So. I did a thing this past Sunday afternoon. I decided to, for the very first time in my life, try martial arts. It is called Krav Maga. I had never heard of it, until my friend Peter told me about it about a year or so ago. That last part of the name – Maga – stopped me for a moment. For Obvious reasons. But nope. It isn’t that. Thankfully.
According to Peter, Krav Maga is a form of martial arts based on a composite of SEVERAL different fighting techniques from various and other martial arts forms. See link below for more detailed info.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krav_Maga
So, Peter did say that it is an Israeli technique where they had to learn to fight between houses that were so narrow that you could literally touch them both if you outstretched your arms.
My experience on Sunday: Well, I really didn’t know what to expect. We took his car and drove only a few minutes away from his house to a deserted park (which was perfect, because I didn’t want anyone to see me make a fool of myself – HA!!) But I was pleasantly surprised. Lesson 1 wasn’t that difficult. We started off with a LOT of repetitive footwork, which was fine with me. Then we went into some basic defensive moves.
And then he brought out the block mat thingy. (wish I had a pic of it. Maybe the next time). But it is a rectangle piece of foam that is about 20 inches long. Anyway, needless to say, this part was TOUGH for me. Let me explain. Because he had me hold it and then he proceeded to knee into it!!!! Oh. My. God. It was quite jarring. Now, he did have me do it to him while he held it. But I think I was kind of a wuss about it. Then we switched again, and this time he kicked into it!! Oh boy! I felt like my head was going to fall off!!
Then we later got into some defensive moves like if someone was going to choke you. I liked that part better. Not that I am into sadomasochism, but at least I wasn’t being kicked or kneed. LOL
All in all, we spent about two hours in the park doing this and more. He actually told me that I had power, which made me feel really good about it all. Some of the punching stuff I didn’t feel like I was hitting it – definitely – not as hard as he was. But overall, I really enjoyed it. He is a REALLY good teacher. He was very patient. He even gave me homework (I just hope I remember all of the moves) 🙂
Now. What the HELL does this have to do with mental health and fitness? I think it has a lot to do with it. First, of all it was a WONDERFUL relief and distraction from my mind and my intrusive thoughts. It forced me to FOCUS, which is always a good thing for my condition. And I was getting exercise and moving my body, which I do advocate and think is a fabulous thing, even if it is just for a few minutes. I didn’t think about my ruminations AT ALL. So, I think I’m going to keep this new thing in my life. We do it again in about two weeks.
By the way, even he had to agree that the rectangle mat thingy is tough and nobody likes it 🙂
