This week went quite well.

I did a 7 day cleanse. As a result, I experienced an increase in energy, more positive mood, less stiffness in the joints, much better sleep, and significant weight loss. The significant weight loss was the worrisome part. I believe I lost 10lbs. According to all the conventional wisdom, this is bad (a maximum weight loss of 2lbs per week is reccommended by the medical and nutritional experts), and I wonder if the wieght will stay off. We shall have to see. Other than that little worry, I would do the cleanse again because I do feel alot better. In the meantime, it would be nice to find more 'scientific' research results on this cleanse, which was the Master Cleanse, or Lemonade Diet. Its been around since the 1940's; my grandmother used it and reccommended it to my parents who drink a lemon, honey, cayenne pepper adaptation every mornining before breakfast. Of course, certain naturopathic 'gurus' such as Tom Woloshyn have written books about the cleanse, and claim to know what we are doing to our bodies when we adhere properly to this diet. However, the books contain no scientific backup, and the author's credentials are self claimed experience only. I blame the establishment for this; our medical institutions steer clear of naturopathic research and regulatory systems and so the public is left to fend for themselves.

Chi Kung class started on Thursday. What a surprise to see far more than the maximum capacity of 12 students at this class. My estimate is 15 - 18 students. It seems that alot of the guys really loved it - didn't get feedback from the females yet. Though this is a repeat class for me, Sifu Oslvik introduced many new components to the warm-up and teaching. Highlights of the class were Sifu Oslvik's demonstration of power as he transitioned from horse stance to pushed in bow stance. The power generated from his grounded leg, up to the hips and on. One got the impression that the recipient of a punch generated in this fashion would have been propelled backwards several feet at least. I look forward to working on this myself, and incorporating it into the Lao Gar form.

Sihing class was small due to continued flu-like issues. The Pandemonium circuits were completed with little time left over for discussion, during which time Sifu Brinker spoke about the stances for tiger claw in Lao Gar (alot of work still needed to achieve the power and stability required - but that will come with the practice of Chi Kung stance transitions mentioned above), and living in the present moment which is something I would like to somehow incorporporate into my UBBT requirements.

Lion Dance class was great. We have nearly finished learning the double lion dance. It is time now to focus on our own individuality during the freestyle portions of the dance. I had the opportunity to step in as the tail for Mr. Embury, who is in the role of the young lion in the double lion dance. This allowed me to appreciate what he is adding to the routine. We still need somebody who is interested in taking on the role of Buddha. The dance is not complete without someone who will take on this role seriously.

Saturday was a good day too. Helped role pennies for the Malawi girls. Shoalin class was a fun workout of the core - too bad we didn't have a camera to capture some of the partner work Sifu Frietag had us do. During open training, a few of us I Ho Chuan students worked hard on the bokken form assignment. Repetition beyond what we felt was enough took us to new levels of self critique and appreciation of the form. Though the form is short, there is actually alot to perfect and master. The only dissappointing aspect of open training was the lack of attendance - I'm sure the flu had something to do with that. Hope everyone is ok.

Well, that was my week, and I'm pleased with it.