I will hopefully have more time to write in here once school starts because it looks like I will only be getting 4 hours a week at my job. It is really frustrating, but I will stay working there for so little time because I like it so much and there is always that possibility in the future that they up my shifts. It is more than likely not to happen, but at least I will have the free fitness membership. I can honestly say, though, that one of the owners (there are 3: a married couple and another lady... the wife doesn't get along well with the other lady who was friends with the husband for a while before they started the business) has not wanted me there since the beginning. She isn't going to let me take shifts towards the end of the month to fill in for people because it is a really busy time for the gym and she doesn't think I can handle it. My personal view is that I need to be in that atmosphere so that I can be prepared for the worst. Whatever. Reminds me of the time when they wouldn't let me work the 10 hour shift.

One new and exciting thing in my life is the fact that I have started the process to becoming a certified personal trainer. I visited the ACE website a little while ago and bought myself the Personal Trainer textbook (came to over $100, but worth it) to start preparing for the 3 hour multiple choice exam which I will hopefully be writing in November. The exam costs an extra $150 in US funds, but I am sure it will be well worth it. Once I get this certification, I should be able to find better jobs while going to university (yes, I still do plan on going to university to study English). I love English, but have always been interested in fitness and I think this may be a calling for me. ;-)

One more awesome thing that has happened to me lately is the joining of the Martial Arts section of the fitness club in my town (it's the one I work at). I have joined for a year into the Jiu-Jitsu (and Kickboxing Level 2) classes and I could not be more pleased with how it is going.

As stated in our clubs pamphlet on Martial Arts:
Jiu-Jitsu
Jiu-Jitsu is the art of suppleness. Techniques are employed in four fighting "zones": Kicking, striking, clinching/throwing, and ground work such as pins, chokes, and joint locks.
Although sometimes explosive, many of the techniques are applied in a methodical way, reflecting the thinking or strategic approach of the art, like a chess match where multiple future moves are anticipated.
The essence of Jiu-Jitsu is the ability to move from one technique to another, as quickly and as often as necessary to control an attacker.

Philosophy
In the past, martial arts tended to guide students to seek perfection in a single area. Consistent with he philosophy of society at that time, to succeed one needed to become a specialist.
In today's society, life is more about striving to achieve balance. We are no longer allowed the luxury of a fixed set of skills, rules, or roles. Like a juggler, as we advance through life, more and more items are added to our juggling act. Modern society demands of us the ability to achieve balance.
We teach students to become balanced people, as well as balanced fighters.

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The Sensei at our club has had over 30 years experience in martial arts and is a 5th Dan in Japanese Jiu-Jitsu with a black belt in karate. He has trained extensively in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (under Carlson Gracie), kickboxing and boxing. He is also a certified boxing coach and a certified personal trainer.

Here's the schedule for classes the club offers:

Sunday Adult Jiu-Jitsu (2 hours)
Monday Kickboxing Level 2 (Haven't actually had a chance to try it yet because last Monday was the Civic Holiday and there were no classes)
Tuesday Adult Martial Arts (1 hour), Adult Martial Arts "Stand Up" (45 mins) {this one includes some sparring}
Wednesday Jiu-Jitsu Free Practice (1 hour)
Thursday Adult Martial Arts (1 hour), Advanced Martial Arts (45 mins)
Friday Nothing
Saturday Technical Jiu-Jitsu (1.25 hours)

I am trying to take as many of the classes as possible because I really want to get my money's worth. Once the school year hits, I will have to miss the Wednesday class, though because it is at 1 PM. It is nice to have so many options, though. They tell me that in about 3 months I should be on my way to a yellow belt! hehe. I feel so pathetic with just a white belt. The thing I find the most frustrating has to be the sparring. I really don't like it all that much. I am just hoping that with time it will get more easy and that I will like it more. Last nights class was especially frustrating. I actually started crying almost. The instructor said that that is normal, especially for females, but it still felt wrong.

Okay, this entry is awful. I am going to shut up now.

P.S. I have created a bunch of new rings for people to join. Please do check them out and join if you want. They are definitely lacking in the member department (hint, hint).