Go gi.
written by Julie R. Neidlinger 4 comments link this post
I got out my karate gi tonight.
I haven't done any karate since 2002. I guess I achieved the purple belt, but I tell you the sad secret: I've forgotten so much I can't even remember how to tie the belt.
I can't remember enough to finish the first kata, much less any of the others I must have known at some point since I moved up beyond the yellow belt.
I can't remember the stance.
I can't remember how to fall and roll.
I can't remember much beyond the vague memories of tapping out when the pain was intense.
Why all of this?
A young woman started visiting our church, and I knew her from my karate classes back then. She mentioned she'd started going again, and we both started to sadly list all that we'd forgotten. However, hearing about it again made me want to start up. It'd be fun to have her in the class. I'd stopped last time because I was going to Australia for a few months and when I got back I just let it drop.
Karate is difficult for me. I'm clutzy. I have a hard time learning things spatially and in reverse from sensei. I also have to get over my fear of people close and touching me, since that's pretty much what happens. I also had, I recall, a fear of breaking my hands or fingers since I rather need them for piano, computer, and drawing.
I think I want to do it.
The location has since changed, but the instructor is the same.
It would be a good challenge for me, again. I want to see how much comes back. I want to get the crap beat out of me. I want to be thrown on the mat repeatedly and feel really limber after a few weeks. I want to feel strong and in control of my body in more than just a "forward" plane of movement. Karate was good for me. It was an achievement that made me deal with a multitude of minor little fears and phobias, those little multitudes that tend to create one paralyzing state of existence if I let leave them unchecked or challenged.
I'm undecided; there are considerations such as cost and how I'll work it into my schedule without excessive driving (gas is expensive). I'm undecided, yes, but...my gi still fits.
Labels: health, karate, my life
Copyright (c) Julie R. Neidlinger 11/12/2007 10:16:00 PM
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4 Comments:
It seems to me that you really do want to do this. I think the challenges, while they may be difficult, will in the end prove beneficial and rewarding. So, for whatever it may be worth, my advice to you is to go for it.
Rey
By 
Rey, at
13/11/07 04:29
Juls, you should do it!
By Jacqui, at
13/11/07 05:55
Just found your blog. So did you ever go back? If so, how was it?
By Vysokij, at
3/6/08 22:08
I did go back and did it for a few months until my work hours were switched and cut back and I wasn't in town on the day of class any longer (I'd go after work and only have one drive into town). The cost of gas made it prohibitive to drive 45 miles for a two-hour class at that point, much less pay for the actual class.
I hope to do it again if my work hours increase/change. It was good for me.
By Julie R. Neidlinger, at
3/6/08 22:16
