Classes start - much better shape this year
With the exception of feeling a bit under the weather today, classes are going really well. The School is expanding nicely and there are a number of new students, making this much more fun. Both Grappling and Karate are improving for me. I started running too, which has made a huge difference in my stamina. That’s all for now folks.
Possibly my best week yet
An excellent week! Possibly my cold finally getting out of my lungs was the reason, but none the less, a really good week. I came away from both the Thursday and Saturday class feeling quite good about my progress. Technically I didn’t feel any real improvement, and perhaps I even felt a bit off on combo’s and kicks. When Sensei pointed out my mistakes I had enough active grey matter left that I heard and remember what the suggestions were. The best part of all this was having energy even after the class, and being a little bouncing during the class too!
Saturday I wore hand protectors for the first time. Since tournaments don’t allow hand or feet protectors I don’t really believe in wearing them during practice either. However, one knuckle was so sensitive I was not able to practice without doing something. Having my hands covered did allow me to focus more on technique and less on fear of getting hurt.
Last week I said I would start running. Well, no go there. This week for sure. Although my current running shoes are pretty much toast, there is enough life left in them to get me around the block a few more times. Using the weather as an excuse saw last week with radical temperature changes from plus 10°C to -12°C. This week is going to see more suitable Maple Sugaring weather, with daytime temperatures in the plus and night time in the minus range. Wow, this week sees +13 on Tuesday and Wednesday, very nice.
The hardest Karate class yet - room for physical improvement
When I first started Karate—this time, well Tae Kwon Do last time—I would be spent half way through the warm-up game. Cramps, headache, hard to breathe. After 7 months I can now get through the warm up, games, grappling and usually the practice. The fighting still does me in. The last two classes though did me in. The practice alone did me in. Cramps, headaches, bad breathing. So, to help things out, this week I am going to start running. Starting off small with a 1KM run and working back up to my 4KM runs, and then go past that. A fellow class mate who leaves near by is starting to run also. Hopefully we can get our schedules in line with each other and do our runs at the same time.
Interesting to note that I have more time to work these days while taking Karate. I am possibly in the best shape I have been in for over 20 years, and I find that I am more awake and need less sleep, giving me more family time, and more work time. I guess you could say that Karate is a time saver.
Here’s to the next class, and being in a bit better shape each week.
The hardest Karate class yet - room for physical improvement
When I first started Karate—this time, well Tae Kwon Do last time—I would be spent half way through the warm-up game. Cramps, headache, hard to breathe. After 7 months I can now get through the warm up, games, grappling and usually the practice. The fighting still does me in. The last two classes though did me in. The practice alone did me in. Cramps, headaches, bad breathing. So, to help things out, this week I am going to start running. Starting off small with a 1KM run and working back up to my 4KM runs, and then go past that. A fellow class mate who leaves near by is starting to run also. Hopefully we can get our schedules in line with each other and do our runs at the same time.
Interesting to note that I have more time to work these days while taking Karate. I am possibly in the best shape I have been in for over 20 years, and I find that I am more awake and need less sleep, giving me more family time, and more work time. I guess you could say that Karate is a time saver.
Here’s to the next class, and being in a bit better shape each week.
Singing the white belt blues
Catchy tune isn’t it… “The White Belt Blues.” Since we are practicing Shorinjiryu Kenkokan Karate we wear full head gear and chest gear. On our hands during competition we are not allowed to wear hands nor feet protection. During practice we are allowed to wear hand and feet protection if we choose. I have chosen not too. This neither makes me brave nor stupid, it is just a decision I made. So, when the bear fist makes contact with a chest guard or plexiglass face protection, well, it can hurt a bit. As ones hands are not used to this sort of behaviour, it tends to cause bruising and swelling. I am told this condition goes away after awhile. In the mean time, I’ll just keep singing the white belt blues and waiting for my hands to return to normal.
The official first Karate Dads entry
This is the first blog entry for my new karate dad’s website. The reason for the site is simple: A place where I can keep a small journal about my sons and my progress from white belt to .... My son started karate at the Red Barn Dojo roughly a year ago. Today my son has his yellow/white half belt. Myself, well, I started Karate last September. The idea was that I go to help my son in his class when needed. However, since I have always had an interest in Karate, but never “got around to it,” this seemed like an ideal time to start.
To clarify, this site can appeal to both mom’s and dad’s. This domain name was available, so I grabbed it. To make it official, I welcome all sons and daughters in Karate who have a mom or dad also in Karate. I welcome any mom or dad who would like to share their experiences to drop me a note on the contact page. Access to contribute to the site is just a contact form away!
Thank you for visiting my site.
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