Challenge and Joy in Resuming Martial Arts Training

This week ( mid July 2010) I resumed my martial arts training in the Ten No Kishi dojo.

In March 2009 I tore my hamstring overstretching after a challenging series of workouts. That stopped my training for many months.

In Sept 2009 I retore my hamstring attempting to do more that my still recovering muscle was able to do. That stopped my training for many months.

In Nov 2010 I retore my my hamstring once again stretching. That stopped my training for many months.

After that I decided to work out only on my own, with the firm intent, not to overtax my hamstring. That part worked. No reinjuries. Slow but real gains in the strength of my hamstring and the load it can now handle.

Now the real test begins. I love working out in a group, but taking care not to overstrain a muscle that is still in recovery is not easy for me in that setting.

To begin with moderation is not easy for me. Taking it easy is not easy for me. Remembering to work only within my limits is not easy for me if I don’t have any pain to remind me that I am approaching a limit. All three times I ripped my hamstring there was no pain until after it ripped.

Especially when I am in a group, I forget I am still at some level injured. I want to do everything I have always been able to do before and more. I see the most skillful students in the group doing things that look fun and I desire to do exactly what they are doing. It isn’t easy to remember that right now I can’t kick higher than knee level and I can’t snap my kicks. My hamstring isn’t strong enough for that yet.

Yet…it is so joyful to working out in the dojo again. It is even joyful (but challenging) to find a new way of being within group workout that allow me to develop a softer, more fluid style, one that is easier and more respectful of my body, one that is grounded at all times in my body and its needs.