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NOTE: I originally wrote this for the Taiji community but, after posting it I realized the roots of it came from the off the floor teaching of Instructor Kajana. So... instead of repurposing my writing I am sharing it as it is to you. I believe the questions asked apply to this community as well. Freedom Fighters Hmmm, where do I begin. During a lifetime of study of the martial arts there has been one thing that continues to remind me of the spirit of these arts. I am reminded of over and over again of a particular theme during my reading, training and films about the historical conditions and origins of most of these arts that during each generation heroes emerge to face the injustices of the greater society. In some way this narrative has inspired me throughout the years. These heroes range from the Shaolin Monks, freedom fighter’s, Okinawa’s resistances, and Japanese Samurai in the Asian region of the world. They enhanced their skills to defend the people who were targets of tyranny, corrupt rulers, criminals and invaders. Not only did some of these heroes perfect the martial abilities but in additon became masters of the various healing modalities and gave birth to the growth of Traditional Chinese and Asian Medicine. This evolution also allowed them to tend to the healing of the people. It is this heroes journey and the underlying responsibility of this role one inherits during this quest that has driven me in my practice throughout the years. Now we are in strange and interesting times and the call of this inherited responsibility reminds me once more that there is a role of honor that is far grander than just the practice physical from but there is the responsibility of the teacher to point a finger beyond the discipline to see the stars. There is a fire being stoked the smoke is in the air – there are questions on what side of history do we play. Even in the shaded history of Taiji it is said that Chen Taiji came out of the need to protect the people of the village while Yang evolve for many reasons (political and martial) and masked its martial power while focusing it attention on the healing aspects of this art. These two road once more present themselves. So, I ask this community what is our role during these turbulent times what role do we have to play in the current unrest, social events, and this health pandemic we now face. Do we ignore it all and pretend that this is just a glitch? Or is it our turn to be the freedom fighters and heroes of the past? There is also the middle road where like the Wudang Daoist we flee to the mountains and attempt to escape the world of illusion? What path do we take?

By Zochi Whenever, I’m feeling lost and defeated and don’t know what the next step is there is a gosepl song “ We Fall Down, But We Get Up” that springs forth in my head and reminds me falling is sometimes a part of the rhythm of life. In our falling or failing it is a time to reflect, to listen, and meditate on how we got to this point. We must “give into lost”. Yet it is in our rising that teaches us resilience, that we have a greater capacity than we once thought and it pushes us forward once more. My visit in Colorado, was particularly a significant reminder and life changing experience. It showed me what it means get up and return to center again and again – when my teacher for 48 years honored me with a second degree Black Belt in our discipline. This was no small feet of honor. Instructor does not just hand out black belts like water and to recieve it at this moment of my life reminded me – I have more work to do. Yes, in a couple of lifetimes I have received many accolades in my life but, in some way this was the holy grail for me. You see, I had begun this journey with Instructor Kajana when I was a teen. He had been a major catalyst in my journeys around the globe. Somehow through his teaching and stories he had sparked the question that haunts me today “how can we humans evolve to our full potential?” As a teen he opened me up to a world of possibilities. And demonstrated to me what it meant to be in the embodied role of a teacher. I retraced his trails and tales which took me all over the world seeking to meet his teachers in order to be the best parts of this man who I truly admired. Of course being on the same trail does not mean having the same experiences, yet slowly with the protective spirit of the divine universe, ancestors, and a little insanity of will, I quilted my own set of experiences, successes and failures that crafted and molded me into a teacher somewhere along the path. But nothing happens by just chance and the belt that I received is not about what I have accomplished but about the work that still lays ahead of me. I had witnessed the Instructor’s journeys. There were no easy roads. He was and is driven to build something unselfishly larger than himself. Something that is monolitihic and will open the doors and opportunities for others. An experience that will support healing and cause no harm. To assist others to step onto the path to transform themselves and in doing so the world. He has sparked this flame in me and once you have the bug it haunts you. When Instructor Kajana handed me my belt I understood what he had laid at my feet with honor. We both shared the same vision and love of our communities. I think he knew that I will continue his legacy and work on the continent as a teacher for several generation into the future. So, I bow in respect to this great and wonderful teacher and those teachers who have come before me of whom I share this enormous responsibility. This honor has comes at a time when I had begun questioning if I was the right person to move the work I am struggling to do in Africa. Now, when I put on the belt I know I am not alone in this endeavor. My brothers and sisters stand beside me. I guess this is a nod by the universe to stay on the path and that falling down is only a path of testing the human spirit, So, once more I rise in the face of loss and adversity knowing that there is much work to do. We fall down but, we get up. It is the spirit and nature of this art that we practice. #movementmasters #gettingup #InstructorKajana #Tenesu #Rise

