got a message the other day from Glen Doyle telling me that he should never say never, and it (a visit to Aus) may one day be on the cards.
This is obviously very exciting to me given it has been about 2 years now that i've been trying my best to learn as much RBUB, 1st from Youtube, and then from the FB group. While i've stated previously i would love to be qualified as an instructor in it, and would without fail up-hold the wishes of Glen to stop it being defiled by dilution and misrepresentation, it is more about wanting to learn it as a cultural link, than for ego or coin. But further to that,if he isn't able to get here, i appreciate that the onus is on me to pursue it, not Glen to chase disciples. I have in the past been a bit annoyed that several people on the FB group that are within driving distance of Glen say things like, "If you really want it, you'll find a way." And while i agree with that sentiment, i'm just frustrated a bit as i want to delve deeper than is currently possible for me. But after this theme crept up again another member of the FB group sent me a personal message saying that that type of thing posted was really in response to North Americans that where whining that there wasn't a school closer to them and that i shouldn't worry or get upset and respond because it was understood my situation was considerably different.
What a nice gesture that was, much appreciated as i'd do most anything i could to learn directly...except inconvenience my family both financially and by the workload that my absence would create for all.
So what does all of this mean? Well, it is about time i posted some video for Glen to critique of my practice. He implied it a while ago that he'd like to see my form, but while i've been practicing, i feel a bit self conscious because i know so much is lost in learning in any other way other than directly under an instructor. But regardless, that is what i'll be doing.
It is a start and it is me being proactive instead of having a cry and a winge about how far away i live... and actually, it excites me, not that i think i'm particularly good, but at least he can have a look and comment.
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On a slightly different but linked topic; my latest bata ( for my youngest son- it is a little beaut too!) is nearly ready to go into oil and the last one is ready to come out. i made it because a guy i've never met complimented me on the one before that and asked to buy one, but as it isn't a business i couldn't take any money and i also have considerable respect for him as he has continued his martial arts even after serious injury. Timmy has been amazingly patient as i don't have a lot of time to make sticks and the first one i made for him was shaped but broke just before going in to the oil, so the whole thing started again; it has been nearly 7 months since i started for him, so it will be nice to finish up and see a picture of it in his hands.
