My smack talker

My 14 year old son was talking smack to me all day long. Our Sensi had told us to bring our sparring gear to class tonight because we were going to spar. So, my 5’8” son decided he was going to ruffle my feathers. He told me he was going to beat up on me in class. I just laughed at him and told him to, “bring it on big boy”! We had big fun teasing one another all afternoon.

So, we are in class with all of our protective gear on and I’m face to face with this teenager who has been taking classes for 4 years. I have to admit I was intimidated more than once in class. The smack talker is at an intermediate level and is still learning to control his punches. Not only that, he is very powerful and fast. But, I am competitive (this has been a new revelation to me) and I wasn’t going to let this boy know it. Anyway, we had great fun trading punches and I feel like I almost gave as good as I got. Yes, he certainly landed more kicks and punches than I did but, I got a few in of my own.

Of course, when faced with my second son I thought it was going to be easier. Ha! He moves so fast with his punches I ended up closing my eyes and flinching, as I tried desperately to block what he was throwing at me. He just grins that big grin at me while he’s continually landing punches.

My two girls did well too. They are much younger and have the techniques down but have yet to gain a great deal of power. Both were hurt at different times and had to sit out for a few minutes, but neither gave up and they both continued sparing as the class continued. They are only 10 and 7 and took a few hard licks. They reminded me of the energizer bunny, they took a licking and kept on ticking. Now, don’t get me wrong, both of the girls have earned the right to be in the intermediate class and want to be there. My 10 year old is actually a higher belt than I am. However, their brothers are always very gentle with them and I think tonight was a bit of a surprise despite the fact they have sparred competitively, with trophies to show for it. They are just usually sparring with kids their age and not with older kids and adults. But, I’m proud to say they held their own.

So, as I am yet again nursing bruises, I am smiling thinking of the fun we had tonight. Everyone in class must have thought I was crazy when I laughed at someone who landed a good punch or kick on me. You could hear me laughing throughout the class. So, that tells you how often I got hit. But, if it landed, then I didn’t block! I’m learning.

You must be wondering if I’m getting beat up on and ending up with bruises, why do it? Well, if you are a woman, let me ask you a question. Have you ever walked out of the store late at night and felt uncomfortable? I have often felt nervous if I was out shopping too late, or at Christmas time. But you know what? I haven’t felt that way since I began learning martial arts. I am learning that I CAN defend myself. As a woman, it is truly a feeling of self-empowerment. If I can block most of the punches and kicks thrown at me tonight then in a real situation I can certainly block a few. Not only that, I'm somewhat prepared for how they feel. The statistics on women being attacked is incredibly high today, and I truly believe that all women should learn basic self-defense techniques.

But, if you’re a guy, then you probably understand the competiveness and plain fun of sparring with someone. I didn’t grow up with brothers so this is a very new thing for me.

As I continue to learn, I am realizing even more the importance of my kids growing up and learning how to defend themselves in different situtations. In addition, they are learning how to deal with confrontations and how to difuse things before they get out of hand. Don't you think all kids should learn this. Wouldn't we have less fights in schools or maybe even less shootings? Hmmm, interesting thought.


So, I’m off to bed and hopefully next time I’ll land a few more punches on my smack talking son as I learn better blocking and combinations! Look out baby, Mama is coming after you (grinning a very big grin!).

Momt5