Less Than Enthusiastic
"Alright, let's work on spinning back side kicks!" my instructor shouts out.
This is the part I've dreaded. My balance is shot after having to quit. I've been out of karate for nearly two years. A herniated disc in my back derailed by quest for fitness for awhile. Depression from the pain and lack of activity set me back even more. I'm just now feeling healed enough to begin karate again, physically and emotionally.
I spin my whole body with forced enthusiasm. My feet stick slightly to the mat and I don't make it all the way around. I stumble, unbalanced by the kick I throw. The spins always get me. They were a problem before also.
I was 280 lbs. when I started karate the first time. I weigh more now, though not by a lot. I have less muscle now then I did then. I feel ungainly and ridiculous. This is such a different feeling than the enthusiasm of my very first class.
"Point your heel," he says. My instructor walks over to me. He takes up a stance and demonstrates for me. "Take that planted foot that you are spinning on and rotate your heel just before you spin. Point the heel at your target."
I take a deep breath and follow his instructions. I take my time to set up and think about what I just saw him do. Suddenly, I spin beautifully. I feel coordinated and balanced for just a moment. My kick strikes out with snap and confidence.
"Great kick."
I smile. Maybe I can find that enthusiasm again.
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This is my entry for LJ Idol: S10 Week 6. The topic this week was “Heel Turn".
This is the part I've dreaded. My balance is shot after having to quit. I've been out of karate for nearly two years. A herniated disc in my back derailed by quest for fitness for awhile. Depression from the pain and lack of activity set me back even more. I'm just now feeling healed enough to begin karate again, physically and emotionally.
I spin my whole body with forced enthusiasm. My feet stick slightly to the mat and I don't make it all the way around. I stumble, unbalanced by the kick I throw. The spins always get me. They were a problem before also.
I was 280 lbs. when I started karate the first time. I weigh more now, though not by a lot. I have less muscle now then I did then. I feel ungainly and ridiculous. This is such a different feeling than the enthusiasm of my very first class.
"Point your heel," he says. My instructor walks over to me. He takes up a stance and demonstrates for me. "Take that planted foot that you are spinning on and rotate your heel just before you spin. Point the heel at your target."
I take a deep breath and follow his instructions. I take my time to set up and think about what I just saw him do. Suddenly, I spin beautifully. I feel coordinated and balanced for just a moment. My kick strikes out with snap and confidence.
"Great kick."
I smile. Maybe I can find that enthusiasm again.
*******************
This is my entry for LJ Idol: S10 Week 6. The topic this week was “Heel Turn".