Curiosity
I've been curious from a very young age. I asked a lot of questions about the what and why. Even now I started asking myself questions and talking to people. In my sport and dance I started to hold up a mirror to myself, that was very confronting. It gave me insight into how I behave, why I do or postpone things. Awareness is good, but it is often also accompanied by discomfort, pain and confrontation.
I've proven to be good to myself
After all I learned about myself, I now embrace much more of what I have done. When I now feel that unrest coming up, I think about what I have already achieved and that I don't have to prove anything. I am good as I am and can now just enjoy myself with everything that I have discovered and will discover through my curiosity and passion. My ambition is good, as long as I don't use it to fill the void. I will remain passionate, now I am also more aware of where it comes from.
LEARNING BECAUSE OF RUNNING AGAINST A BRICK WALL
A few years ago it was all about investing for me. I was doing business in my own dance school and also a dance training with a good friend of mine. I trained a lot and learned a lot, became physically stronger and in addition to my activities in the Netherlands, I was active worldwide in giving workshops and performances. I was training and teaching almost every day from early morning to late at night. Although I enjoyed seeing my own development, it eventually became too much. Too much came to me and I got lost in what I wanted.
For two weeks I was completely exhausted. I had run against a brick wall and although that sucked it gave me insights about who I am and what I like to do. I had to choose to let go of certain activities and regain control of my emotions. Instead of just doing it, I taught myself to ask myself what I want and why I do it.
Daring to be vulnerable
Immediately during the first lesson at WuDae I got a very good feeling. The style and way of teaching, the environment, everything seemed to be right for me. It was exactly what I was looking for and what I felt good about. The solidarity within WuDae is actually the best thing about this school. Everyone has their own learning process and that is respected. People are open to each other and help each other to develop, whatever your level. In this way a sense of security is created to be able to be vulnerable, this is the most important thing for me when you want to learn and what I would like to give people.
If you want to learn about self defense and want to be able to do it in a casual way, WuDae is the right place for you. It gives you a place where you as a person matter. Where you are allowed to be and everyone supports you while you are challenged mentally and physically. These values have been my inspiration for how I teach in my own dance school. With room for learning and vulnerability through mutual involvement.
