johnsjar

Today’s lesson was intense. After the usual warm-ups we did a lot of push-ups. We also did a lot of isometric tension exercises where we place our hands or lower arms (flat on the floor) and then in a push up type position we hold ourselves up off the floor with our backs straight and on our toes. Then we switched to the same position but using only one arm while we held the position on our left and then on our right sides.

We went through a lot of the basics that we learned (as white belts) except we did not do any kata. Then we paired off and practiced blocks and punches with an opponent of higher rank. When it became my turn to get my punch middle blocked, the first time it was ok. The second time it stung a little after about the fifth time it really began to hurt. Fortunately, we switched sides a lot before I got too badly bruised. I think the soreness gave me an insight as to why we throw the punch as we do, and having said that I think I am punching wrong but that determination requires more research and experimentation.

After a short break, we practiced a new block and then we practiced sparring with the black belts. This can be a little intimidating if you don’t know how to do it. A little bit of wondering if I was going to get my nose broken or worse. Fortunately, the black belts stopped their punches before my face did. After a really awkward start, I began to get the hang of it. This kind of sparring seems more like a real street fight than when we do katas.

I also picked up a manual for me and one for Marilyn. Yesterday we practiced at home together and got quite a workout. Tomorrow I hope to run again.

My hamstrings are almost back to normal. I hope I did not stress them too hard in today’s class. I also did not wear any tape or padding on my right big toe and it felt ok. I hope I don’t feel too sore tomorrow. I feel pretty good right now.

The day after addendum: I think I can run today, though I don’t plan on more than 5 km. My core muscles are very sore today. My shoulders. My arms. My *BACK* muscles even. But my legs seem fine, though even they are a bit sore. I continue to be surprised at how effective the karate exercises are at finding all those disused muscles that I haven’t thought about for years. And the variety of exercises, some dynamic but most isometric, are almost limitless in the variations they use. They don’t do the same exercises two lessons in a row I am noticing - but I don’t know if this is by design or coincidence since I have only taken 8 lessons. Ouch! If I can survive these first few weeks of training to get over that first level of soreness one gets in any new undertaking, I will feel much better. I think. I hope. I notice that many of the students do not do the exercises properly. Some of them cheat. I try not to cheat and maybe that is why I am so sore. I guess the bottom line is, you will get exactly what you put into it. I am putting in a 100% effort. Having said that, I have to say that I also cheat in order to avoid injury. I am too old and hence it takes me too long to heal for me to risk injury. I have to admit though, that my karate training is impacting on my ability to run in a negative way. That is because I am have been too sore to run. That will diminish over time I am sure.