Self-Defense

Today, Doran Sensei taught an all-kotegaeshi class. From all kinds of different attacks - same side wrist grab, opposite side wrist grab, double arm grab, punch and side strike.

What stuck with me though is what he said right at the end of class when we had bowed out and were gathered in a circle. Self-defense is not just defending against a strike. It's also about defending against sickness. So, bring some hand sanitizer into the dojo and wash your hands and wrists before stepping on the mat. Sneeze into your sleeve, if you have to sneeze. Don't touch your eyes, nose or throat with your hands.

Don't get sick. Don't make others sick.

That's also self-defense.

Wise words.

Made it!

It was a long weekend but I made it through. With the help of a superbly timed birthday party and a visit to my brother's new house (He's HERE! His whole family is finally here!), Saturday and Sunday went by without my going bonkers or passing out from exhaustion. I must say that I really do appreciate being healthy when something like the common cold knocks me down. I'm so grateful that I am recovered and that it didn't have me down for long. Makes me think of those illnesses where you get sick and you stay sick. It's very sobering.

M is back, D is done with second grade, P has moved up into the next room at his daycare (making this his SIXTH classroom there!) and we have 10 weeks of summer vacation in front of us.

Yay!