Shared by teacher Polly
People always approach Archway with a sense of awe, always feeling they're not ready yet. I was the same way—my stated reason was to wait until I lost more weight, but the real reason was uncertainty about my body's connection and application. It wasn't until everyone around me completed their training, and I realized I was running out of study partners, that I signed up with the feeling that "if I don't go now, it'll be too late."
Because the decision was made hastily, with only about a month left before the course started after I registered, I began intensive practice and specifically asked my friend Joanna to guide me in LEU. One LEU session, one GT online class, one GK online class, plus one Feldstein class per week, reawakened my body, which had become sluggish after a long period of rest. The first time I did LEU, it was incredibly difficult, but after a few tries, I slowly regained the proper direction and connection in my body. I knew very well that without these connections, willpower alone wouldn't be enough. So, through repeated practice, I gradually built up a little bit of confidence to face Archway.
The first two days of class were a struggle, hampered by various weaknesses, and I even felt I wouldn't make it to the end. But from the third day onwards, my body gradually got into the zone, and I began to understand the instructor's guidance, allowing the movements to flow naturally from the principles rather than through strain. This transformation was largely due to the teaching of Master Trainer Erika Hassan. She always saw the missing connections in each person, using props and exercises to help the body rediscover how to use itself. Those seemingly subtle hints brought not only external corrections but also changes in the internal structure. Once the principles were understood by the body, returning to the equipment naturally opened up many previously blocked areas, and I better understood why Archway exercises are often placed last—it tests not just ability but the integration of the whole body.
After a few days, those of us who are afraid of heights, and dread the forward, backward, and side bends in the air, may not have completely overcome our fears, but we've all begun to coexist with them. Our bodies have become more open, and our breathing is smoother. That feeling of gradual relaxation of mind and body makes us deeply love Archway. We are also very grateful to AT Field for providing such a bright, clean, and friendly space, allowing us to remain stable even during challenges.
Looking back, there's never truly a day when you're completely ready. But through regular practice, whether it's mat Chanju or the machine-based Chanju trinity course, I've accumulated the ability to connect with my body using principles and rules. Perhaps I can't always produce amazing results, but being able to complete the course smoothly and comfortably is already a achievement for me. The day I finished the course, I felt a mix of excitement and unreality. Now, it's time to return to practice, allowing these understandings to settle within my body and build a deeper connection with Archway.
Article source: https://reurl.cc/Em1E91
