The Five Secrets of Goju-Ryu Karate-Do

The Five Secrets of Goju-Ryu Karate-Do as revealed to his students by Master Gogen Yamaguchi, Goju-Kai Karate-Do:

1. When the time is right, strike quickly.

2. Develop a sound, calm mind.

3. Be light in body.

4. Have a clever mind.

5. Master the basics.

An Old New Way to Run

After learning about them from Nathan, I purchased a pair of Vibram Five Fingers this week.  I only walk around in them inside the house for now.  The sales person at the Zombie Runner store where I purchased them advised me to do just that for a couple of weeks.  They fit just like a leather driving glove does, but you wear them on your feet.  Tight and kind of stretchy and they really do feel like you are walking barefooted when you have them on.  By March I hope to be jogging short distances in them. 

I also read the book "Born to Run" by Christopher McDougall this week.  I loved that book. What a great story he told about his time with the Tarahumara runners in Mexico.  Lots of ultrarunners of note are mentioned and talked about in the book also.  If you like running, and want a very entertaining book, go get a copy of Born to Run and enjoy a few nights of easy reading.  I was sorry to get to the end of the book.  It was so much fun to read.

Now I have to find something else to read.

2010 Goals

I have set two important goals for 2010. 

The first is to test for the next level of black belt in Goju-Ryu Karate-Do.  Yamaguchi Sensei has invited me to test in June.  He has graciously provided me with five full months of training time, and so I intend to dedicate myself to hard and consistent Goju-Ryu training over the next five months.

My second goal is to participate in the San Francisco One Day race to be held at Crissy Field in San Francisco on October 23rd and 24th.  It is a 24 hour event held on a one mile loop course.  The race starts at 9:00 a.m. on the 23rd and ends at 9:00 a.m. on the 24th.  My goal for the race is to complete one mile for every year I have lived on Planet Earth, which will be 60 years by October 2010 (60 for 60).  My son Nathan has also signed up for the race which provides great motivation for me to train hard.  I know he is capable of completing somewhere around 100 miles in 24 hours.  It's a great boost to my spirit knowing he will be out there with me on the course.  It will be a transcendental experience for both of us I'm sure.  We are hoping that my nephew and his cousin, Brian, will be joining us for that 24 hour event.

For additional motivation during this year, I will be joining my sister Kitty to complete the San Jose Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon to be held in October.  She is very motivated and is training hard for that event. It will be a lot of fun to complete that event with her and enjoy her company throughout the event's music filled 13.1 miles. 

It's going to be a great year!

Mile Markers

I think it's always a good idea to keep track of your progress once you've set a goal.  And, I like to set intermediate goals that build to a superordinate goal.  I know from past experience that I don't always make my intermediate goals, but they are the mile markers that let me know how I'm doing, and when missed, let me know what needs to be adjusted in order to get closer to accomplishing my superordinate goal.

That being said, my first intermediate goal for weight loss fell short by nine pounds.  My intermediate goals regarding my Goju-Ryu training and zen meditation were attained.  My yoga streching intermediate goals were not met.  I'm sure I could come up with a litany of excuses for not meeting those intermediate goals, but that wouldn't be motivational to me.

Instead, my plan is to meet those past intermediate goals by December 31, 2009.  If I can do that along with handling all of the stress and interuptions that come along with the holiday season I'll be motivated for the new year.

Walking and Biking

I was blessed to have been able to take long walks around Seattle, Washington, with my son last weekend and also to ride bicycles with him around the campus of the University of Oregon, in Eugene, Oregon, that same weekend.  After sitting in a truck during a four plus hour drive from Seattle to the U of O it felt so great to get on a bike and start pumping my legs and deep breathing that cool crisp Oregon air.

My son and his wife rarely use a car to get around town.  Walking, biking and public transportation are their primary modes of travel.  Healthy and fun lifestyle choices.  I have to put more of those things into my life too.

Battling Life's Pressures

It's hard to train when you feel like there is too much work to do and too little time to get it all done.  But I've always believed that "time expands to encompass the things that you really want to do" and you will find the time to get the most important things done.

I've been able to keep up with my Goju-Ryu training and zen meditation, but not with my Yoga training or weight lifting schedule.

Due to work and family obligations, for the next week and a half it will only be Goju-Ryu and zen meditation that I will be able to fit into my schedule.  But for me those are the two most important things to accomplish at this stage of my training. 

I guess those are the things that "I really want to do."

Status

Since beginning my yearlong program on September 1st, I have lost six pounds. My routine has included more jogging and Goju-Ryu training than I had anticipated up to this point, but less weight training and yoga than I wanted to do.

I have been doing my daily Zen meditation for about 10 minutes at night prior to sleeping. And, I have fasted each week for one 24-hour period without any problems. I think I may increase the fasting length since it hasn't been that much of a challenge doing the 24 hour fast. I've only done water only or protein shake fasts.