Training While Watching

Well, there's about a month left to go before the baby arrives, and training up until now has been really interesting. The class has gotten used to seeing my belly grow, and I've been able to keep teaching and working out (although modified). I've had to reduce the time spent on my feet (up to two hours) which means that my time has been limited with additional classes.

Recently, I was fortunate enough to be invited to an advanced workout even though I wasn't able to physically participate in the techniques. I was allowed to watch. This in itself is a great honor and a great learning opportunity.

I've had my fair share of injuries which have allowed me to figure out how to do techniques with more precision and finesse and less strength. But not being able to do anything all -- except sit and watch, is a new experience for me - albeit a difficult one.

When you're physically active, it's difficult to not physically be in a position to perform techniques. However, being allowed to watch instead of participate affords you an opportunity to listen to the instruction and then visually match the instruction with the techniques being performed in front of you. It also allows you to visualize how you, yourself would perform the technique(s).

Visualization as a lesson in the dojo, is one that my instructor only gave once, maybe twice during the time I've been a student of his. The few times that he did talk about it -- it made a profound impact on me. He asked us to close our eyes and visualize a technique in our minds and how we would like to perform it. We had to visualize it several times. Then he had us open our eyes, and allowed one opportunity to perform the technique. It was shocking to see how much my technique improved by this seemingly simple mental exercise.  

Although it worked like magic, I must admit, that I didn't practice the technique regularly, opting instead to focus on physical repetition -- until now -- when performing the physical techniques is less of an option for me.

It made me realize that lessons you learn find you when you need them the most. Keeping an open mind and constantly learning allows you to manage any challenge with grace.

Training While Pregnant

Well, it's been a few months since I posted an update, but it's been with good reason. In February my husband and I found out we were pregnant and it's been a roller coaster ever since.

Have I still be training -- yes, but the training changes month-to-month. How has my training changed? I still train at the dojo 2-3 times a week, but the training looks a little bit different these days.

-- As soon as I found out I was pregnant -- I discontinued doing rolls and falls in Jujitsu. My role in Jujitsu became less working out and more assisting in instruction. Which is fine. I've learned so much just by teaching over these last few months
-- I still participate in the karate class working out -- unless there is a chance for contact -- i.e. sparring. I try and do as much as I can without raising my heart rate above 170, decreasing oxygen in take and becoming dehydrated -- all huge no no's while pregnant.
-- during our special Friday sessions -- I've taken to working on arts/techniques that tend to be more focus driven. Karate Kata and Iai.

Why am I still in class when so many other women take a break as soon as they find out they are pregnant? For me martial arts is part of my life, just as the pregnancy and the new baby to be will be. I don't see them as mutually exclusive -- but as things that can coexist with a little adaptation. I believe it's healthy to keep moving while you're pregnant -- it's not a disease after all. And I believe that women have been having babies for thousands of years, and I doubt most of them just sat on their rear ends when they found out they were pregnant.

Will I slow down training as I move further along in the pregnancy? Of course. I will probably cut down on the time training as I move into the later parts of pregnancy. But I rather look forward to working on balance when I have a belly 5 times it's normal size. It sounds like a great challenge after all!

Does it make it uncomfortable for the other students? I think yes, for some -- who don't like the idea of working with me in case they hurt me. That's to be expected. But at the same time -- it requires an extra level of focus and attention from them to make sure that they are doing things properly -- maybe not something they're used to.

Was all of this discussed with my Sensei when I first found out I was pregnant? Of course. It was he who also encouraged me to remain in the class and modify what I am able and not able to do. Do the other students know what to do with me? Some yes, some no -- but it's fun watching.

10 Evils When Practicing Budo

I recently saw this list on a facebook posting and I thought it was really cool so I decided to include it here, along with my notes (in italic). As you read through the list, you'll notice that the evils are based on excess in one direction or another = unbalanced. 

THE TEN EVILS: The following are the ten evils for a budo practitioner, according to the Kashima Shin Ryu school of swordsmanship:

Too Much Ego = not enough humility
1. Insolence: the act of being offensive, disrespectful, talking back, giving lip
2. Overconfidence: recklessness, daring, carelessness, arrogance
3. Greed: Excessive, extreme desire for something
4. Anger: Deep and strong feelings aroused by injury, wrath, resentment

Too Much Fear = not enough self-confidence
5. Fear: apprehension, concern, anxiety, the feeling of panic
6. Doubt: uncertainty
7. Distrust: suspician
8. Hesitation: to hold back or be slow in acting, unwillingness, reluctance

Again, Too Much Ego
9. Contempt: Disapproval tinged with disgust
10. Conceit: Exaggerated opinion of oneself, vanity, pride