An example of good leaders are seen at the front of every class.  Our Sifus are always guiding us, helping us grow, nudging us down our paths.  It is our job to make sure that they trust us so we can continue to learn, and knowing that they do trust us.  But that it not the only relation.  Being a good leader takes time, mentors, and experience.  Here is a place that you can learn your leadership skills in a safe environment.  There are so many opportunities to either assist or take leadership roles in Kung Fu.  There is Kwoon clean-up, Chinese New Year banquet, Pandamonium, volunteering for other classes are just to name a few.  Make sure that you raise hand and volunteer.  Take this safe environment and use it.  Get the experience and time, use your mentors and once your confidence grows, you will fill more comfortable outside of the Kwoon.   Being a good leader is a skill that you will carry throughout your life.


See you on the mats!