Back to the Stick

After three days of rest, it was back to training today — and I was genuinely looking forward to it.

Wudang is not a place overflowing with distraction. There isn’t much to do here apart from train. And the strange thing is, that’s exactly why I love it.

Today marked the beginning of something new: the Bo Staff. A long spinning stick that, for reasons I can’t fully explain, immediately makes me smile. That feels like a good sign.

I’m entering this form without expectation. No grand ambition. Just the usual agreement — I will learn its language slowly, and in time it will reveal itself. Every form begins as a stranger.

It’s a Thursday, which makes it feel like an unusual start to the week. But it’s a short week, and I’m happy to be back in motion.

The day, however, turned out tougher than expected.

I’ve recently transitioned into barefoot-style shoes and decided this morning to go for a light run. Running has always been something I’ve enjoyed — simple, rhythmic, honest. But lately it seems to leave my legs aching, and today was no exception. Add in a fresh wave of heel pain and the afternoon session became more endurance than enjoyment.

Nothing feels serious. Just the body reminding me that adaptation has a cost.

I also began the Eight Immortals Staff form — and as tradition dictates, it felt hard. Clumsy. Demanding. But that’s the rule of new forms: they humble you first.

So I’ll keep my head down and practise.

Tonight I’m more tired than I expected to be. Perhaps the three days of near-complete rest allowed the body to tighten. It’s strange how quickly it happens. Three and a half days and everything feels slightly less elastic.

I suppose it’s true — Kung Fu is a lifestyle.

For me, that simply means this: movement, daily.

Keep showing up.

Keep adjusting.

Keep going.