Happy New Year Bantulinos!

What were you up to during the break? I must give a special shout out to Lynn and co for organising secret training sessions during the off-days. Muito Axé!

As for me. Hmm. I think I feel a slight double chin coming up beneath the new year’s festivities and the unkept excuse of stubble. Which brings me to my next point about beginnings and years – resolutions.

(pic – Beth @ Bantus Australia and Mestre pondering over their 2010 resolutions)

I’m in the midst of doing my office year-end appraisals and evaluations. One interesting piece is the ‘resolutions and reflections’ (there’s no official name for it, but I thought it would be apt) section of it. And I’m sorry but I just couldn’t help thinking that it could be applied to our journey as capoeiristas as well.

So here are the questions, paraphrased to help you, Bantulino, reflect on the year that was 09 and how you would like to take your jogo into 2010.

This isn’t just a casual blog posting. I want you all to really ponder over it. Because once you’ve come up with your answers, you should go share them with Quek and Rafa. They’re your teachers and guide, but they are not mind readers. If they know where you want to go on the journey, the easier it is for them to take you, ok?

(pic – Bantulinos sharing their reflections and resolutions to their teachers)

Like seriously. Pull them aside after class and say ‘Listen, I read the Bantus blog, and I did my assessment, please tell me what you think, and this is where I’d like to go with my capoeira’

Easy.

So now, let’s get started with the hard part. Part Uno – Reflections.

1. What are some of the achievements you are proud of? It can be your overall game, one move, a song you’ve learnt. Whatever. List them all down. You’ll feel good, trust me.

2. What are some challenges that you’ve faced?

3. What are the 3 most important lessons you’ve learnt. Or 3 inspirational ideas you’ve absorbed.

Fantastic. Now here comes Part Dos – Resolutions.

1. What are the 3 things you want to achieve for your Capoeira in 2010?

2. What are the 3 things you want to do more effectively as a Capoeirista?

3. What are the 3 things that you should stop doing? This one’s a tough one. Your teachers/guides/mentors/heros Quek and Rafa should be able to help you with it. But only if you’ve answered all of the above.

(pic – Rafa pondering about his 2010 resolution on how to help Bantus Malaysia improve and if he’ll ever try to eat seafood)

Happy Reflecting, Resolutionising, and Capoeiraing my fellow Bantulinos.

Here’s to 2010. Feliz Ano Nuevo!

PS. Photos courtesy of Jabudecaba aka Stan Lee @ facebook.