I told a Hapkido master:
“It’s nothing more than dance
Bodies moving bodies
in and through a rhythmic stance.
I shift my weight
then you shift yours
And step in time
Across the floor.
It’s nothing more than dance.”

I told a Lindy Hopper:
“All you do is step and go.
Bodies moving bodies,
Balance soaring in a giant throw.
I shift my weight
and you must shift yours.
Then lay you out
Across the floor.
All you do is move.”

My blue belt testing last weekend was a great reward for hard work in both body and mind, the hardest of which is mind.  The doing is something I can do, the workout, the strain, the figuring out.  But the keeping calm, the focus inward, keeping the pace deliberate and clear – that’s been the struggle.  But the experience last weekend was positive and exhausting.  I feel good about the work I did and I’m ready to meet all the new members when they arrive at the end of the month.

Beautiful photos taken by Lisa Donaldson, a fellow dancer and Hapkido warrior.