Phew, I thought, trying to stand straight and look strong. That's lucky, because after a weekend of climbing and volleyball I really didn't feel up to working hard for the Karate lesson I was about to start. Even shrugging my shoulders feels like too much effort.
But let me start at the beginning: When Alex kindly offered to take me along to a Karate lesson, I resisted the urge to ask questions beyond the where, when and what. I have learnt throughout my alphabet journey that I should just say yes and go before I have time to worry about it. Fortunately, on most occasions I've had friends coming along as well, making it all seem more manageable. Today, Anneka kindly skipped her circuit training to accompany me.
For a moment we thought we might not find the right room, but luckily there was a big army of little people (3 years old perhaps) in red karategi determinedly marching towards one of the entrances. "Hang on", I hear you say, "will this be another horse riding type event, where you end up in a kids class?". Not quite - but not far off!
The hall quickly filled up with red-clad littlens surveyed by proud parents on one end, and a mix of children, teenagers and adults wearing a variety of belts on the other.
"You'll have to go at the back", Alex pointed out, and as you know there is no place I'd rather be. What I didn't realised was that "at the back" doesn't mean you can slob around wherever you want to - oh no, there are clearly defined rows and everyone knows their place. Everyone... except Anneka and me...with lowered eyes we quickly tried to fill the gaps that efficient arms pointed to, and tried to blend in. Despite our best efforts, we clearly still stood out, and this is why we received the warm welcome I described at the beginning.
I had asked Alex if there would be a warm-up, mainly because I'm learning that the warm-ups tend to be the hardest part of each lesson. "You might be lucky it's so hot, it might not be too bad." Let me explain to you that Alex is ready to take her black belt test and generally oozes fitness. "Not too bad" doesn't reassure me much.
And rightly so; out of breath from running the width of the gym several times, I struggled to bear-walk backwards and only just about managed to gasp an apology to the black-belted guy who drew the short straw to be partnered with me. He was kind and made sure to keep the jumping exercises to my level - he didn't even break a sweat.
We then returned to stand in our ability-based rows, where we practised steps and moves. In the spirit of joining in with the spirit, I tried a very quiet "ahh" under my breath as I extended my arm to punch an invisible enemy. Too far though, as I was quickly set straight that the shout should only come during the second punch. I live and learn - no random mid-move shouting from me form here on!
Anneka and I then had a little break, whilst the others paired up and practised their moves. A little girl, perhaps the smallest karate-ga in the room, stood alone looking sad. When I went to speak to her she explained that she didn't have a partner, but happily gave me her time to explain how a block works. For a little second, the amount of sheer cuteness drowning in her red suit made me forget that I was meant to practice attack and self-defence.
Unfortunately, the coach hadn't quite forgotten about us, and soon as bobbing up and down on my toes, trying to punch a black-belter into his stomach. No-one was hurt despite my best attempts.
The final activity saw Anneka, another new starting adult, myself, and a number of hip-high people practice "kihon", basic techniques. I could not believe the focus determination, concentration and accuracy of these guys - a girl of about 10 years old was called over to show us her routine. Without blinking she remembered each of the 50 moves faultlessly, working her way across the floor without hesitation. Ignoring the stamping, hissing and shouting from more advance peers around her, she seemed away in another world. Only the small smile upon receiving praise form the coach indicated that she was very much aware of her surroundings.
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| Thank you Sprog for putting up with the posing - and Alex for inviting us along. |
So would it be worth taking up Karate to bring you back to sports kicking and screaming?
1. For beginner generic comfortable work-out clothing (and a good bra) will do.
2. Beware - it's a bare-foot sport. I know that this may be a deal breaker for some.
3. Whilst it is of course always nice to go with someone, as with other sports there wasn't really time to chat or to feel alone if you didn't have anyone to chat to.
4. There is a sense of respect in everything that is done - there is no answering back, giggling, chatting or getting to your place slowly.
5. There is also no slouching or carrying out moves half-heartedly.
6. Alex herself took up the sport as an adult and is now close to taking her black belt. So even though there were a large number of children, it is possible to pick it up as an adult if you are prepared to put in the work
7. Don't be fooled by wise quotes regarding "peaceful minds and thoughts" - it is hard work. There is kindness and an understanding that some things may be to too hard (yet), but you will be expected to give 100%... and because everyone around you works so hard, somehow you are inspired to give it your best.
8. Cost may be a consideration. Whilst prices may vary depending on club and location, my understanding is that there is a fee per class, as well as a membership cost and additional costs for the belts.
9. From a lot of the classes I attended, I had the impression that I could go along when I felt like it. Here, there was a sense of commitment. If you are looking to take up something that would involve team spirit, becoming part of a community and something you work towards regularly, then this might be it.
10. Both Anneka and I felt that this would be a perfect sport to take up as a child. The high level of confidence and determination that we saw even in the smallest participants was impressive. Everyone was respectful and disciplined.
11. From a fitness perspective, in my amateur opinion I believe you get a good work out: Even after the hard core work-out, we were continually jumping and moving, and core-, leg- and arm-muscles I didn't know I had (or, clearly, don't have) were worked hard.
And with that, I will bow out for a couple of days of rest...onegaishimasu!
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