Nuggets of Gold

When we first learn, we reference documentation and resources constantly. As you gain more confidence, you refer less and less to these resources.  Then comes a point where you feel you have mastered it and no longer need to reference these materials.  

I have been using the Livestream videos to "refresh" my knowledge. I was planning on reviewing a specific portion of the video only because I "knew" the other portions.  Luckily I was using my phone so I couldn't just jump to where I wanted.  I soon found nuggets of gold in so many other areas.  "Am I missing that move?" "Do I connect my hips with my hands in that move?" "hmm, forgot about that total nugget!" and the list goes on.  

It is good to know information so you are confident and have it committed to memory but we should always review the original information with an open mind to recognize bad habits or missing sections.  I have experienced this many times outside of my Kung Fu videos.  Side effects of a medication I have been taking for 15 years, or doing an exercise mindlessly so its not as effective as intended.  If you want an example, take out your car manual, your phone manual, your work procedures and review.  You will find something that you either forgot, didn't really understand, or just didn't know. 

We are very lucky to have our Kung Fu videos as references and to have Ms Ward's table of contents so we know quickly where to review.  Unlike a car manual, these are only tidbits of information, there is more knowledge in our classes, from different Sifu's, from our past masters.  When these past masters are no longer with us, we lose that knowledge, that resource.  

Next time you are at the Kwoon 1) take a look at the altar and think about all the knowledge lost from our past masters that are now gone  2) have gratitude for the knowledge that is still with us, either learnt or to come 3) have a great class 4) reflect on what knowledge you learnt 5) cement that knowledge in so it is not lost and then 6) continually review your knowledge and make corrections.  Only then can we ensure our history is not lost as we continue to grow our knowledge.

See you on the mats!