"Back" to basics...

[littlecelt]

Due to several herniated discs, I haven't been able to train for the last several months. I'm writing this in the Women's forum, hoping someone will tell me I'm not nuts, so here goes... Yes, I am nervous about starting back. Yes, I'm very, very nervous about taking falls (Kenpo here). But my biggest fear is not the guys.

My biggest fear is the women. We've got a good number of women going through our classes and frankly - I would rather be partnered with... with... well.. I don't know! I stand a chance of getting one of our GI Janes, Ninja Turtle girl whose mom is 10 ft away, or any of the 3 or more college girls who can't decide where to go after class - not to mention where their kick or punch should be targeted during class.

This is something that is going to take awhile to heal. I would love to continue with Kenpo, I'm just not sure how best to approach it right now.
Am I Nuts? Do women normally "play" harder than the guys? Could it be that they feel they have to prove something? Maybe just convince them not to prove it on me?
Suggestions please?!

[Eliz]

Hmmmm.

As to women being more aggressive - some yes, some no. I have certainly seen my share of over zealous females.

As to your injury, I think if you work with more advanced students - male or female - you will be a lot safer. Students that have been active for a while have probably sustained their own injuries from time to time. You will find the advanced students a little more controlled and forgiving in these situations.

I understand how you must feel getting back into this after a long absence. Make sure you are constantly communicating with both your instructor and your partner. Don't be afraid to take breaks. Don't be afraid to say, "too much, too soon." If your partner does turn out to be unforgiving, don't be afraid to request another partner.

Best of luck.

[Jeff C.]

Women have babies. Us men would die if we had that much pain. Enough said.

Kim, I have the same situation (although I seem to be pretty much back to normal). Go to your instructor, tell him your concerns and physical status. A professional instructor will pair you up with someone who will be gentle and ease you back into training, without putting you at risk.

If your instructor is not willing to do that, I highly recommend you find another school.

Good luck to you!

Jeff Cook

[littlecelt]

Thanks, both of you. I really appreciate your reminders that my instructors will look out for me. I'll need to learn what their expectations are when dealing with injuries. That's the hard part for me. Thanks.

[dao]

Whenever, I've come back to class after an injury (fortunatley no experience with back injuries) the hardest part for me is that I have a tendancy to "overdo" and reinjure myself so please remember to not push yourself too hard.

[Ninjah]

Please ensure that you are fully recovered, I know what its like I had to take six whole weeks off training, I thought I was going to go mad, but it was worth it to know that I can train again without worrying about injury!!

[rgoad]

Kim,

You know how serious the back injury is. You should check with a professional, like a physical therapist recommended by your doctor, for exercises that will test and rehabilitate the area. I have a dear, dear friend going through that at this moment and he is exploring the limits of movement slowly whilst building up the strength of the surrounding muscles. You will need to slowly execute the kempo movements that you will need to do without ballistic movement or an uke.

As for the aggressive girls. College girls, you say? Oh, sorry, back to the point. I have found that people who are more aggressive with other people in class almost always have NOT endured the pain theyt inflict on others. You may explain to them the need to have very precise control over their technique so as to control the level of pain or injury inflicted. They may not have a 'throttle' for their techniques. Not being well versed in Kempo I can't give examples, but it may be like the focus of a kick or punch stopping exactly on the cloth of the uniform and not bruising the skin beneath. If they get their heads in the game they may even focus wide of you, or signal their pull for throws, or whatever, in consideration of your condition.

Good Luck with your back and please post your results.

P.S. you may want to try Tai Chi and Qi Gung (shameless plug)

Richard C. Goad