Buddha: Mom, will you draw with me? Me: yes. Buddha: Great! What are you going to draw. Me: Imma draw a 🐦 😉 Buddha: (while I'm drawing) Mom, that doesn't look like a bird... Me:

If you need anything that is unavailable in the stores, list your name, what you need, and which side of town you are on.

by Zochi The principle of “letting go” this does not mean we should give up but, instead not holding on to our expectations and those things that no longer serve us. This is sometimes difficult in our relationship, our practice, and our connections because we are homeostasis by nature. We all at one point of another become attached to our expectations, ideas, techniques, knowledge and people. In our movement arts we sometimes find comfort in very way we move or meet conflict and therefore do not examine or tailor it. Even when it is uncomfortable or no longer fits us and who we have become. This can lead to unhealthy and create co-dependent relationships. In some cases it takes a significant emotional event (SEE) to force us to break free. The universe always attempts to give us choices, yet sometimes when we ignore or are blind to our own ignorance and we are shaken by lost through this SEE process. Maybe in our inner reflection and listening we may realize that we needed to break free of our attachment to gain a new perspective. This will be painful but necessary for growth. As Chief Instructor and his instructor has taught “a student needs to be hit frequently and hurt occasionally”. This lesson applies to both what we experienced on the floor and in our life.

Many of us have heard the saying “ You can lead a horse to water but, you can not force them to drink” When we are practicing extended throws we should keep this in mind. Extended throws are not about force or strength. They are about leading the energy to where it wants to go. If we attempt to manhandle or force the move of our partners or loved ones they will feel our energy and resist. Therefore, it is important to move out of the way of the opposing force while guiding the energy with your spirit at the same time. This is the art and practice of leadership. We can see this same practice when leading a project or class, listening to a friend, being in a relationship and resolving conflict. In all the situations we must first remove our ego and get out of the way so we can lead, listen and be in the present moment. Leading with our intention or spirit. If we are thinking about what we are going to say or do we can not lead because we are attached to the outcomes and no longer in relationship with what is happening. Things quickly become personal, we get angry, and get lost in the act of doing. However, when we are present we can see where our partners want to go or their point of view making it possible to lead and show them another way. If we get too close or too far away we loose connection. So, what is required us to be good leaders? 1. Listening fully and completely 2. Moving out of the way yet, making yourself available 3. Maintaining your core alignment 4. Connect – be in relationship with your partner (feel them completely with a single touch) 5. Stay in the present unfolding moment 6. Guide the energy to its depletion point then continue the thread 7. Extend and redirect them beyond their centered place 7. Keep them suprised and off balance 8. Lead not with technique but with intent 9. Allow the momentum take its course, be effortless without force 10. Stand in the non-doing 11. Remember there is no enemy, other than one own ego

Inst Keith and Amina welcomed their baby girl mid day Thursday, April 2nd. Upon realizing the time she was born she immediately began maneuvering! 😂 Jokes aside, she is a beautiful girl and a welcome to our international family. Love and prosperity to the Horton family!

