Distance outside of class.

I'm getting tired of making posts about social interactions, but I want to make a last point.

Kenpo is a connective force. I feel a sense of brotherhood with my fellow kenpoists. Every time we sweat, bleed, or laugh, we feel closer.

However, it doesn't do much, and maybe shouldn't do much, to build a connection with non-martial artists. If I go to family gatherings, like Thanksgiving 2 days ago, kenpo doesn't help me feel connected, at least not directly.

There are some little connections. I'm more relaxed thanks to kenpo, so I'm more open with people. Every so often the conversation can take a turn that makes knowledge of martial arts, self-defense, or related ethical issues relevant.

But, generally, I spend a lot of time doing something that doens't connect me to, say, my in-laws, and kenpo rarely comes up. This isn't a problem. Just an observation.

-- SGB