I've just completed my first aiki session back after Christmas, which means I've had a month off training. To new beginners, I suppose this sort of break will be a relief and in a way, you would be right, it was quite blissful, its the first time I've had no bruises for six months. But strangely enough, I've really missed my bruises! Yep, this is crazy, I know...but I've felt really empty and unfulfilled, like part of me is missing because I haven't been at aiki.
The first session back is always the hardest I think, you get quite lazy when you're given a short break. I've had enough on with exams and such like, so my brain certainly hasn't been unoccupied...but I suppose my 'spirit' so to speak has.
In a way, I'm glad of the break, as I've started on medication to stop my Raynaud's being so bad (its gets a bit silly when you are stood on the mat, your feet and hands are blue, and the backs of your heels are purple). The only trouble is is that they drop my blood pressure (its the way they work-I won't bore you) and they seem to work...just one problem, breakfalling with lower blood pressure! I was kinda dreading my first breakfall, but it wasn't too bad, I just felt slightly dizzy. But don't worry, I told my instructors so they know why I can't immediately jump up after a big breakfall.
For the first night back, we did weapons. Guess who managed to cut their foot, yes you've guessed it...Me! Then during a game of tails (where you tuck a large cloth in the back of your belt and try and grab someone else's as they're trying to grab yours-its harder than it looks, but good for developing hip movement) my foot got stamped on! Ow! I have a very large purply pink bruise to now add to my collection of injuries.
However, nearly 72 hours later I still ache! But it feels sooo good, I finally feel like I'm back home after a long holiday....
5 comments:
Wow, I bet living in London (or thereabouts) with Reynaud's is a painful challenge.
Hi!
I'm afraid that I live a lot further north then London! Raynaud's isn't exactly nice, but you learn to adapt. I can make a Dan grade flinch just by touch, my hands are that cold!
Since this last post I've had to stop taking the circulation stuff as it drooped my blood pressure too much, But hey ho, such is life.
As injuries go from that session, well, the wrist has healed but the foot is still bruised...here's hoping no kneeling techniques next session!
Ha, hands that cold are like anti-ki. Of course you can make a dan grade flinch!
Have you tried the chemical handwarmers you can get at hunting and outdoor supply stores? When you unwrap them and expose them to air they get hot and stay hot/warm for several hours. You throw them in your pocket and use them to warm your hands.
Yes, I have a couple of them. They're very handy for early morning lectures at Uni when there is no (or very little) heating on!
Did you just post on Uchi's blog that you have Raynaud's? As in Raynaud's disease?
I do, too. I was so shocked to see tis, I had to respond.
I used to live in Minnesota! THAT was hell. What also sucked is that for at least a year NOBODY in my family believed there was really a problem. I kept showing them my "swollen thumbs" and since they couldn't see it or feel it, they didn't believe me.
And of course, despite the doctor's note, my PE teachers still always thought I was lying. >.<
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