Training

For the Aikido portion of the day we worked on the same move we worked on in Wednesday’s class (4/14). We also did up and down exercises (getting up and down on the mat), rolling from a standing position and did wrist-stretching exercises. It sounds a bit strange to focus on stretching wrists, I know. At this point, much of what we do has a great deal to do with twisting the wrists, elbows and shoulders in a manner that forces some sort of submission. Making sure that these joints are properly stretched and limber is very, very important for safety. We want to practice the techniques, not injure each other.

The Taekwondo portion of the day was an introduction to sparring. Sparring is an endurance exercise. Not only are you using what you are learning in the class, you have to last the round. It is a lot of work to spar. When I was finished with my rounds, I was breathing heavy and sweaty. It was fun.