Divanatrix's Workout Journal

[divanatrix]

I'm going to copy/paste some posts I've made in another thread so that everything's in one place.

From 7/1/07

I attended class this morning and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Since it was my first time EVER I was really really really nervous and, well... terrified at first! Luckily there was a guy that was also new, so after the beginning part, we were taken from the rest and an instructor worked with us on some punches and kicks. Afterwards we rejoined the group and then were paired off for practice in kicking and then combinations. Then we lined up for free fighting and would fight one person for about a minute or so and then switch. This was my favorite part! I definitely was a fish out of water and made a few mistakes (such as not saying osu! enough - which will not happen next time - I was concentrating so much on what I was supposed to be doing that I forgot. )

Anyway, afterwards my face was red as a beet and I was thoroughly exhausted and thoroughly happy~!

Well, now I can't wait for Tuesday!!!

From 7/5/07

Class #2.

Bloodied knees, almost fainted at one point (OSU!), started to get hit harder during kumite (which I appreciate and like(?)). I still feel like a dummy but am starting to understand more. I am going to learn to count to 10 in japanese and also learn the japanese names of various forms and kicks that we go through in class.

Today during one of the exercises I had to do the count (luckily the gentleman next to me whispered the words to me).

I think a few more classes down the line I will feel less dumb. I am still loving it! I am thankful for my bloody/skinned knees!

This time there were a total of three girls in the class (counting myself!) They were very kind to me!

Osu!

From 7/20/2007

Another update!

I had my fourth class last night (there was a dry spell in between due to having to leave town for a memorial service and the fact that I was planning to go on Tuesday but forgot my gym bag at home )

Anyway - I had a different instructor this time! Sempai Nakakuki. I really enjoyed his class even though (and because) he kicked my butt! The instructor I had the previous 3 times (Sempai Itoh) is GREAT but very very serious. This Sempai seemed to be in a good mood and had a great sense of humor. I laughed at one point when we were doing kicking drills and I was about to fall on the floor and he came over and said "Faster! Faster!" Me - OSU!!! LOL!

I am very happy that each time I feel a little less doofy. This time I was able to keep up with the class for the most part without having a "What are they doing" moment. I'm definitely far from the best or the fastest, but speed and technique will come with time and practice. Also, in this class we didn't have kumite. I was actually relieved. I think if someone breathed on me I'd have fallen over at that point.

From 7/30/07

Class #5 on Friday

Found out that I can test for my orange belt in September. Not sure if I'll feel ready but there's still awhile to go, so who knows!!

Also it must seem like I'm not going very often, but it is because I had to visit my family for a few days - hadn't seen them in months, and this past Tuesday which *should* have been a training day, I had to take our newest cat to the vet for his neutering and had to keep an eye on him that evening. My man works crazy hours 6 days a week so it was up to me. (The cat (Boris) is just fine btw!)

The parts of the class that stay the same each time are MUCH MUCH easier for me now! I am trying to develop my kiya! I got winded much worse than usual because earlier in the day my bosses and I went to lunch and I had one margarita. NEVER AGAIN. I learned a big lesson from that. No booze EVER EVER EVER before a training - no matter it was 5 hours before, it really messed me up! In short, I am still really enjoying my training and eager to work up to my goal of THREE classes per week. I am hoping I can fulfill my goal this week.

[Liu]

Good luck for your orange belt!

*Drunken punch xD

[kyokushin4life]

Very nice. We are looking forward to your first grading.

[vapor]

If your instructor had indicated that you can test, that is a good sign that you should test...they wouldn't make the statement to you, unless they see that you have the potential.

vapor

[divanatrix]

Thanks!

I can't say enough how much I love you guys! This forum is a great resource and such a supportive community.

OSU!

[Bloke]

Thank you Divantrix

Its great that you are sharing your experiences with us.

[divanatrix]

7/31/07 Class #6

Instructor was Sempai Itoh whom I've had for the first 3 classes. I was happy to see him again! I felt much more comfortable during the entire class than I have since I started. I finally felt like I've made some progress. Also was psyched because when I was called on to lead a few counts I remembered how to count to 10 in Japanese without a problem and I did it loudly! I know it's not right to do but I inwardly snickered when the other white belt in the class kept screwing up his count - he's been there much longer than I have. That aside, we went through some kata, which I liked, and other drills. Last but NOT least, my FAVORITE part - kumite!!!! My last two classes did not include kumite, so I was thrilled! I'm ready to be beat up on a little harder than the ever-so-polite opponents are dishing!!! I did get (lightly) kicked in the head twice by a blue belt. From watching him fight during my first few classes I know he's REALLY into high kicks - will remember that for the future. Maybe when I get better I'll be able to return the favor. Also at the end when we clean the floor (in the manner someone else mentioned on another thread... pushing the rag down the mat while running) I was able to actually stand up for half the time before falling down and crawling on my knees... Must mean my legs are getting stronger!

