Straight-jacket? Giant marshmallow? Michelin man? Nope – just me and my new gi!
I signed up for karate today. That’s my big news of the day. They offer a buy 2-get 1 free (BTGO?) deal and since I’m already paying for the kids to go, I started thinking maybe I should try it too. It has been so beneficial for the kids and I’m at a point that I really need to do something with this body. I know a few other parents who have joined recently and I’ve been chatting with them. They promise me it’s fun and they promise the Sempais won’t yell at me ’cause I can’t do proper push-ups. :)
On the drive over today after work I was SUPER nervous. For no good reason. I almost backed out a dozen times or more. I even had to turn the radio off and have a serious chat with myself. What if I don’t like it (stop going). What if it’s too hard (it won’t be). What if the kids are better than me (they will be, at first) and I’m embarrassed (I will be, at first). What if I don’t have time (I don’t). Why am I being so lame (ummm…) I’m at a point where I really need to do something though, because my mind/body connection is out of whack.
I eventually talked myself in to going, or at least prevented my self from turning around and going home. Everyone was glad to see me and one of the Sempais that we know well gave me an hour long intro class, just one-on-one. It was embarrassing, and slightly uncomfortable, and just fine. Before and after we watched a bit of the adult class that was going on and we talked about how it was similar and different from the kid classes I’ve been watching for the past two years. When I was in the changing room at the end, a few other women were there too and they were all so nice and encouraging. One of them is someone I’ve seen around because her three kids do karate too, but I had’t ever really met her. Now I have.
It was a good decision. I’m going to go back again on Wednesday for the next adult class. If I don’t chicken out! Wish me luck!
PS. I haven’t told the kids yet. Shhh….. When I mentioned a few weeks ago that I was thinking about it, Lex said, “Mooom, that would be so embarrassing!” I told Sempai Spencer the story today and he said, “Just tell Lex that my dad does karate too and it’s not too embarrassing!” For those who don’t know, Spencer’s dad is the owner and Sensei of the dojo. Big boss! I will tell my little bosses soon enough. I’m sure they’ll be happy for me, eventually. :)
Congratulations!!!!!!!!! Have fun and good for you! XXXOOO
I think that is so cool! Proud a you girl.
Seriously, I know how hard it can be to join something when you think everyone will be experts and you’ll feel silly. But think about all the things you do now; you were a beginner once too. Karate seems really cool to me, and I admit I’d have been nervous to go too. It seems like a great way to get your mind and body in line.
Once when I’d been away from the gym for like a couple years I decided to jump back in with what was described by the YMCA catalog as a “vigorous” water aerobics class. I gathered my courage and let the instructor know it was my first time. And then 30 senior citizens came and joined the class, and I think a few of the men were flirting with me. And we proceeded to basically wave our arms around in the shallow end for an hour. Embarrassed for days, especially because they were all so nice and excited and told me I should come back all the time! Hopefully your karate lesson was a bit more challenging.
Tim is really enjoying it too, even tho it pretty much kicks his butt-he finds he lacks flexibility and stamina. That said he’s noticing small improvements and is happy every time he comes home from it! Avery really likes watching him; Tate really likes coercing turns on another child’s tablet as they wait for me to pick them up!… Lex may have said it’s embarrassing, but before long, I bet he’ll be impressed!
Pingback: Also | Calm and Chaos: Life with kids