After being off last week I wasn’t really thinking of any surprises when I walked through the door. The kids class was finishing up and they had about five kids altogether. My presumption was that we’d have the same, but low and behold 10 people showed up!
I led the warm-ups and then Teacher took us through the basics (strikes till your arms fall out and kicks until your knees shake). I realized in the middle of this how sharp his eyes are for quick correction. There is a constant litany of “turn your foot more, bend your knee more, bring your leg up farther, etc.” during the basics. I tend to get cocky and he still corrects me on sloppy technique.
I was partnered with a new guy (Swede’s Dad) and warned him about protecting his shoulders during all the Shudo’s and Hammerfist practice. I explained that it’s like throwing a baseball over and over again with both arms. It shouldn’t be done at full intensity during practice until thoroughly warmed and then you still have to watch it. He pulled up his sleeve and showed me the worse surgical site I’ve seen outside of the “Operation” on TV. He had been bull and bronco rider in the rodeo and ended up being thrown monumentally and then stomped on. Yikes.
Before class Beard was in an obviously good mood. When queried he was delighted to share the fact that he had a cortisone shot in his shoulder. After years of impingement he has a new lease of life. I now have to watch his left side strikes.
I mentioned the number of attendees because when the class reaches these numbers we work extremely well. There’s a lot less superfluous time. Everyone is pretty on task and fairly well focused. A rarity.
Swede moved up to the adult class. Her Father promised that he’d attend class as well is she went that far.
Swede’s Mom always watches the class. At break Beard asked her why she didn’t want to participate. She replied, “I have so many other ways to create pain.” I could see Beard suppress an outward groan. He appeared to want to look disappointed in her or I could have been projecting my own feelings on him.
