my next 2 - 3 weeks

[Matt - a simple hobbit]

I was able to achieve my last goal of working through 100 reps of my last form before seeing Mr. Bronson again this week. I ended up doing it at 112 times. After 112 times I felt like a good beginner with the form. Today I met with Mr. Bronson for a private lesson to review my forms and I walked away with 15 refinements that will make the forms more powerful, sharp, and smooth. In two or three weeks I will be testing for the first level of forms. In order to integrate these new refinements well before the test and to take the forms to a new level, I am going to commit to the following rhythm:

Day 1: Work through 3 technical positioning reps of each form. Flow through 3 tai chi speed reps of each form. This will be 54 reps of forms. Should take about an hour. Stretch well.

Day 2: Work through 1 technical positioning rep of each form. Race through 7 speedy-bordering-on-sloppy reps of each form. This will be 72 reps of forms. Should take about 45 minutes. Stretch well.

Day 3: Work through 2 technical positioning reps of each form not in low stance. Stretch wonderfully. Rest day.

Repeat cycle.

Part of my motivation for diving into the forms is seeing the immediate impact on how the forms improve coordination, form my body to be more athletic, and the cardiovascular benefits. Another part of the motivation is seeing how beautiful the forms can be done well can be by watching Laz and Max work their advanced forms. I hope to take the final test for 2nd degree around the time they do - unless they jump up their training and leave me in the dust. My final motivation is Kung Fu ... personal pursuit towards mastery. In my own journey, mastery has come by giving my full attention to one pursuit at a time. Forms have my full attention now.

[Joseph Bronson]

This post is awesome and I would love to see more of my students posting their journey towards personal mastery. Whatever form that takes. Keep up the great training Matt.