CheekyMusician Posted February 14, 2003 Posted February 14, 2003 I had my first "competition" fight last night at karate. It wasn't really a competition as such, though. Another club was visiting us and the juniors had to compete. I didn't know about it because they'd told everyone earlier on in the week and I can only make it to one class a week, but since it was just for the juniors I reckoned I'd be OK and wouldn't have to participate 'cause I'm a senior. Anyway, we did some ordinary training and then the adults were told to sit off and the kids were told to come on the mat. I was sitting off with all the seniors, quite looking forward to just having a wee rest and watching the kids fighting, then one of the instructors told me to come on the mat. I don't know if he called me up to make up the numbers so there was an even amount of fighters on each side, or if he called me up 'cause he reckoned I was almost a junior (I'm 17 and juniors are under 16s) and should be allowed to take part, or whatever, but I didn't really want to do it anyway. Maybe he just forgot I was a senior since I look about 12! Anyway, I didn't exactly want to make a big scene and stand in the middle of the hall screaming "No, I don't want to do it and you can't make me!" so I just walked onto the mat thinking ARGHHHHHHHH, I WANT TO GO HOME! Anyway, we sat at the sides and after I'd watched the first match I felt quite relaxed. I was quite surprized that when they called me up to fight I wasn't even nervous, but I still fought pretty crap. The match finished as a draw with neither of us scoring, so it wasn't exactly a proud moment, but hey, at least I took part. We all got given out medals for taking part and my dad was as proud as punch, while I was just plain embarrassed at sparring pretty crapply and ignoring all the advice that was being shouted by folk watching. I'm quite glad I did it though, because a few months ago I'd have never even considered sparring in front of people at all. You'd have had to drag me onto the mat kicking and screaming and crying like a baby, and yet I actually went and 'did my bit' last night without getting particularly nervous or worked up, which I was quite chuffed at. Smile. It makes people wonder what you've been up to.
SaiFightsMS Posted February 14, 2003 Posted February 14, 2003 Many people over look the value of martial arts in building self esteem and self confidence. Sooner or later you will find the new qualities you are learning will carry over into other areas of your life outside the dojo. And by the way; congratulations.
CheekyMusician Posted February 14, 2003 Author Posted February 14, 2003 And by the way; congratulations. Thanks Smile. It makes people wonder what you've been up to.
Recommended Posts