I practice Sun Do for that feeling, which lasts throughout the day

I first heard of Sun Do in the mid-'90s when a good friend of mine started coming over to my house after practice each evening at the yoga space over on Court Street.

My friend seemed different somehow.

His cheeks were ruddy, and he looked more calm, focused. 

He encouraged me to try it and see for myself. I was 33.

I remember my first practice felt a bit awkward-- Some people were wearing uniforms. There was a recording of this guy chanting in Korean in the middle of it, with everybody bowing at the beginning and at the end.

Was this some kind of cult?

Nevertheless, I felt better afterwards so I went back a couple of days later.

This went on for a few weeks. 

Then I learned there were early morning practices, starting at 6:00.

Being more of a morning person, I started trying those.

After practice most mornings, a bunch of us would go to the old Horn of the Moon Cafe on Langdon St. for breakfast.

Food tasted better; especially fresh foods.

As my diet improved, I started riding my bike more.

It wasn't long before I ended up going to practice almost every morning; including Wednesdays at 5:00 a.m.

I loved, and still love, the deep quiet stillness of the cool early morning air, and the crisp fresh feeling in the marrow of my bones sitting still in the circle after a rigorous practice.

I practice Sun Do for that feeling, which lasts throughout the day.

-Martin Kemple, Worcester