Mind Over Body

One of the most difficult things for me to learn is throwing myself on the ground. Yes, you read that right. One of the things that we practice in Tao Hsieh Wu Shu is throwing ourselves on the ground. It is called, "Ukemi" and it is the art of accepting the ground. Sounds like an oxymoron doesn't it. I mean why on earth would you want to throw yourself to the ground?

Approximately 8 years ago an orthopedic surgeon wanted to do back surgery on me to remove a bone spur in my lower back. I refused to have back surgery! I have been managing it with exercise and stretches ever since. However, I have had times when I was in the floor for three days straight because it hurt so much. So you can imagine my face the first time I was shown how to do a rolling back fall. My first response was, "you want me to do what?"

The point to Ukemi is to learn how to land properly in the event you are thrown. Sensi Greg (our Ukemi guru) tells us it is going to hurt when we land but not near as much as if you don't land properly. Let me tell you, he speaks the truth. I've landed before and didn't tuck my chin properly. As my head snapped, I could feel my brain swishing back and forth in my head. When I stood, my instructor was reminding me to tuck my chin, as I'm trying to clear the birds from flying around my head and the spots in front of my eyes! I think I just nodded and mumbled, "Yes Sir".

In my next belt test I have to do a rolling side fall. My oldest son has been instrumental in helping me learn. We started on the trampoline. Believe it or not, it was actually easier to do on the pads. Of course, my son is an over achiever and kept saying, "Come on Mom, five more", as my head was spinning from rolling and my body began to ache. One of our instructors Mr. Van patiently helped me perfect the fine points that Luke began with me and now I'm beginning to feel ready.

It just goes to show that you can overcome your fear and if I can do this anyone can!