martial thoughts

          I believe that when we're adolescents, we're at our most open for being influenced. Part of the reason why the music and artists we listen to tend to become our lifelong favorites. Other interests and activities can become a big part of our being. Sports, art, hobbies can become a core foundation for who we are.

          When I was in seventh grade , I tried my second attempt at being a student in the martial arts. I was a student at the School of the Silent Warrior in my hometown of Berlin, NH. I enjoyed my time there, but for some reason decided to take the summer off. A couple years later, I was regretting it. I felt like I had made a mistake of not returning. So, the summer following my sophomore year in high school, I went back, with the goal of being a serious student.

         Almost two years later, a couple months from graduating high school, I achieved part of my goal: I had attained my First Degree Black Belt in the art of Ninpo Chuan Fa. I was quite proud of myself, after putting in the work it took. I knew that martial arts would always at least have a small part in my life. The martial arts were a great help for the awkward teenager that I was, with my teacher/sensei John providing another mentor I could always talk to.

          The school was originally opened as part of a chain from Fred Villaire's Studios of Self Defense. John Schmaing was the owner/teacher. After a few years, John decided to format  his own system, based on his experience in Kempo Karate, Northern Tam tui style Kung Fu, and various other martial arts. He created Ninpo Chuan Fa: the Silent Warrior Fist Art. This was done with the approval of an overseeing body of martial artists that recognize mixed martial arts styles, seeing how the combining of certain styles/philosophies is the natural evolution for the arts. (Apologies to John if I'm getting any of this wrong, this is what I remember him telling me)

          I was a student off and on when I was back in Berlin, eventually attaining the rank of Third Degree Black Belt. Unfortunatley, the school closed eight - nine years ago, with John deciding to go back to college and teach in a regular school setting. Happy to say I'm still in touch with John, occasionally spending time with him and his lovely fiance Mona.

          Over the last few years, I've slowly been working out again in a martial arts aspect. I've had punching bags where I'd practice kicks and punches on. This year though, it's really started to nag at me.. I've been practicing weekly on my B.O.B. (body opponent bag) with a determination that I haven't had in quite some time.

          Simply put, I miss it. I miss being in the dojo, practicing self defense techniques and forms/katas with or without weapons from various swords to basic bo staffs. Hint of music from artists like Joan Osborne and Jethro Tull playing in the background.
         
          Lately I've been reading various books about or pertaining to some traditional martial arts like Aikido and Tae Kwon Do. I had some limited experiences with these arts during my one semester at Keenes State College, where I had enjoyed a free Aikido class at a local school, and was an "honored guest" with the college's Tae Kwon Do club.
       
          I believe it's these experiences that have garnered my interest in reading about them lately. A particular interest in the life and teaching's of the late Aikido master Terry Dobson has been nice. Very "warts and all" kinda writings/stories. Quite enjoyable, and I've always had an apprciation for traditional Aikido and it's stance on self defense while providing the least harm to an opponent.

           Just started reading a book by Tae Kwon Do Master Doug Cook on his experiences as a student and teacher of Tae Kwon Do. His book "Tae Kwon Do: A Path to Excellence" is so far an enjoyable read.

          I wonder now how long it's gonna be before I decide to start learning at a new martial arts school or bug John about possibly starting up the old school again with help. I get big thoughts in my head about helping to start the school anew with help from some former students with John overseeing the project. We'll see how I feel as the summer goes on. In the meantime, I'll beat on the BOB, maybe twirl my staff and swing my sword in the back yard (will the neighbor's mind?) and meditate on the matter while I enjoy some insightful reading...

winning!

          As of now, my motorcycle has been getting more attention than my new mountain bike. I had a feeling this would happen, for various reasons. My motorcycle is very cool, an a comfy ride. My mountain bike requires me to work somewhat, and not as comfortable.

          I bought the mountain bike mainly as a commuter to work, since the ambulance base is just about a mile from my house. The rain hasn't helped. Not exactly excited about riding in the rain. And there have been a couple times where I just felt like taking the long way to work on the motorcycle. There's also the handful of days a month where I drive little Alice (girlfriend Marjie's kiddo) to pre-school. Need the car for that one, and Alice is a litte small for me to be comfortable enough to ride on my motorcycle.

          Looking forward to this thursday, when the weather's supposed to be excellent, and the Mount Washington Auto Road is holding it's annual Ride to the Sky. Marjie and I are excited to go. Even though I love my motorcycle and take pride in NH's motorcycle week, I rarely make it down to Weir's Beach. This makes the auto road trip my main bike week event. Plus, work and other things usually come up, prohibiting me from the proper planning for heading down to Laconia.

          Most of my interest in bicycles lately has been more with teaching and practicing with Alice, 4 years old and learning the ropes with training wheels. She gets better every time she gets on her bright pink with basket and tassels bike, and with any luck this fall we can try without the training wheels. Thankful that I have a big paved schoolyard across the street from my house to practice with her on.

         I don't usually ride my bike with her, due to conentrating on her progress, but I hope as the weather improves over the summer that my mtn bike will become the commuter I was hoping it would be. Still glad I bought the bike, but I think it's safe to say that for now, the motorcycle wins.