well as a bit of a muck about i tried doing some kicks today and im ok in a front kick but my adductors have atrophied from spending years with my legs just going around in circles plus im have heavy legs anyway so im goign to need to work on that a lot before i even consider trying a class .Not sure its a good idea with a pinned collarbone , pinned arthritic thumb and both my knees are not what they were when i was to quote point break " young , dumb and full of c*m"
Must be demoraising (if inevitable) to have regressed, however if you can remember the techniques and there's still some muscle memory presumably you can practice on your own and work on flexibility until you're comfortable to go to a class. That said if mine's anything to go by they'll cater for all abilities with no judgement / shame in being shite (as much I've struggled in this respect).
Today was my fourth lesson and my first as a paid-up member on the six-month course; now with my own Karate pyjamas
Broad strokes in an effort to not get carried away.. lessons are probably about 30-40 mins and consist of the same warm up at the beginning (jogging and variations of), perhaps some more general fitness stuff (body weight and cardio) and then practicing of maybe 3-4 techniques (which is enough to not be too overwhelming).
So far it's all been pretty well mixed up so hopefully shouldn't get stagnant. I'm coping OK with most of the fitness stuff thanks to a decent underpinning from cycling and the strength stuff I've been doing, which is nice.
Seems I'm gradually improving with the actual martial arts stuff; in that I'm still cocking it up, but less frequently / severely.
Everyone I've spoken to in the class seems really nice, and one of the chaps whose been in every lesson I've attended gave me a crash course on sorting my clothing earlier, which was very much appreciated as I didn't have a clue.
Also chatted to a new guy over here for uni who was from the lebanon, which was interesting and again he seemed like a decent bloke. I think (certainly in the beginners class) the vulnerability and total inability to carry any ego when you're so clearly shite at something potentially makes people more engaging.. I've certainly found myself more comfortable to talk to others
I'm trying to do some homework; writing up notes on what I've been shown and trying to practice on my own. I find watching my reflection in the glass door is really handy to keep on eye on form and make sure I'm doing what I've been told. I'm also trying to stay on top of stretching post-class as it's predictably punishing on some areas (the kicks are killing my tight hips / obliques). This is one area I did feel was lacking from the class, however personally I'd rather do it myself when it's not on the clock... maybe some guidance might be good.
Today was pretty heavy, thankfully underpinned by a half-decent night's kip for once. About 32 miles total on the bike getting to work and all the various other places, plus the kickboxing class then across town for a session on the rings afterwards as evidently I didn't feel I'd had enough of a shoeing.
Squeezed in a trip to the shops after that but could feel myself declining as I zoned out with an empty basket so got together what I could and wafted home for a sizeable dinner.
I can envisage a state of perpetual knackeredness if I maintain the riding and strength training along with kickboxing twice a week; although I expect the former two will taper off as the temperature drops and daylight fades so the kickboxing will hopefully help keep me active through the cold and dark.
Feeling pretty positive about the whole thing currently; will probably be less enthusiastic when I have to haul my aching mass out of bed in the morning...