by Zochi Greetings, To all of the amazing practitioners. We are living in a fragment of time amidst, the anxiety and confusion of uncertainty. In this sliver of time there is the opportunity to create a new narrative out of the chaos to one of a movement of wellness. The window is small, but at this time people are listening, reflecting and evaluating their lives and what is truly valuable to them and its not money. It’s about our wellbeing and our happiness. This being the case we need to share our collective wisdom and usher in a third way. To help our people to unplug from the matrix as a default choice. To rekindle the spark and unleash the narrative of light that resides in all of our hearts. We all know there are no accidents or chance meeting. We exist in a universe where there are layers on layers of connections that have woven us all together to this single point in time. Some of you may not consider yourselves healers it is a large mantle to carry on one’s shoulders but, our ancestors have spoken and “we are the ones we have been waiting for” It is now up to us change the direction of the tides and challenges that await us. Please join me and others to in this mission to create a narrative that projects us and our work beyond the here and now and forward into the future preserving seven generation and beyond. The future is now and what we do in this unfolding moment will create a wave to restore balance out of the chaos. “it is the dreamer who points the way to the dream, Yet only a few truly see what is possible. the activist who fights to protects the dream on all fronts, facing inexhaustible odds. while it is the healer who protects the people so the dream can exist after the wake of the storm.” – Zochi Let us all be healers and resist the temptation and anxiety of those who would prefer us to be in isolation.

Happy Sunday Everyone Shh Take a deep breath find your center don't move. During school this was my favorite soothing quote. When things got overwhelming, pausing and deep breathing helped me to reset my noodle and put things back into perspective.  First of WOW, still in shock that it's over and that I have made it this far. To God be the glory. 1200 days ago I decided to embark on a journey to persue my Nurse practitioner degree. Worked 2 jobs full time (Nurse and Realtor), school, clinicals and family. Needless to say it was extremely difficult and exhausting. I had some challenging Attending physicians particularly in Surgery, Intensive Care unit, Emergency department and Trauma - I wanted to QUIT multiple times because they pushed me so hard and I felt the pressure every day. Had MANY days of fatigue and sleepless nights. Decided to push through hard and it took everything out of me to stay focused and stay on track. May 8, 2020 will be embedded in my heart forever. Super excited and thrilled, my last phase is to finish my Doctorate after a short break.  Amazing support from my 2 favorite guys - and rocks @ Jerry and Tyler I couldn't have done it without them.  Blessed Barrack RN, BSN - Regis University  (Magna Cum Laude - Honors Society)  Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) AGACNP - Acute Care and Gerontology - University of Northern Colorado (International Honors Society)  Graduation pool party August 2020 (Covid clearance pending). Please join us to celebrate with my Skyridge Hospital family, Real estate family and Southern African community family  Congratulations to all the Class of 2020 graduates. May you continue to shine and endure through this tough times. You did it!!!!  Happy Mothers day - Honor your love and resilience. Have a wonderful day Thanks everyone stay safe 

