I was really unsure I could make today’s class because of the intense pain in my right big toe, but somehow the pain disappeared only to come back later this evening, long after class. Now I can barely hobble along on that foot. But it’s nothing serious, it will disappear and I will be back to normal for my 11 km run tomorrow (complete with Yaktrax). I think the foot pain is just a remnant of last Wednesday’s kick where I performed a series of front thrust kicks and on one, I missed, hit the very bottom of the hanging bag, and bent the toe back too far.
We did the usual warm-up, which varies greatly from class to class. The warm-up exercises do vary greatly in form, but they are identical in purpose. So warm-ups remain interesting, and even if some things seem repetitive, it gives you a chance to focus on the class and think about what you are going to do; what you are going to try to improve given a chance.
I am quite happy that Barrau Sensei has taken control and brought us back to the basics. Over the months, we have dispensed with formalities and focused just on getting through the katas but by bringing us back to formal basics (not neglecting how to bow, respect, and the kata introduction and finish which are common to all kata) Barrau Sensei has re-energized and focused us back on track.
After the warm-up we practiced kata first, then sparring. At the end we were shown more practical self defense moves. It is quite sobering to realize that were we forced into really defending ourselves, we would have no choice but to do so with the utmost intensity. This means there would be no room for taking it easy or for mercy. In our self-defense moves we do not of course hurt each other (we hold back) but in real life the poor victim (who was once the aggressor) would almost certainly come away with broken arm or leg joints as well as various other fractures that may even be life threatening for the aggressor. Not a pleasant thing to contemplate but when it come to survival, what else can you do, especially if the aggressor is much larger and stronger than you?
I suspect that the ranking won’t be happening now until the new year, but whenever it happens I will be ready.
