Buzz, buzz, buzz. The time is 2:45am. Hardcore workout mode commencing soon. Can't wait. At 3:30, I'll soon be seeing tents open, quasi-conscious students moving around doing their morning routine, and a line forming in the center of the camp by 4:00am.
Our goal: to accomplish more before sunrise than most will in their entire day.
The entire class was in line by 3:45am. Most impressive, young Padawans! I'm very proud of them for this. Despite the fact that we had a grueling workout yesterday on the beach, and many of them were probably sore, I did not have to wake a single soul. They each woke up a buddy and were prepared to go right away!
We began with a night hike back to our favorite beach. Even with flashlights, the journey was a good test of awareness, focus, balance, and teamwork. There were several difficult steps which were managed well by the entire team, largely in part due to their cooperation and communication! Once on the beach, we began with a series of conditioning exercises, followed by forms and meditation as the sun began to rise.
It's overcast today, so we didn't get to see the same splendor, but it was still a beautiful sight. As light began to illuminate the clouds, the ocean waves began to sparkle less and foam more. Minds wandered in fatigue, but eventually focused and calmed themselves in cadence with the sound of the crashing waves, punctuated briefly by sharp breaths and the snap of arms blocking and punching at full speed.
This does not look like a mixed group. It's difficult to tell the beginners from the black belts. While on most days, I would pick on my black belts for this, today I don't - because it's the beginners who are stepping up, big time. Sure, their movement lacks a bit of the polish that some of the more experienced students have, but what really shines is their focus.
This is a group that is hungry for knowledge, one that is striving for more than just a vacation and karate games. We're in for a great day.
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