Thursday, January 11, 2007

The Kick Boxer

My first kick boxing lesson today. I have been looking forward to this all week; it is my attempt to boot in some new life into 2007.

The instructor was young, slight and shy, refusing to look anyone in the face, but when presented with a punch bag did not hesitate in beating the hell out of it. I had to hold it in front of my face and everytime he hit it I was forced two or three steps backwards.

Then it was our turn. I soon got into a rhythm - left punch, right punch, left hook, calf-kick and then knee. It was fun and energetic and I shall be doing it again. However I don't think the muggers of Chester have anything too much to be worried about just yet.

7 Comments:

Blogger Lee said...

I might be tempted if I were allowed to hang up an effigy in lieu of a punchbag.

Thu Jan 11, 08:29:00 pm  
Blogger Tammy Brierly said...

CLARE! So cool...you go girl!

Thu Jan 11, 08:32:00 pm  
Blogger Jonathan Wonham said...

Wow. Rather you than me.

So on your next author photo you'll be sporting a black eye and a broken nose?

Thu Jan 11, 08:33:00 pm  
Blogger Susan said...

Good for you, Clare! I was 'stalked' years ago and decided to take Unarmed Combat classes myself. Loved them! I particularly enjoyed the lessons involving fingers to the throat and up the nostrils. Also, gripping an umbrella at 1/3 and 2/3 and using it as a weapon is great fun. For the last twenty-five years I've just been HOPING. (You remember than Clint Eastwood line "Go ahead, make my day!" ?)
Kickboxing sounds great! I'd be tempted by that myself if I saw lessons offered.

Fri Jan 12, 12:23:00 am  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

A very interesting start to the new year, Clare! Well worth doing!

As for Susan's comments, well, I'm stunned! Do you remember that Jeffrey Archer court case of years ago, where the judge referred to Mary (his wife) as "fragrant"? That's how I've thought of you Susan, reading your comments along the way... Up until now, that is.

"I particularly enjoyed the lessons involving fingers to the throat and up the nostrils."

Wow, Susan, what another side to your character! Then you go on to say "You remember that Clint Eastwood line 'Go ahead, make my day!?'" It's great that you have the confidence to have that thought in your head, Susan! But that's what such courses bring. Well worth doing.

Oddly, it was when I was in Canada in 92/93 that I did a self-defence course. I most definitely need a brush up! I can remember one technique, but that's as far as it goes, I can only remember...

Thanks for the reminder ladies. But kick boxing is not for me as it involves kicking (lesson 2, Clare?). Something that these days may have me too quickly on my a*s*...

My best to both of you.
I'm off to the gym for now to rebuild some wasted muscles. Then I ought to take another course. When all that's done, "Hey, come find me punk! I'm ready for you."

Fri Jan 12, 09:43:00 pm  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"Also, gripping an umbrella at 1/3 and 2/3 and using it as a weapon is great fun."

Susan as demonic Mary Poppins...

What interesting people show up on the web. Like Tammy: what heart and sheer pluck she has.

Fri Jan 12, 11:01:00 pm  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Heh...yes I have enjoyed reading the comments.

Lee: I thought I'd have an effigy in mind too - but in the end I couldn't think of anyone I hated enough - at the moment - it was oddly disturbing to even try.

Tammy: Thank you - it does me good to be cheered along by such a determined fighter.

Jonathan: Yes, I actually did come close to the broken nose - the instructor bashed the punchbag right into mine (but it is quite a prominent and well-developed target).

And Susan: well, I have to say I am delighted at your response and agree completely. It is odd the effect it has had on me. I can quite imagine feeling empowered a few lessons along...But I think I'm going to keep imagining you now having your moment. Of course I don't hope that you do - but if you did...oh, how I'd just love to see the assilants face as you turned on him, umbrella at the ready.

CFR: All these martial arts enthusiasts - who'd have thought it? We did do a bit of kicking the first day - ten to the left and then ten to the right. It was exhausting...but maybe we weren't doing it properly. No doubt I shall find out soon.

Marly: 'Demonic Mary Poppins' - such an excellent oxymoron. Yes, I love this web community and the people that I 'meet' - they are a huge inspiration. I keep thinking of them off-line. Tammy is a particular heroine of mine.

Fri Jan 12, 11:57:00 pm  

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