We had the old-school kids in attendance (above), and we also welcomed through the door 4-5 n00bs...they all had interest and great attitudes. I live for these days really.
I love the small classes where we can get in a little extra Chi Sao, or perhaps work on some specific sticking point someone has found. These are enlightening and open up some in-depth discussion, curly questions and ultimately providing perspective as to where everyone's training mind-set currently is. It's always a delight.
However the big classes with a handful of new folk are equally as wonderful.
We get to relive our difficulty being introduced to a new system that everyone perceives as counter-intuitive in the beginning. It helps keep us humble and illustrates how far we've all come.
I've yet to come across another system that is as confusing, and initially difficult, as WC. It's simplicity hides a complexity that can boggle the mind. It's somewhat understandable that some teachers rely on the classic style of passing WC on without explanation while expecting the student to emulate the motion until it starts to work. The physics and body mechanics are tough. Understanding the reasoning is just as difficult as explaining it...and yet it is SO rewarding.
I had several special moments during class and while they were ego feeding experiences, they were also an indication that we're still moving in the right direction.
I tend to talk a lot during class, not about my day though...I try to explain what we're doing from several different angles to give other students as broad an understanding as possible within our limited time and my limited abilities. At no time is there ever an understanding that "THIS IS THE ONLY WAY ITS DONE!", and everyone understands that this is purely a perception driven explanation. Its more to get their minds working in a particularly analytical direction while allowing their physical experience to anchor some of the ideas we're using.
Its an approach that has been pretty successful.
Having these new students come into class and seeing them have little liminal experiences...well, it makes the rubbish day prior to kung fu, that much more manageable. And spending a few hours on the basics can only be good for me. I spent Christmas and new years laid up and had no opportunity for rolling...so I'm rusty like fuck. It'll come back...I just need to put in the effort.
In additional news...Mid feb I'm heading to Kiama, south of Sydney, for a seminar and classes with John Smith and Greg LeBlanc. John is a direct student of Wong Shun Leung and Greg is a student of Gary Lam.
Such an exciting time to be alive!
