I do Yakusoko

My first memory of going to Karate is still vivid.  Once I was in my gi - borrowed from dad - I wandered into the training room and back into the corner where dad was.  The kids class was going on so the adults were stretching and joking and talking through some stuff.  After I was introduced I kinda stood in the corner and watched as dad and his friend Tim went through this exercise they were learning.  

I was mesmerized.

They were going back and forth, trading punches, kicks and blocks quick enough to look like a real fight; their blocks striking loud enough to know they weren't goofing around.  After a blocked kick they circled around each other and went back at it: Punch (block), punch, punch (both blocked), a side kick and all of a sudden one of them is in the air about to be tossed; obviously losing this round.  It was amazing to watch.  Seeing this exchange gave me a great deal of comfort; eventually I'd be able to do that.  

Last night in class we worked through an exercise I'd never done before; Yakusoko number five.  By the end of class it felt comfortable to me; my partner and I moved through it decently fast and by the end my arms hurt from hitting hard.

Now I'm able to do that.

Comments

[Mr. Tim]

Sherman - you looked good last night. Your technique has improved. I thought about the workout last night and I reallyI did not take into account your eyesight, I just tried to hit you as hard as I could :)