Taiwan

Our trip to Taiwan is coming up soon. Time goes by quickly and I don't think I've noticed how many days have gone by until now. It seems like just last week I was standing one of Sifu's seminars in Andover listening to him speak about the competition. Now, we only have a little more than a week until we leave. Thoughts have been running through my mind about the tournament. "Will I represent YMAA and the Retreat Center well?", "What will it be like?", and most importantly, "Am I ready?" I've been training for Taiwan since I arrived at the Retreat Center in late March, completing the Taijiquan form, then learning Taiji Sword and Taiji Saber. It feels funny for me to be competing internationally with material that is still new to me. Although I'm nervous, I am also extremely excited. I can't wait to return to Taiwan. This trip will be very important to me. Not only will it be my first real competition, but it will be the first time my family will be watching me.

Throughout my entire life, my parents have only funded my martial arts experiences. I shouldn't say, "have only", because without them paying for my classes, I most likely wouldn't be in the place I am now. However, to me, they had never really taken much interest when it came to martial arts. Most of the time, they were only focused on how well I was doing in school. I'm glad that they will be in Taiwan to see me compete. I'm also glad that my father will be bringing my grandfather from China to see me. I have not seen my grandfather for many years now and I'm very excited to see him again.

Other upcoming events

Apparently we have a demonstration coming up in Garberville. Sifu has asked each of us to perform for the show. He has asked me to demonstrate five forms. 1st part Taijiquan with everybody, my Taijiquan competition form, Taiji Sword, and two Shaolin forms. I'm not sure which two I want to perform yet, but I have to decide soon so I can start practicing.

This week's comic