Aloha fam, here are a few notes I have been taking and reflecting upon from our recent Virtual Training sessions with Chief Instructor. Please feel free to expand upon them or to add more that have resonated for you. April 8th Movement is essential. Movement is our thought and movement is our intent. Show me how a person moves and you will show me how they exist. The "and-then" is the margin between life and death. Between the maneuver and the attack lies the valley of life and death. We strike as we move, not after. Encourage your opponent's movement, join it, marry it; rather than frustrating or resisting it. The less resistance we put up, the more freedom we have to express ourselves. Strength is not a prerequisite, nor is speed. There is no such thing as defending here, because the ultimate defense is an attack that quells the attack which is coming towards us. A person is most vulnerable when they are striking, which for us, is the best time for us to attack. Combat occurs in the presence of three energies - your energy, your opponent's energy, and the energy of the fight. Instead of seeking to know it, seek to live it. April 15th This discipline, it comes alive. It lives in us as we live in it. Thought is limiting; it imprisons our minds. It keeps us stuck in stagnant patterns, and unable to create freely. Kumite is not our combat application; it is our greatest conditioning aid. It is where we bring together all of our facilities into one instance - all thought, all feeling, all focus - being in that moment. In kumite, we face our fears. When you engage in kumite, you cannot think, for thoughts confine you, they limit you. You must let the thinking go. Every move is for advantage. Every time we move, we move to strike. A maneuver is not to avoid a blow; we maneuver to strike. You can be quicker even if you move slower than your opponent, as long as you are effective and efficient in your movement. Position yourself to be effective - limbs ready, gaze aware - which will afford you the luxury of patience and, hence, time. You don’t need to rush nor compete with the blow. In fact, there is no need to maneuver on every blow. Your answer changes the opponent’s question. Any situation in which we have to exercise trust is one in which we are dealing with relationship. Movement is the single most crucial aspect of our humanity. Therefore, we need to gain awareness and control of our movement. We enter with no expectations - that is freedom. From there, we can create. Without thought, we can create. Freely. And our opponents can then never predict our movement. Feeling is how we see. We are multifaceted creations - far more than flesh and bones. Think of the cut open wire, with the various colored wires within it; for power to surge through it and be delivered effectively, each those wires must come alive and be in sync with the others. The trick is bringing our whole self together in one act - that is power. Integration. One-pointed mindfulness - that is how we bring all aspects of self together into an act. Intention and attention must preclude the act. In practice, we only strike the candle when full attention and intention is present. Eat your bitterness. Move without fear and doubt. The body is much smarter than we often give it credit. We must learn to incorporate the sensitivity and intelligence of the body into combat. Every strike creates and opening. Q: How can we strike without offering openings? A: We cannot; however, we can always be ready to move as we need to. Change is an easy thing to handle when we are fluid and open. I cannot always move my opponent, but I can always move myself. April 22nd The heart is not aware of what the lungs' are doing, unknowing of the rhythm of their respiration is, and yet, there is an everlasting trust between them. We don't deal in theory; truth comes from experience. Vigilance is to loan yourself to the experience. Trust is the essential foundation of any relationship. Our aim is to bring our personal will into harmony with the divine will. It is a joining with, rather than a surrendering. Struggling with the questions brings growth. Life doesn't happen to you, life happens with you. Honor our shared indwelling intelligence. Trust comes from experience. You catch a kick and you learn to move, not to fear, but to move. Fear pulls you away, out of the dance; trust moves you in, into the dance, towards the treasure of life - it lies there, in the center. Is learning adding something or taking something away? Reminders - these are reminders of the divine. They lead us back to the actuality that all of this, each minute detail - whether we like it or not - is divinity unfolding, just as the cells and the thoughts and the molecules that move through us now.

By Zochi Hmmm, the state of things have change. Many of us are uncertain and have some level of anxiety about what will happen next. The world as we once knew it has changed. Yet, this is nothing new for the warrior who lives within us. Is it not uncertainty and change the very thing we train for on the floor? Let’s take a breath, be still, listen from the inside out, and allow the insanity around us to move to the background for a few moments. Find your Center! Do not allow your senses to be dulled. After all of you have been hit and found yourself facing the odds many times in your trainings. Our best expression of life, comes out of our acceptance of our death. In doing so we live life well in each and every unfolding moment. Those of us who have a sincere practice, those of us who strive to protect and heal ourselves and others, this is our time. Use what you know to support yourself, community, and love ones. As I have repeated many times the teachings of my teachers “what we do in class is only training, what we do out into the world is our practice” so embody your practice. Support your community and lifestyle more than ever before. Be calm and help others do the same. For it is said, “to the mind that is still the whole universe surrenders” Change is a constant – adapt, thrive, and overcome the adversity that stands before us. There will always be light at the other end of the tunnel.