In September, my kids and I started taking martial arts classes at a dojo in the Mission. I wasn’t sure at first if I would also participate, but after taking a few classes I decided that I wanted to do it too. I was going to be there 2-3 times a week anyway, and if I planned things right, I could take classes while my kids did.
It has been a really rewarding experience. The first half of the class consists of a lot of yoga moves, and while I haven’t been to yoga in years, there were epochs in my life when I went 3-4 times a week. It feels good to stretch my body in familiar ways.
The second half of the class is all kicking and punching and jabbing. I took kickboxing for a couple of years in college, but I forgot how much I enjoy kicking and punching and jabbing things. While I might have forgotten how much I liked it, my muscles have not forgotten how to do it. As they say, it’s like riding a bike – the muscle memory is surprisingly strong.
There is one set of moves though that were not a part of kickboxing – the blocks. There is a whole series of blocks, and punches and kicks that come off of blocks, and they are really hard for me. None of the movements come easily, and much of the time the teacher has to come stand by me and make me do the move four or five times, while the rest of the class waits and watches, before I manage it. It’s been a really long time since I tried to teach my body something new, and while I do get frustrated, mostly I’m exhilarated by the experience of trying something hard.
The next adult belt test is this coming Saturday. I’m going to give it a try. I feel confident enough in my one-steps, but I am only just learning the 20 forms I will be asked to perform, alone, from memory.
It’s strange to have a goal that is not related to working, or parenting, or the PTA, to be working toward something that is just for me, because I want to. It feels indulgent, and exhilarating. I know I’ll be proud of myself if I advance to a high white belt. And I know that if someday I earn my yellow belt, it will feel like a significant achievement.
There are a lot of areas of my life that feel stagnant, so it’s nice to have something new to work on, to have new goals to aim for. I’m glad I tried martial arts. I wonder where I will end up. Hopefully with a six pack and guns. 😉
HOW SUPER COOL is that!!!! You are getting physical exercise and learning about self-defense at the same time. GO YOU!!!!!!!!! Super proud of you!
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That is awesome! Congratulations- and good luck on your belt test!!!
This is really cool, best of luck with the test!! And I agree, having personal goals is so important.