Before the Reward

Waking up tired has become part of the rhythm here. I’d like to say I’m used to it, but the truth is you never really are. It’s an uncomfortable state — one that only eases once the body starts moving again.

Yesterday was a good day overall, though I’m still wrestling with the opening movements of the Horse Whip form. It’s enjoyable, but like all forms, it has a way of exposing weakness long before it offers anything back.

Today, I want to strip it back. Remove the opening. Move slowly toward a flow that feels workable. The spin needs attention, but more than that, it’s the step that follows — the one I don’t yet trust — that needs to be understood.

Small adjustments.
Clear focus.

These are the kinds of details that quietly change everything, even if they don’t announce themselves as progress.

So I’ll head into training with that in mind. Not trying to make it impressive. Just precise. Just honest.

The rest can wait.