This Week’s Video

I focused on single sinawali applications in this short video. I kept the video concise rather than a detailed breakdown of one or two sinawali techniques. Instead, I demonstrated several applications of single sinawali. I hope you find the video helpful and hopefully trigger some ideas!

If you are not able to view this video, click here.

As seen from this video and past ones, sinawali opens the door to various viable self-defence techniques. Many of the techniques can be connected to those from other martial arts. For example, I see a fair overlap between the sinawali techniques and those practiced in Wing Chun.

COVID-19 Update

In the last post, I discussed the emergence of the Omicron variant. This variant has been detected in all European countries, Canada, and the USA. In addition, there are several cases here in Ontario.

The early conclusion by scientists is that this variant is more transmissible than the Delta variant and results in milder illness.

Still, they caution that it’s too early as they need more data. The unknowns are whether it results in mild or severe illness across all age groups and can outcompete the Delta variant and vaccines’ effectiveness against Omicron. Scientists advise that it will take time to get answers to those questions. One scientist said, “We are at the mercy of time.”

The seven-day rolling average in Ontario has risen 110% since November 1st. Fortunately, due to the high vaccination rate, ICU and ventilator numbers have nudged up only a bit. This is quite encouraging!

For all the alarms sounded by the media, I highly doubt that this will lead to more generalized lockdowns. Germany did announce a lockdown for the unvaccinated. Due to the successful vaccination rollout here in Ontario, I don’t think there will be another lockdown. If ICU and ventilators rise too much, I think that Ontario will opt for heightened restrictions such as the reinstatement of capacity limits on restaurants and gyms. We’ll see.

On the other hand, I could be wrong. Unexpected turns of events happen all the time.

Since lockdowns in Ontario are unlikely, the martial arts industry in Ontario should rest easy and continue with classes. However, we have no idea what the economic impact of the Omicron variant might be.

Cobra Kai Is Back!

Netflix announced that Season 4 of Cobra Kai will drop on December 31st! WOO!!

If you are not able to view this video, click here.

I love the humour, the action, the storylines and the flashbacks to the 1980s. I can’t wait for the fusion of Eagle Fang Karate, and Migayi Do Karate. How will Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso manage their new alliance against Kreese? Will other Karate Kid characters (Hillary Swank) make appearances?

This series is smart, fun, and cheesy all simultaneously!

Now, a quick confession, I don’t think that I’ll be watching it the minute it drops. But, you see, I’m a huge college football fan, and we’ll be in the thick of the college bowl season. The College Football Playoff Semi-finals are taking place on December 31st.

So, I will hold off on watching the new season of “Cobra Kai.” You know the old saying about “delayed gratification!”

Stay tuned for my impressions!

This Week’s Inspiration

If you are not able to view this video, click here.

This video is only 1:38 long but delivers a pointed message. Pursue your passion rather than try to please others, whether your parents or friends.

This video reminds me of when a Korean-American boy took up Modern Arnis and fell in love with it. He regularly came to class for several months eager to learn all aspects of Modern Arnis. A great kid.

Then one day, he announced that he had to quit.

I asked, “Why? What’s going on?“

He looked at me mournfully and answered: “My parents want me to do Korean martial arts instead.“

Wow, I felt terrible for the kid and never saw him again. Since then, I’ve developed a distaste for those who try to pigeonhole others into activities solely based on their cultural or ethnic backgrounds. Unfortunately, I have seen some instances of this travesty here in Toronto.

My advice is to find your passion and pursue it regardless of what others might think, like the boy in the above video. Likewise, let others find their path. Give them the freedom to explore!

Additional Reading