For the first time I felt GREAT (and tired) after class instead of just BEAT. lolol I always enjoy the classes but I think I may be over the initial slump of having NOT been active for such a long time and paying that price. Who knows. I know I'll still feel broken in other ways.

[seienchin]

You go girl! I admire your honesty in admitting that you were sniggering on the inside. You haven't yet learned to be pompously perfect! Thanks for starting this log. I think it's vitally important to every karateka to remember what it was like to be a white-belt. The purity. The eagerness to learn. The knowing that you know nothing! And the fear, anxiety, uncertainty.

when I was a white belt, I had read somewhere that a lower grade could not refuse if a higher grade asked them to kumite. I spent my first 4 weeks staring at the ground in terror.

[Bloke]

Originally Posted by seienchin

when I was a white belt, I had read somewhere that a lower grade could not refuse if a higher grade asked them to kumite. I spent my first 4 weeks staring at the ground in terror.

I heard that as follows: Lower grades should never ask Dan Grades for kumite but if asked by a Dan grade they must never refuse.

[divanatrix]

I've never heard of either of those things! Scary!!!

During my class the kumite is just two lines of people and one line moves over to the right to switch partners for the next fight and that's about it - after a few rounds, the sempai lets the white belts out and we sit to the side and watch and progressively he lets lower belts also out to sit. I like watching but also would like to fight the sempai. During my first class I got to fight him and was told to hit hard - I'm too nervous to hit anyone else hard (even if I'm "allowed") but with him it seems ok. lol I guess the other fear is that I understand if I hit at a certain force that means that I am ok with being hit at that force too! I AM ok with that! Just not sure when is the proper time to let loose in that respect...

[divanatrix]

8/2/07 7th Class

First time with Sempai Slawek as the instructor! During this class I felt smarter AND dumber. We went through lots of combinations with spinning kicks (can't remember all the names as my HEAD was also spinning). I seriously felt like such a dope because I could watch everyone else do them, but when I tried, something just did NOT connect. Monkey could See but Monkey could not Do! Argh!!! Very frustrating.

Partner exercises with mae geri and a striking technique. I was surprised and (almost) dismayed when we were told to line up for the closing stuff. It's over already!?!?!?!

Lucky #7!

I'm feeling more confident overall (inside and outside of the dojo), feeling more energized in general, enjoying my soreness from training. The training that includes a partner is good for me as well since I'm usually more of a loner.

I'm loving kyokushin!

[Kyokugen]

Well the road is still long enough,keep your love for kyokushin and never ever say "give up"

[divanatrix]

Unfortunately no updates at this time. I took last week "off" due to feeling sick, humid weather and also due to feeling discouraged.

Going back tonight...

[Shokei Marcsui]

Don't feel discouraged.

OSU!

[divanatrix]

8/14/07 - 8th Class

MUCH BETTER. I learned the way the spinning kick happens and was able to keep up with the combinations way better than last time. The instructor was Mr. Sadistic (who loves push-ups and to make you jump up and down for 5 minutes straight!). I really like his class because I know I will be REALLY sore the next day. And - yay - we got to spar. Still my favorite part of class. First two rounds I had a real parter and the last round I didn't so I got to spar with the sempai! I ended up punching him in the stomach and he said it was a good punch! I love fighting the sempais!!! The other guys I fought were also really great - giving little hints/critiques. I appreciate it. OK - I am not discouraged anymore. Ready to keep going. Happy again!

[kyokushin4life]

Glad to hear that diva-san! Keep it up!

[divanatrix]

Thanks! I really just felt like a big baby for thinking like that. I'm really not used to being THE most inexperienced person in a situation, so it takes a lot of getting used to. Again, I guess that's the "HUMILITY" lesson rearing its head!

[divanatrix]

8/21/07 - 9th Class

Argh. Smallest class yet. Total of 3 students, all white-belts. Extra-special-attention. I really really feel like I am not coordinated!!!!! I hope it gets better. We went through the katas for belt promotion test. I was told I can test, but I honestly don't feel I will be ready. You're supposed to have 25-30 hours I think? I have 9 right now. No way. Also I may be out of town on the testing day.

Near the end of class we were sparring. I sparred with the other white belts once and was asked to sit down. After that, each of the other two white belts sparred with the sempai TWICE, while I sat there. I don't mean to sound like a pain, but that REALLY REALLY REALLY ticked me off. I'm hoping it wasn't because I'm a girl. Maybe it was nothing, but I really don't understand why I was only able to spar twice (3 times if you count shadow sparring) while everyone else was able to spar way more, AND spar with the sempai (which I like to do). Sparring is the part of the class I don't feel *that* stupid with. Anyway, sorry to rant, but... yeah. I felt weird about that. And sad. I like to spar, dammit. Sue me. Also I will add it was a different sempai from last week. I think that Mr. Sadistic is now my favorite!

Anyway, I will also add that even though I was really ticked, I didn't show it at all, just followed instructions and sat there watching.