Week one of 10-week program done

We’re well and truly into the Black Belt qualifier, with one week completed. Coming straight off the OXFAM Trailwalker, and the recovery from it, has been challenging. I entered the week physically and emotionally exhausted and looking to a few days recovery. For the first two days I had trouble standing up after sitting for a while (it took me three goes to get out of bed one morning) as the calf muscles would compress and need to be stretched. Added to this was some joint inflammation in the ball of my feet and ankles, which was particularly noticeable in my left foot. The doc put me on anti-inflammatory pills and suggested I elevate it and apply heat.

So I was able to start the pushups and situps, but the proscribed running was out. I strapped my left ankle for Tuesday nights training (sparring drills) and it was ok. Thursday night was practice with the guys and the revision class run by Sempai Chris. Unfortunately both featured the escape drills and the constant twisting of feet and going to the ground left my ankle aching by the end of the night.

On a positive note Shihan commented on how my freestyle aspects are improving and I’m relaxing more. I’ve always struggled with the sparring/freestyle aspects of martial arts. I was hopeless at it as a kid when studying Shotokan and it still doesn’t do anything for me. I know some folks love it, but I much prefer the traditional and formalised aspects of the style. But getting a positive comment on my freestyle is a nice confidence builder.

By the end of Saturday I’d achieved most of my requirements, coming up short in the running and kicks. I’m hoping my ankle will come good in the next few days or I may be out of the program.