Tournament

My last week didn’t start out so well. I was sick all week and missed all the black belt trainings. But Friday I felt better and on Saturday I was able to make it to special training. And, I participated in house tournament. At the tournament, I wasn’t an instant 1st place winner, I got 3rd place in forms and CGN Taylor got 1st and Taylor B. got 2nd. CGN Taylor and Taylor B. did awesome! In breaking I got 1st place and I almost broke my hand because I broke 2 boards at the same time. This year I kicked 6’6” in the air! I never thought I could kick so high. Next year I hope I can do a flash like CGN Cy.

From CGN Sarah

Hi everyone! The Leitners are back from the beach!!!! We had such a great time! It was cool because I also got to meet all of my distant relatives like my grandpa’s brother’s and sister’s families! I think this relates to martial arts because just like it’s important to learn all of your forms and to practice, it’s important to find a balance in life and to spend time with family. If you spend too much time doing to the little things, you’ll lose track of what matters most. Anyway, that’s all for now.

CGN Sarah

Something that got me thinking

This last weekend was spent helping a good friend for her wedding. Was it a relaxing weekend? Not by a long shot. But it was rewarding to help her start a new chapter in her life and celebrate a happy occasion. Seeing how many people came to celebrate a new life, a love united was a beautiful sight to both see and be a part of.

During the reception, there were the usual toasts that are made to the new couple. And these toasts including how happy the guests were for my friend and her new husband, how perfect they were for each other, how well the compliment each other's strengths and weaknesses, etc. And throughout the night, a few lines of a song I really like kept going over and over in my mind and it went like this:

It happens in a blink, it happens in a flash

It happens in the time it took to look back

I try to hold on tight, but there's no stopping time

What is it I've done with my life?

It happens in a blink (x4)

Slow down

Slow down

Before today becomes yesterday

Our yesterday

-Blink by Revive-

And it made me think, how much of what we do really matters? What kind of impact do we leave on the world on a daily basis? What will be said of us at our funerals?

We all leave some kind of impact. The question is this: Is my life being used to give life, hope, and meaning to those around me? Or is it being used for my own selfish gains, to make me feel better?

How does this relate to my BB test?
It's kind of like what KJN Tom said while he was up here. This test is not about me. It's about how my test affects those around me. Whose lives are improved by my doing this?

It's not unknown that we live in a world where people want instant results with as little work done as possible. And the more I talk to people about this test, the more I realize (at the risk of sounding arrogant) how the determination and discipline cultivated through testing has been challenging and inspiring to people around me.

At first, yes, this test was all about me and my goals. But the closer I get to the end of this goal, the more I see how people have been cheering me on, wanting me to succeed. My success won't be just my own. Should I stop now (no, I'm NOT going to stop now, I'm just speaking hypothetically), the people who have been watching me this whole time will be disappointed. But more than that, they will be discouraged.

So few people in this world set a goal, and even fewer actually reach that goal. If I stop now, I'll just give those around me another reason to quit, to stop, to give up when they're 'tired', 'alone', 'confronted with obstacles', etc. But when I reach my goal, I can show those around me that no matter 'how hard', 'how long', 'how exhausting' the journey is, reaching our goals ARE possible.

Being 'tired, alone, too hard, too long' etc are just excuses. They're justifications to do the easy thing and cop out. And as we all know, nothing worthwhile comes easy. Everything good comes with hard work, determination, and support.

And honestly, this test has had a domino effect, or ripple effect, if you will. I now realize that if I can do this, then I can do whatever I choose to do. So, that being the case, I have decided to go back to school to finish my degree. Once that is gained, then I can use my degree as a tool to open doors to help others.

It's amazing how one act can change a perspective for the better.

Burnout?

Are you tired? Are you injured? Are you having trouble functioning at work or with other responsibilities? It's called burnout, and it's the reason why KJN and BKJN gave us the weekend off last Saturday. However, while I know for many of us it was a good little break (except that I jogged 5 miles), it honestly seems as though most of us are still exhibiting a lack of energy and enthusiasm.

At today's REQUIRED special training (it's been on the calendar for months), many people were absent (yes, I know some were on vacation, but others weren't), and those who were there were lacking in energy. The studio felt like a library. I have a feeling if BKJN was there to witness the apathy, we would have been doing push-ups for hours.

I know you're tired--I'm tired too, but this is not the time to let it show. I know you're frustrated, and so am I (even more so now that I made mistakes in front of parents at OGA performing Palgwe 8 and a creative kicking combo), but take that frustration and turn it into energy, drive, and determination to finish this test with a positive attitude. You should look back on this journey and be able to say "I earned this belt."

