Any shape or size

I didn’t realize how long it’s been since I updated my blog. Life seems to be coming at me at 90mph and I'm moving 30mph!

I am getting ready to test for my green belt that I began training for in Feb. at the end of this month. It has been a long journey that at times has been difficult due to my lower back issues and other physical issues. You will often have injuries as you train and I am no exception.

I’m made some interesting observations over the past few months and I wanted to share one of them with you that has been a revelation to me. I have had the opportunity to meet many different martial artists this year in different martial art systems. The one thing that intrigues me is that martial artists come in all shapes and sizes. I had always had the preconceived idea that to be a martial artist you had to be this perfect athlete and in perfect shape! Yes, most of your competitive martial artists are in phenomenal shape as they train for 2-6 hours per day. As a mom of 5, this simply is not feasible for me. Nor is it feasible for many of the black belts that I have met. The one thing we all have in common is a passion and love for the sport.

A martial artist doesn’t have to be in perfect shape. It is easier if you are young and in shape or even older but athletic. I guess my point is that you don’t have to be in perfect shape to learn martial arts. You can be any shape, any size or any age to learn. It may take you longer, may be a little harder but it can be learned. I have seen people much larger in weight than I am throw a kick that was techniquely beautiful! It’s not about the weight, it’s about fitness and fitness can be gained no matter what your weight is.

I write this as I am struggling still to lose the weight due to going through menopause (yes I’m an early bird), but knowing that I can do this and I am in better physical shape. Strength training has helped me a great deal as I need stronger muscles to be able to do what I want to do with my extra weight! I still have a ways to go with my technique but I have figured out how to throw the power of my weight into my kicks and punches.

If you enjoy watching martial art movies and have ever had the thought, “I wish I could do that”, try. You will be amazed at what you can do no matter what your size, weight or athletic ability. I’m a perfect example of being able to do it. My kicks are not as pretty as my beautiful girls, but I remind myself that age and wisdom comes into play!

Yes, I'm crazy

Sometimes I feel crazy beginning martial arts in my 40's. I've never done any kind of sport. I didn't have brothers or sisters to wrestle with growing up. So you've got to wonder, what on earth am I doing?



Well, I have 5 children and 4 of them have been taking a mixed martial art called, Tao Hsieh Wu Shu. It means, "The Way Of Unified Martial Arts". It is a mix of 8 different martial arts styles blended into one. My kids and my husband always made it look so easy! So, when Soke asked me when I was going to start, I would always grin and say, "when the baby is old enough". Well when the "baby" was three, Soke hired a babysitter and I no longer had any excuses.



I had been very involved with the school up to this point in helping out with the administration, video taping all the belt test and tournaments so I wasn't a stranger to some of the concepts. However, trying to get my body to do what I had been watching was something else! Now, I don't consider myself to be very athletic, in fact, I'm about 30 lbs over weight. After 5 kids and hormonal changes - well you get the picture.



So, here I am 7 months later still trying to figure out my left from my right but having a grand time doing it. Is it hard? Yes, there are many nights after class that I come home and take 4 Ibuprofen and a hot bath! Am I learning? You bet! I've actually earned 2 belts and am preparing for my next belt test on August 23rd.



My favorite part has been doing the class with my kids and hearing them encouraging me, instead of the other way around. Each of them has had a special part in helping me learn and prepare for each level as I have progressed. We also have a grand time watching martial art movies and discussing what is going on.



I am slowly getting in better shape. I certainly have better cardio (thanks to Mr. Van's MMA cardio class) and I am gradually becoming more flexible. If someone had told me a year ago that I would be able to break a board with a front snap kick or hip throw my 220lb husband, I would have laughed at them! But I'm thrilled to say, "I can actually do all of those things".



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