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Karate, First Class
Aug. 17th, 2017 08:11 pmTonight, I had my first ever karate class. It was a sampler for beginner adults at a new dojo which has opened in our neighbourhood.
I've been thinking about this for a long time. Mostly, my goals are easy: more cardio, flexibility, reflexes & balance in a structured program. Long time friends Beth Fournier and Stephan Mueller (now both of Seattle) have been blackbelts for the past couple of decades: it was their example which set my mind in motion on this years ago, but I never felt I had the time or opportunity until recently.
The class tonight was heavy on kicks and punches, as one might expect. What I didn't expect was how physically demanding it would be in a one hour session: I was sweating heavily in the last 20 minutes.
My form, needless to say, sucks. Our sensei and teaching assistant have been doing this for years so naturally they have better balance and joint flexibility than I do. But for a complete novice, I think I acquitted myself well. I did not embarrass my ancestors, although some might have been giggling at my expense. Given that it was only an hour --and they doubtlessly didn't want to scare off a newbie before he was fully hooked-- we didn't delve into things I know are critical for karate: foot positioning, balance, breathing, etc.. But I can practice that on my own so my next appearance won't be quite so pathetic.
In theory, I should be attending classes Mondays & Thursdays, but I've already warned them that I have a series of booking for the next while so I won't have regular attendance until we get past Labour Day. But I will make the effort. And being more than a little obsessive, I'll get through the initial stages with determination.
Their program could theoretically raise one to black belt level in three years. I suppose that is possible if one has great attendance and above average tenacity --and I usually have both. But rising through the ranks isn't really my goal. If graduation to a new belt happens, I'll take it, but it's just icing on the cake. Of course I say that now, but when my competitiveness and OCD kicks in...
I've been thinking about this for a long time. Mostly, my goals are easy: more cardio, flexibility, reflexes & balance in a structured program. Long time friends Beth Fournier and Stephan Mueller (now both of Seattle) have been blackbelts for the past couple of decades: it was their example which set my mind in motion on this years ago, but I never felt I had the time or opportunity until recently.
The class tonight was heavy on kicks and punches, as one might expect. What I didn't expect was how physically demanding it would be in a one hour session: I was sweating heavily in the last 20 minutes.
My form, needless to say, sucks. Our sensei and teaching assistant have been doing this for years so naturally they have better balance and joint flexibility than I do. But for a complete novice, I think I acquitted myself well. I did not embarrass my ancestors, although some might have been giggling at my expense. Given that it was only an hour --and they doubtlessly didn't want to scare off a newbie before he was fully hooked-- we didn't delve into things I know are critical for karate: foot positioning, balance, breathing, etc.. But I can practice that on my own so my next appearance won't be quite so pathetic.
In theory, I should be attending classes Mondays & Thursdays, but I've already warned them that I have a series of booking for the next while so I won't have regular attendance until we get past Labour Day. But I will make the effort. And being more than a little obsessive, I'll get through the initial stages with determination.
Their program could theoretically raise one to black belt level in three years. I suppose that is possible if one has great attendance and above average tenacity --and I usually have both. But rising through the ranks isn't really my goal. If graduation to a new belt happens, I'll take it, but it's just icing on the cake. Of course I say that now, but when my competitiveness and OCD kicks in...
