Training in the forest

First I’d like to salute all the FMK Todais and congratulate Shi Zu and his wife for their newborn ! I wish Ken Zen Lee happiness and luck in his life !

Closeness with nature

Today was a rest day, and on this Sunday morning, as very often in the last few weeks, I decided to head to the woods. The place where I live is surrounded by a forest, not very far from a very large natural domain. My mother began working for this organization which specializes in the environment and preservation of the forest, a job that I highly encouraged her to take. As a reward, she was able to give me various maps that can be used for bike rides or hiking.

A balanced way to train

Encouraged by FMK and especially Ryan videos, I decided to give a shot to those long walks in nature, with which I was already familiar, having spent countless hours walking with my grandfather on Brittany’s coast. Everytime I go to the woods, I discover new ways and natural facilities to challenge my body! And I have to say that having joined a gym recently, these escapades in the forest are a great way to find a balance. It was also the occasion to read the celebrated book by Henry David Thoreau : “Walden or life in the woods”. His work “civil disobedience” is a masterpiece too.

First, I tried to take videos of the tracks that I use to reach my training spots, which are full of rivers, natural obstacles and beautiful landscapes. But the camera couldn’t catch one per cent of the feelings you can get when you’re here, plus It is shaking a lot.

Entering the forest

Then, a little warm up after I arrived to the first specific place where I train.

warm up

Then natural use of the surrounding elements to develop power, grip… from rocks to logs, I find new things every time! It was also the occasion to use the nunchakus and practice a little bit of the CLF form. You can also hear gun shots as it was a hunting day.

Forest workout

And finally a short video on the way back.

Getting back

Establishing a close bound with nature

Having started to go for long, consistent walks in the woods, I can only highlight the benefits of such experience, whether alone or with our close friends or family. The only regret I have is to meet so few people out there, except for men hunting. I have to say that I am still divided on the subject, even though I understand the ecological aspect of it (limiting the number of animals in the forest) and even though we share the love for nature, I suppose I would not enjoy it so much if I had to kill animals. To develop, I would say that long walks remind us that we are part of nature, which makes us humble again. To me, using this atmosphere to kill animals makes you lose this benefit.

Even though the videos don’t have the quality they deserved, I hope that I could give you an insight of my present workouts and progress towards a greater freedom.

Todai Ling