In 1994, I very nervously went along to a Self Defence class for women. I loved it. I loved the physicality of it, the camaraderie, everything. It was run by the sensei from the Gojo Ryu karate dojo, so after the 6 week class finished, I joined up at karate. I was at full time uni at the time, so I had plenty of time to go along to classes through the day. I just loved that feeling after training of being so exhausted you could barely stand up, battered and bruised, but on such a high. Yeah I'm weird :)
I continued it for about 18 months and earnt my yellow belt. By that time though, I was back at full-time work, planning a wedding, getting a house built - you know, all those 'grown up' things. I stopped karate.
When Billy started doing defendo martial arts 12 months ago, I'd watch the class and all those feelings came back. I really, really, really felt the urge to try it. In April last year, I wrote on my 'bucket list', "Start martial arts again".
Last night I did it (12 months later but still)! I decided late last week that I was going to do it. I told several of my friends so that I couldn't chicken out. Which was fortunate because I came close a few times yesterday :)
Sitting there waiting for the class last night, I thought I was going to pass out, I was so nervous. You know that feeling you get before you go on stage and give a speech.. That's how I was feeling.
Sensei introduced me to the class - several of whom I knew anyway as they are Billy's instructors and others I knew by sight - and he told them to be gentle with me lol. We did some basic warm ups, blocking & parrying and then the rest of the time was spent doing "close quarters combat" - so rolling around on the ground, groin to groin with strange men, trying to gouge their eyes out :)
There are only 2 other women in the class as far as I know - only one was there last night and she is uber-fit. The rest are all big, strong, fit looking guys which is rather intimidating - but the 3 that I had as partners were all really great.
I'm definitely going again. I'm feeling a bit bruised and stretched in places today but so proud of myself!!! I think I'll try the Saturday morning class next week - Billy has to sit around waiting for my class to finish at 8pm on the Monday night, so it was a fairly late night for him by the time he got to bed.
Yay, I did it!!
6 comments:
woooohoooo!
Awesome Kez...I've been thinking about this for about 12 months. I have just recently made a list of the local places...now just need to book for a trial!
Sounds like you really did enjoy yourself Kaz. Good on you for pushing yourself to do it again.
I haven't tried Karate but my son went for a while, and I would have loved to try. Maybe I should bite the bullet and do it too!
xTania
Everything about it sounds scary and exhilarating! Good on you :)
My comfort zone was aqua-robics with a group of over 50's ... they were kind to me when I stopped with cramps or nose bleeds.
What's next on your bucket list (of the items you're willing to share, anyway)?
Yay for you! Well done!
Good on you! I wish I had not given it up. I joined with the kids years ago and as one by one they all dropped out, I was left alone :-( Ended up stopping as I really did not have the time for that extra activity. I was up to my green belt at the time.
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