We were with the World Ju Jitsu Federation (Prof Clark from recollection) back in the early 90s when I could still get out of bed without making funny noises.
I stopped when I moved jobs - it became too must hassle to get back to the dojo in Brighton from where I worked. But it was enjoyable while it lasted - although I had wanted more of a spiritual experience. Stupidly I spent quite a while in Thailand and never took advantage of being there to pick up some Thai-Chi that was really popular over there.
I recall going to see my doc after a session - I'd been thrown and landed a bit awkwardly - and at the weekend had done the two piers walk (Brighton to Eastbourne over the downs - brilliant walk), and then moved some paving slabs down the wilderness - my doc just looked at me with a quizzical look that said '..and you're surprised you've got some pain you stupid bloody idiot. Stop wasting my time...'. But when you're in your thirties you're invincible eh?
I was learning sacrificial throws where you basically in a position of weakness but it's really a strength. You're falling, bringing down your opponent who is above you when you start falling, but end up landing full square on top in a great position to insert an elbow in the weaker part of their face. Namely nose area?
Anyway, technique learnt, everything going well. Change partners call and I turned to see a guy who was a few weeks from black belt first Dan grading. That wasn't the worst. He's 6'3" and about 150kg of pure muscle. Not the muscles for show pony looks but of iron through hard use and pure genetics. Oh, and he's a talented martial artist too. His attempt he was gentle and took almost all his weight rather than me? My go and I completely messed up so he landed on my chest with full weight, unable to take the fall weight at all.
Can you guess what happened? I didn't break any ribs but all my intercostal muscles were screaming in pain for two weeks if I so much as coughed, sneeze or laugh. Possibly longer! I was out of training for two months. Also my work colleague let loose with every single joke that they knew. And halfway through the pain period I got a bad cold such meant coughing and sneezing a lot. Not a nice period but I did read that you did Jujitsu if you didn't mind getting injured because you will, a lot!
A work colleague I knew had done tai chi for over 4 years at a proper dojo for it. The sensei taught it not as exercise but as the traditional martial art it is. He knew the fast and slow forms. One day be showed me a slow form routine. Then he did it fast form style. When slow it didn't look much but speeded up it was very clear that it was an effective martial art. Amazing how speed made it look totally different.
Not many places teach it as a martial art. It's more a gentle e exercise I reckon in most places
In my 40s I did 100 press-ups on 2 knuckles,(whilst counting in Japanese)
I worked with a guy who's "party piece" was to do a hand stand against the wall, supported on thumb and index finger of each hand, and then lower to a position with his nose near the ground and press back up to extended arms - then repeat. He was quite a small and slightly built guy but impressive nonetheless.
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Anyway, technique learnt, everything going well. Change partners call and I turned to see a guy who was a few weeks from black belt first Dan grading. That wasn't the worst. He's 6'3" and about 150kg of pure muscle. Not the muscles for show pony looks but of iron through hard use and pure genetics. Oh, and he's a talented martial artist too. His attempt he was gentle and took almost all his weight rather than me? My go and I completely messed up so he landed on my chest with full weight, unable to take the fall weight at all.
Can you guess what happened? I didn't break any ribs but all my intercostal muscles were screaming in pain for two weeks if I so much as coughed, sneeze or laugh. Possibly longer! I was out of training for two months. Also my work colleague let loose with every single joke that they knew. And halfway through the pain period I got a bad cold such meant coughing and sneezing a lot. Not a nice period but I did read that you did Jujitsu if you didn't mind getting injured because you will, a lot!
A work colleague I knew had done tai chi for over 4 years at a proper dojo for it. The sensei taught it not as exercise but as the traditional martial art it is. He knew the fast and slow forms. One day be showed me a slow form routine. Then he did it fast form style. When slow it didn't look much but speeded up it was very clear that it was an effective martial art. Amazing how speed made it look totally different.
Not many places teach it as a martial art. It's more a gentle e exercise I reckon in most places
I worked with a guy who's "party piece" was to do a hand stand against the wall, supported on thumb and index finger of each hand, and then lower to a position with his nose near the ground and press back up to extended arms - then repeat. He was quite a small and slightly built guy but impressive nonetheless.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.