My Karate's a Bust

Remember my conviction to do karate despite of my age and health issues? Well, 1 month later, I still don’t know the steps. I’m still getting very dizzy with the movements and my very young karatekas are already in yellow belt while I still cannot master the fundamental steps – not one! And this is without any exaggeration.

So, much as to my family and friends’ dismay (including mine), I am withdrawing from the class. I don’t feel any regrets joining because it made me more flexible because of the stretches. I also have a new found great respect for the martial art. However, I have realized that my arms and legs (forget the mind!) coordination are way too bad. It struck me that I am not the sporty kind. I knew that then but this experience has cemented that fact.

I’ll just go back to jogging which I really enjoy but I am keeping my "Gi."

Karate Mama

I posted few weeks ago about my daughter's desire to learn karate. Well, as it turned out, she wanted to take guitar lessons rather than karate. So, I did the unimaginable. I took her place in karate class. Tomorrow will be my first day in karate. I will be learning the basics and will be doing kick-boxing too as part of the mixer class.

I met my very young karatekas last Thursday when I collected my gi. They were whispering to each other when they learned I was already a mom and quite old to be in their class. So what? Karate is not limited to the youngsters. I am doing this for myself and well-being. I need this to help me focus on my weight loss and learn something new as well.

I tried the gi as soon as I got home. My daughter laughed because I looked like a "female sumo wrestler." Arggh! That does it! The karate mama is ready for some action! Bring it on!!! Hai!

Karate for my Daughter and Me

I have enlisted my daughter in karate lessons. She is quite eager but a little apprehensive when she saw her future karatekas or in lay man's term - karate practitioners. They are ranging from 6 to 10 years old. Imagine myself donning a karate uniform with them? That will be a bit odd but I really cannot be bothered by what other people will say when I decide to enroll too.

I have also dreamed of learning the art of karate but never had the opportunity and chance to do so. However, I feel that fate beckons me to enroll this time. I may be old but age is not a factor in learning the "striking art." Although the "kumite" part (or sparring) is not in my list of things to do when I finally start karate class. I asked the sensei if there is another way to level up without going through kumite. I am quite relieved to know that there is. I'll just find that out then.

I have made up my mind. I am really inclined to do it for its health benefits and other personal improvement it can contribute to my life and well-being. So, I am doing it!

Karate, hai!

Too Old for Karate?

It's like a sign from above! That's what I told my husband when we saw the "karate school soon to open" sign near our flat. It is a mere 5-min walk from my place to there so all I have to do is just wait for it to open. Then a thought hit me? Am I too old to learn karate? Are my bones fragile (I'll come to know this part when I do sparing!)? Do I have brittle bones that a slight jam on the shin will break them to smithereens? Am I fit to do that or too fat to even lift my legs? Well, maybe I can learn the rudiments but not join any sparing competition. If I do that, I'll be forever in the white-belt category. So many choices! The dilemma!

Anyway, I have been waiting for the right time to learn new things. Although I am not sure if I even qualify but I just want to try. No harm on that, right?