Karate Island #7

Last night was tough... It was the last Wednesday of the month, which means sparring. We did points, and we did continuous, and my arms were like lead weights by the end of it. "I know I'm unfit, but this is bollox," I thought.

However, I think I've identified (part of), the problem. Yes, I'm unfit, but I think the last time I had a cold (3/4 weeks ago), it went down to my lungs, and I've got an infection (I'm coughing up phlegm that's a vivid shade of yellow, anyway!). When I was running regularly, I noticed that an infection would have a similar effect (ie, I became fatigued very quickly and seemingly massive effort yielded very little in the way of performance), so it's off to the quack, on Tuesday, to get some anti-biotics.

As a follow-up, I'm going to start doing some sprint work, in order to beef up my hams, quads, pecs, biceps and triceps. Ten or twelve 200m reps, twice a week, ought to do it. It'll also improve my stamina - I'm quite pleased with my recovery time, but I run out of gas very quickly, and that isn't just a matter of the infection, I think.

Karate Island #6

I have to say, this was one of the most punishing sessions, thus far... I ran out of gas really early. Funny, really: in other ways I tried not to over-extend myself, but we did quite a bit of sparring without guards (gloves only), and my arms were just like lead weights, come the end of the session.

On the other hand, I know that I held nothing in reserve, which will mean that my stamina has improved.

Karate Island #5

We did some more sparring, tonight, and I emerged relatively unscathed, apart from cramp in my hams, that is. Leastways, I've come to the conclusion that it's only cramp - I did think that I'd pulled something, because it was so uncomfortable, but it eased off after a long, hot soak.

I felt a bit outclassed, to be honest - I was the only ungraded adult - and although I know a bunch of techniques, now, I'm not seeing the opportunities to attack/counterattack. Mind you, even if I could see them, my fitness is such that I don't have the explosive energy to exploit them, just now!

Onwards and upwards... I'm going to work on stretching my hams. I've never been able to do the splits, either, so I think I might aim for that.

Karate Island #4

I've missed the past couple of weeks, owing in part to injury and, last week, because the gearbox went on Dave (my car). One of the drums went, anyway. Not to worry - that's what warranties are for!

Anyway, I don't know if my fitness has improved markedly (unlikely), but I found last night's warm-up a bit easier than previously, and we had a good session. I did end up with a massive swelling on the back of my right hand, owing to either the reverse punches or the jabs I'd been throwing.

And I got the honourary black belt for my efforts! This is something that Sempai gives to somebody or other who's caught the eye, either for sheer bloody-minded effort (I think I'd fall into that category), or else they've performed a technique in especially proficient style. I have to give the belt back, next week, though.

Karate Island #3

I really enjoyed last night's session... It involved me driving to the dojo, paying mine and Lovely's subs and insurance, and then sitting on the sidelines while everybody else sweated their bollox off!

My ribs are still hurting, and my movement's restricted, as a consequence. That's my excuse, anyway.

Karate Island #2

Ouch! We did some sparring, today... I did, anyway - Lovely worked on some techniques and skills.

Sensei said that he was well-impressed with my movement, and my jab. However, we were doing some tag bouts, and I came up against a Brown Belt, and I just couldn't work his pattern out. Or rather, I worked his pattern out, but didn't have anything to counter him with. I took several kicks to the ribs, and if I can breathe properly tomorrow, then I shall be pleased!

Ouch!