Boosting morale

Today I learned some interesting lessons and made a few positive decisions.

Last night I wimped out of running because of the awful weather (our garden fence blew down!) No earthquakes though - don't laugh, we had one last week. In England??!!

Anyway, I went for a run after training tonight, it was my best effort yet and I succeeded in tackling the Big Scary Hill.

Other things I've decided to do - we're "rebranding" the club to improve the classes and perhaps attract more new starts. It's important not to sell out to the Belt Factory crowd ;) so the exercise will be done with care and with minimal cost to members. We'll be going for new uniforms, syllabus changes (especially in the kids class), and I'll be sorting things out on the admin side too. So, there will be a new look, new training and better management of the club, carefully introduced and handled with care. I know people have problems with change, it's just how things are.

Even our club with it's, shall we say, slightly non-standard approach to training, we have to be able to present ourselves to the outside world in a way that gets attention and interest. That means being more professional in how we do things, as well as the club looking the part. The flip side is that we will not compromise on the club's standards in karate (yes, we do have some!!) And we will not con people by charging silly fees left, right and centre, nor by teaching rubbish. Above all, we have to be honest with ourselves at all times to ensure we get things right.

Also today I've had great fun making music with my gear, and I really appreciate being able to use such wonderful kit.

Being appreciative is important because it lets us live our lives to the full. What a waste, to drift from day to day without even noticing the clouds and spring plants flowering, or even being grateful for having the physical means to enjoy our karate.

Today I've also learned a lesson in not taking things too seriously. Being serious should carry a health warning. especially in martial arts. No matter how hard you work, or how exact your standards are - it should be done playfully. There's a time and a place for a bit of hunour in the dojo, but equally when it's time to dig in and get on with it, do so as if it's your last moment on Earth. The difference is, don't struggle with it. Struggling is fighting against the flow, it is unfocused effort laced with emotion.

Bit of a mixed bag there, hopefully stimulating a few thoughts, but there is a common thread here...