Beta version

 

I feel way less prepared this year for the presentation of our beta version but I have to remind myself that this time I tackled a very different beast. In previous years it was more obvious what my weapon was, and what it could do. This time I had a lot more doubts about my choice and I will admit I feel a little silly about this exaggerated long braid. On the other hand imagining to walk around with an elaborate hair-do and being able to let my hair down to take somebody out that may even carry any kind of weapon is a fun idea.
Learning about the potential and the dynamics of a chain whip or rope dart intrigues me but I know if I had watched a demonstration before I made this choice, I would not have picked a flexible weapon. I struggle with coordination, so no way would I have decided on this. The reason I still ended up here was the idea of using something less obvious and when I thought of using my hair I didn't at all think about the association with any traditional weapons, only after playing around, watching videos, and having lots of conversations I started seeing what it relates to. 

I am so glad I tricked myself into this choice and I enjoy practicing all these different techniques. Aside from picking a weapon way out of my comfort zone, I notice the difference in frequency of my practices. I can not swing my braid inside at all due to its length and even the garage is tricky. I have used some of this warmer weather to work on my form outside but it is not the same at all and still awkward in my boots and winter jacket. I do get regular practices in at the kwoon which is helpful and I'm grateful but I do miss the random reps I usually do throughout my day and evenings, often to take a quick break from sitting on the floor and doing my felting. The good part about that is I still take those breaks but instead of investing most of my time into my weapon form, I practice my hand forms way more than before.

On Thursday I'll have to show you all where I am at with my braid form and I wish I'd feel more confident but given the total lack of skills at this point, I have to just be happy that I even have any kind of sequence in theory. You all will need a lot of imagination and trust that there is some intent there and I hope later on, it will become clear what I'm trying to do. I still need to come up with a beginning and an end but it may not be there by Thursday! So be warned I will be there but it may look like a tangled mess for now!



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