The BEST way to learn Wate and Fire Techs and tactics?

[Laurentia Knoetze]

I was 55 years old, when I started doing TO SHIN DO,
in July 2005. My first experience of the "Martial
Arts" ever.

Challenging does not describe the Water element for
me. It took me two months to comprehend the "stepping
45 degrees" never mind doing it.

At that point in time I was training in mixed classes
and in mixed elements and the result was a lot of
mixed feelings and the urge to quit and walk away. I
doubted my ability to learn this magnificent art.

My break trough in Water came when my Teacher now -
Denis Dorward blindfolded me. He instructed me to
move in "45 degrees" while he punched and kicked me.
I did perfect Ichi Monchi"s every time, from one side
of the Dojo to the other.

When I graded for from Red/White to Red, I was told
that I am doing the basics right, but the Emotional
Fire was absent.

That was a huge eye opener, because it was also the
emotion in water, that was absent. Only when I was
blindfolded and had to rely on ALL my senses could I
get it right.

Fire needs expression, water needs space.

I prefer to work in each separate Element until it
becomes a reflex. To be saturated with this element,
feel it, live it, breath it, be it, become it.

Prosperous New Year to all my fellow travellers on
this Journey.

Laurentia Knoetze
aka KATALINA
Grootfontein Dojo
Budo Quest
South Africa

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[Kent Wood]

Very nicely put, Laurentia! I hope you get to enjoy training with Mr.
Varnum when he is in your country. He is a wonderful person and an
inspiring teacher.

Cheers,

-Kent Wood
Boston Martial Arts Center

I hope