I had a strong deja vu this week. It was this time last year that Grand Master Lan was visiting from Germany and we went to the Scotia Bank Place to train. I had just been pre-selected for the National Team and he wanted me to practice visualizing what it would be like to compete in such a large venue with all the pressure of a World Championship. This stadium holds about 18,000 people. I will never forget what it felt like standing at the bottom of the ‘bowl’ in my bare feet on the cold pavement. The lights were really dim and you could hear a pin drop it was so quiet. He made me go through my patterns as if it was competition day. We talked a lot about how important it is to bring the comfortable feeling of being ‘home’ where ever you compete so you don’t get overwhelmed or nervous. I don’t think he realized how much of an impact he had on me that day and how much I’ve practiced his visualization techniques ever since. Thank you again and again Grand Master Lan.
Mr. LeGrow brought in three of the USA female team members and their instructor Mr. Morris to train this week. Three of them were from California and one of them was from Texas. We went to the Scotia Bank Place again for some kick box training. We didn’t get to train in the bowl this time but I couldn’t help but see the irony of training with one of the girls that was in my sparring division in New Zealand at the very place where all my preparation for the Worlds began. I kept looking over my shoulder hoping to see Grand Master Lan. Wow, what a year it’s been!
My good friend and fellow team mate Stephanie Boivin also came from Montreal to train with us which is always a great time 🙂
It’s important to train with new people since you get too comfortable sparring the same people all the time. You need to know how to mix it up with different sparring styles and techniques. I normally train with men so it was a real treat to train with a group of women.
At our dojang we did a lot of sparring and pattern training. Mr Primo came from Montreal and taught us more self defense using weapons like knives and baseball bats.
I also had two hour soccer practices every day so needless to say when the doctor told me last week to SLOWLY get back into my physical activities I don’t think he realizes just how much I do in a day 🙂
I can’t wait to get back to playing my first soccer game next week since my injury. I’ve hated to sit on the bench. I have to admit I’m still really not 100% and I’m working hard on getting my leg muscles back and I have to really stretch after my work outs.
It was really special to celebrate Canada Day with Steph.