Eat regular healthy meals, go to bed on time, take naps if you need to, do some yoga, ice and stretch when necessary, meditate, whatever you need to do to get rested and motivated--we all know what it takes to be healthy and fit martial artists.

It's crunch time ladies and gentlemen!

My Saturday Off

Last Saturday, I spent the day with my younger sister Kenzie. She helped me with my requirements for that day and then we watched a movie together. Kenzie has to give up a lot while I'm testing. We spent 4 hours of the night alone in our house while our parents were at a party. It was fun and nice to relax and just have fun. She laughed a lot when I was practicing Palgwe 4 backwards (video coming soon).

Sometimes the sacrifices we have to make for our back belts effect other people- in fact, most of the time that happens. It is great to just relax and hang out with those people. Thanks to BKJN and KJN for letting the team take the day off!

Things I've Never Done Before

On Saturday morning, I jogged five miles. I was amazed when I got to the end and I wasn't exhausted! It's been a goal of mine for a while to get to the point where I can jog that far, and it's wonderful to finally accomplish it. I had some great support from CGN Brandy--she has become one of my role models, and I look up to the level of health and fitness that she maintains. I want to be there--my new goal in this area is to run 5 miles a day on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. By the end of the test, I want to be running 15 miles per week! :o)

On Saturday afternoon, I picked up Tom Koll from the airport. Tom is the National Jr. Olympic Chairman for USA Gymnastics, and he came to OGA to run a clinic for our staff. In the gymnastics industry, he is extremely well-known and respected, having served USAG and trained so many employees at gyms across the country since the 80s. Needless to say, I was terrified! Not only did I have to pick him up from the airport, but I was also playing host while he was here. I took him sightseeing (two different Rose Gardens--Peninsula Park and the one at Washington Park, and down to the Saturday Market), and we also went to dinner on both Saturday and Sunday night.

Some of you are probably wondering why I say I was nervous...

I'm not extremely sociable...I don't like being the center of attention, and I'm not that great at conversation. The thought of having to spend so much time with such a complete stranger, and more so, one that was famous among gymnastics people, scared the crap out of me. I was going to have to talk to him for HOURS! This was the first time in my professional career that I've hosted a guest in this manner. I was nervous about making mistakes, saying the wrong thing, etc.

However, it turned out to be an amazing experience. Little did I know that I am actually pretty good at holding conversation about gymnastics related business topics, basic gymnastics instruction, and even roses! Tom was actually very easy to talk to, with a genuine interest in learning about people and offers his knowledge and advice freely. One thing he said to me that stuck out the most: "My main goal is to help people." His motivation for flying all over the country to different gyms is to help as many developing gymnastics teachers and coaches in their professional journey.

I had a great time this weekend, and doing two things that I've never done before in such a short period of time increased my confidence and gave me a great idea. Before the next phase test, I plan to do 8 more things that I have never done before, and that will lead to my personal or professional development.

I challenge anyone one who reads this to set a similar goal. :o)

Saturday Off

So I actually slept in until 8am Saturday.... Then I did the usual errand running, grocery shopping & Holly drop-off to demo team practice. I was able to make it to Dougy's birthday party and watch Bcgn (is that the right abbreviation?) Bill fall into the bouncy house when he was trying to take it down. I was able to clean my house before 3 of Holly's friends descended on the house to spend the night (Adam hid in his room), we ordered dinner in for them and watched a bunch of movies with my understanding husband (his new name), which I rarely get to do lately, so that was wonderful! I helped my niece get over a broken heart by instant messaging her & ultimately convincing her to go running each time she feels sad. That it's better to run it off than to look in the mirror to see puffy eyes. :) I went shopping on Amazon.com to get my mom what (hopefully) would be the perfect birthday gift and she thought it was great. :) I let Holly & her friends take over the main TV to watch a scarey movie until 3am while Adam & I watched Die Hard 2. Sunday morning, it was back to life as we know it.... A 5.5 mile run (personal best!) after making a pot of coffee for the understanding husband, come home, shower, make a huge breakfast for 4 teenage girls, a 10 year old boy hiding from the 4 teenage girls & a hungry understanding husband. Take said girls to the mall & Starbucks, parent pick-up of said girls, then back to house cleaning, budget balancing, push-ups, sit-ups & rows. Terribly exciting life. ;)~