2008 Workout #68: Basics and sparring a-go go…

Tonight marked a very important happening: the return of to the dojo! It’s great to have him back!

I got to lead warmups, so I took special care to do some of his very favorite strengthening exercises to welcome him home, then we launched into a very fun basic class. took us through basic combinations that were designed to tickle the few remaining brain cells that we have left and they did their job remarkably well.

We held a small stripe test (all passed!) and then we launched into the second class. Sensei Brewer ran us through some sparring combinations and then some partner drills. We did one drill that reminded me a lot of the gauntlet from the Macomb days, only with some added features which included (but not limited to) Sensei Quinn’s amazing attacks. When you put him into the mix with a random other group of skilled karate folk, not knowing who is going to jump out and attack it is a bit of a hair raising experience.

Part way through the second class I noticed some discomfort in my left knee, it felt like the tendons were slipping around a little or something. This is probably just the price I pay for being so lax lately. The only other sign of combat tonight was some light bruises from a punch to the inside of my left bicep. It hit in the soft part, which causes it to look like a blue bruise with cool purple dots all over. It doesn’t hurt, it just looks awesome.

I plan to make it to karate on Saturday, however it will be a short session for me since I have to be at my supervisor’s house at 11 for a celebratory cook-out for our latest application release. Good times!