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I did it!
So last week I talked about trying Krav Maga. And last weekend, I gathered my guts and finally went to my first class.
Before I go any further... in case any of you are asking, "Krav Ma-wha???", here is a brief excerpt from the website:
"Krav Maga is the official self defense system of the Israeli Defense Forces, and has been taught to hundreds of law enforcement agencies and thousands of civilians in the United States.
Krav Maga is a simple, effective self defense system that emphasizes instinctive movements, practical techniques, and realistic training scenarios."
I was really nervous, I have to admit. The night before, I only got 4 hours of sleep (me and my overthinking again). I almost chickened out and talked myself out of it that morning.
But I'm glad I didn't.
I have to say that this is unlike anything I've ever done before. I'm probably the most non-confrontational person and I don't think I have an aggressive bone in my body. I've always been somewhat adventurous, having tried various things like skydiving and wakeboarding and gotten certified in scuba diving (in my previous, more active life, that is). But I've never been into intense workouts, always preferring yoga, walking, and non-competitive swimming. I'm someone who loathes the gym and has never been a member in one, ever (not unless you count my childhood gymnastics gym, but that is different). Generally I'm not a fan of weights and counting reps and all that (ugh). What I do love, is movement, but I don't like it to feel like "exercise".
But this is more than just exercise for me. It's self-defense, which as I've said before, I think everyone (especially women) should learn and feel confident in. It's not about being violent... it's about being safe. It's about keeping your promise to go home safely to the ones you love.
I knew I was pretty out of shape, and I am definitely feeling it now. I went to class over the weekend, and now it's Tuesday and I'm still sore.
Needless to say, my routine weekend baking did not happen. And neither did my boatload of laundry, as I stare at the full basket and wishing it would just magically get done.
But all that said... my first class was an empowering experience. The place is owned by a woman (who also taught the Level 1 class I attended). She is quite petite, but she is strong. So, there's hope for me!
It's amazing what happens when you set an intention to do something. It could be anything - big or small. It could be something you're afraid to do.
So. I'm putting this out there and expressing my commitment.
How about you - do you keep a list of intentions? What's on your list?
11 comments:
i'm so glad you went mia! and LOVE the accompanying quote/thought/wisdom (i think i may have to share that on facebook!).
"The place is owned by a woman (who also taught the Level 1 class I attended). She is quite petite, but she is strong. So, there's hope for me!" yes yes! can't wait to hear more! now people better watch out! size doesn't mean anything ;-D
i took a few arnis classes (the filipino martial arts) a while back, and really enjoyed it! i've never heard of krav maga. how did you discover it?
instinctive movements... OY! Heaven help anyone who tries to steal your baked goods or tries to visit your plate uninvited... LOL = )
Anne - I never knew you took arnis! So you still have your "sticks"???
I've known about Krav Maga for a while... was always curious about it for the reasons I wrote about here.
If you watch NCIS, the character Ziva David (played by Cote de Pablo) is an Israeli agent who does Krav Maga :) She kicks ass :) I even named my car Ziva after her, hahaha!
Christine -
"Be very afraid..." muwahahahaha
But don't worry I may grant special immunity to close friends. LOL
>> But don't worry I may grant special immunity to close friends. LOL <<
i don't think i'm ever going to mess with you mia ;-D
i think i have my ghetto arnis sticks somewhere. and i say "ghetto" because i believe those were like simple, round stairway railing that i got from home depot, and just had them cut for me! i even got splinters from those! but the idea is that you could use arnis movements using an umbrella, for example.
but i barely remember the movements - you've inspired me though to revisit, and maybe retake them!
Keep it up.....it is good to feel you can protect yourself when the need arises.
Congrats! That is encouraging and I love this quote. Thanks for sharing your success :-). Right now eating healthy is at the top of my list and I've been gleaning insight from a really great book called, Stop Playing Safe: Rethink Risk. Unlock the Power of Courage. Achieve Outstanding Success by Margie Warrell. What I love about this one is that the author shows you how to conquer your fear of failure, which has helped me move forward in my goals to better health. I highly recommend Margie's book, which can be found here: http://margiewarrell.com/
Thanks Mom! I'll let you know how it goes :)
Hi Lauren, thanks for visiting and reading!
I'm inspired by your priority to eat healthy. Lately ice cream has been tempting me way too much ;-)
That book sounds interesting (just clicked on the link you included). Fear of failure is certainly one of my "issues"! Lately I've been revisiting Cheryl Richardson's "Stand Up For Your Life" - which is not new, but it helps to have reminders from time to time :)
Congratulations on beginning your journey in Krav! It takes a lot of courage just to walk through the door the first time, to take that first class.
The bruises and soreness eventually fade, even as training intensity increases- the toughest part is the first month.
You're well on your way... thanks for sharing your experience and the shout out to your instructor. That's the beauty of Krav: it was designed precisely to level the playing field for small, petite women and is incredibly effective.
Best of luck to you, as you train.
Titanium - thanks so much for the encouragement!
I'll probably post training updates occasionally here as I go along. I'm happy to hear your perspective too about it being effective - and that small women can learn it!
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