Sudden new interest

I've become curious about the history of women in the martial arts. So now I have started travelling down that path.

Using the internet as a source of information is a tricky place to be. People can place anything they want down on a website (with or without any supporting facts.) The information can be skewed to show whatever personal bias that person has within themselves. However, the same thing can be said of books found in the library. What makes the information in a book more believable? Is it the fact that it is in permanent print?

Ah... I choose to walk down the path of history and see how recently women have studied martial arts with the support of men, how women are being treated in current times (as warriors), and perhaps forecast what a woman could expect in the future. You are more than welcome to join me in my anthropological journey... but I am sure that it will not be a short one.

Easter Sunday

All the festivities over, the easter eggs hidden, and found, all the clean up done, the big meal made, eaten, everything settled.. and I find myself wishing that I could go somewhere peaceful to train in karate as a gift to me.

I'm sitting here thinking of ways to create a space where I can train for a short while without interruptions, but that is not a possibility in my household.. far too many distractions, and needs that just erupt as soon as you actually try to concentrate. Like right now for instance.. I sit down to type a few words on my blog... and wouldn't you know it.. one of my kids has to have my attention for the important revelation that they would like to have some juice.

I can hear my teenager's music thump, thump, thumping from upstairs.. there is no section of the house, or yard that doesn't have one of my kids, or one of their friends present.

Later tonight, after I have put all the younger ones to bed, I will dedicate that time for push ups, sit ups, stretching, weight lifting, and arm/shin conditioning. I'll just have to wait until tomorrow to do kata, and practice my basics.

Having chosen to have seven children has it's joys, demands, sacrifices, and expectations. Since I went down this pathway 21 years ago, I have accepted all of the positives, and negatives of having a large family. I haven't regretted my choice. However, moments like today where I long to be able to train in karate in peace, I feel the crowdedness of the house. I keep reminding myself that it will not be very long before I will feel the empty nest syndrome.

Oh dear.. there it is again.. I just heard a loud crash, with a bunch of scattering things.. "Nothing broke!" yells my daughter.. I'd better go check what is happening.

I haven't had much time to type

End of the school year issues, spring break vacation, sick members of my family, extra training in karate have taken up my every spare minute. Computer time? It had to wait in line for any attention.. and most days I barely had time to check my email.

I've been learning about judging for tournaments. The various expectations, terminologies, qualifying, and non qualifying things. So many points to cover, so many aspects to be aware of.. What a responsibility!

I have rarely thought twice about those judges who precide over the tournament ring, and of all the things necessary for their presence. What a job!

As I contemplate the position of having to judge with equanimity, I can see how difficult it is to be a good judge. I can more fully appreciate the gift of service that those faithful black belts who carry the flags have given to the future generation of karate ka. I am quite appreciative, and filled with gratitude.

I guess that it is the same thing as when I became a Mom. I never appreciated all the hard work, dedication, and knowledge needed to provide a child with a good home until I was given the responsibility myself.

A great big thank you to all those who have provided the avenue of tournaments to those karate ka who value the chance of performing in that environment.