I almost hate to use the word “resolutions” because, when you get right down to it, most people never keep them. In fact, the above cartoon is probably more truthful than most folks would care to admit. Anyhow, since just about every blogger in the bloggosphere has some sort of resolutions post I thought I’d just as well join the collective. Here goes!
Martial arts:
1) Continue to use kung fu and chin na as a transition to that next big art. I have to admit that I’m using China as a martial place holder and I’m OK with that. Right now my biggest goal is to get the hell out of Indiana so I know I’m not going to be here for more than two years. Given the uncertainty and time frame it’s pointless to start a new art and also difficult to fully commit to this one. Still, there is much I can learn and being active keeps me in some sort of shape.
2) Continue to investigate that next big art — hopefully my “retirement” art! So far my list includes Aikido, Bagua, Hapkido, Wing Chun, Tai Chi, Jeet Kune Do, Krav Maga, and Kenpo. I’ll be the first to admit that some on that list are probably not my retirement art but I sure would like to give them a try. Also on this list with an asterisk is Judo and Japanese Jujitsu — I have one old injury in particular that might not agree with these last two arts.
3) Reinvigorate my “at-home” training. I’m very disciplined in this regard. Since retiring from Taekwondo I have religiously maintained my TKD forms, fundamentals, and bag work. In addition I have a mixed grill of martial stuff that I revisit monthly. Still, I need to freshen things up. I’ve had my eye on Simonet’s “Slam Set” for some time now. Perhaps in February I’ll take the plunge!
Exercise:
4) My battle of the bulge! Ever since my neck injury I’ve never found a good substitute for running. Seriously. I ran religiously for 18 years so that’s been a very hard gap to fill. This past year I added kettlebells to my routine and while I do enjoy them, I can’t stand to do them more than twice a week. So I’ve just added them to my calisthenics and weight training. Sadly, I’m starting to discover that martial arts is sort of the yo-yo approach to weight loss. During my black belt run in Taekwondo I dropped a ton of weight and probably looked like a starvation victim at my test. Still, the high energy hell that I went through in that training is not balanced and cant’ be good for the body — at least long-term. Kung fu is even more sporadic — mostly owing to the fact that there is less time spent on live sparring and all the conditioning that goes with it.
The plan for 2010? I’m going to try walking. In fact, over break I already did. What I read suggests at least three times per week at an hour per walk. We are talking a brisk “power walk” here but my old injury seems to take it and I was sore afterwards.
Workout 2010:
- Monday – Walk
- Tuesday – My version of Crossfit Cindy (15 squats, 15 pull-downs, 10 push-ups, 10 weighted ab twists for 20 minutes)
- Wed. – Walk
- Thursday – rest
- Friday – Walk
- Saturday – Calisthenics/light weights
- Sunday – Kettlebells/light weights
Added to that weekly list is some sort of martial practice at home — usually two or three times per week plus stretching.
The blog:
5) I suppose it will continue mostly as-is. My biggest change for 2009 was my involvement with Blogcritics. Overall it has forced me to write for a different audience and it has also brought me increased blog traffic. Past that, I’m still not sure what to make of it. Regardless, it’s been more positive than negative so I plan to continue into 2010. I also plan to continue Eye on Seagal — at least until his show is canceled.
I’m still looking for a good balance insofar as controversial posts are concerned. Part of the problem is that my interests are broad and not all related to the martial arts. I’ve tried and decommissioned two non-martial arts blogs so that’s not the solution. Simply put — I don’t have the mental energy to maintain two blogs so you’ll probably continue to see the occasional politics or religion post over here. And yes, I’ll probably piss a few of you off in the process! If I do just hold your breathe because posts of that nature are usually followed by something related to martial arts.
Finally, somewhat related to my last comment…
-BCP
