Random Thoughts – some martial arts…

Martial Arts Class:

Nothing much to report here; I continue to half-ass things. My holiday break was just that: a break! I did become one step closer to mastering Dojo Rat Drunken Gung Fu. I think I also gained about 10 lbs and not in muscle.

God bless Ketel One and guacamole corn chips.

I did occasionally work out at home. Times I went to class over break: 0. My return to class on Monday night mostly sucked. It felt good to exercise but I thought for sure they’d have to break out the cardiac paddles. We closed with sparring and I mostly served as the punching bag for the beginner’s group.

Compared to most of the beginners I have more overall martial experience which is good. However, most of them are younger so I was pretty gassed out by the time we played around with sparring. Oh, and yes, I got to “box” with Teacher. This is not the first time by the way — I’ve just not bothered to blog about it. How can I describe it? He’s good enough to coach and I’m good enough to be his moving punching bag?

End Times:

Thousands of fish and birds die in Arkansas. Natural causes? Secret government tests? End Times? The last time I was in Arkansas it was at Fort Chaffee (aka Fort Chaff My Ass) and that’s been 15 years ago. Given what I saw of Arkansas, I’m suspecting animal suicides.

Martial Thoughts:

I miss the martial belt chase; I think it’s official. Yes, my current school is a great place holder and keeps me busy doing something. The problem is that my “professional career” has really been getting in the way lately — part of that has to do with positioning myself for a move out and up. We shall see what 2011 brings.

I consistently make class once-per-week. I’m batting 60% for twice per week. That third magical class is just not happening. We do have two “visitors” — one a practicing black belt in Aikido and one in Tae Kwon Do. Both come once-per-week to supplement their main arts. The problem is that I’m jealous that they both have main arts!

I think part of what I miss is the structure. In Tae Kwon Do we had a set curriculum and frequent testings. This made it much easier to set goals and also helped me to stay motivated. When I moved to Kung Fu things got more “organic.” I’m not sure if this was due to Sifu being an ex punk rocker from the 70s or if it’s just how Kung Fu is typically taught. Current Teacher is more structured than Sifu so there is that.

My modest goal for 2011 is to exercise more consistently and eat better. I’m hoping that if I can adopt a dumber version of the Zone three to four times a week, I’ll drop a few pounds. And by dumber I mean this.

PROTEIN

Tip: To determine the amount of protein in your meal, look at your hand. The amount of protein you should consume at each meal should be equal to the size and thickness of your palm.

CARBOHYDRATES

Tip: When choosing more favorable carbohydrates, such as fruits or vegetables, your portion size can be determined by curling your hands into 2 loose fists.

Meditations on Prison:

Miller’s book kicked loose a lot of repressed memories. After reflecting on it a while I think a lot of it has to do with having worked in prison. For sure I thought the four years I spent in a factory where a bloody waste of my time. The four years I spent working in prison where valuable. Granted, it was not a good career fit but I’m proud of what I did, while I was there. It also gave me respect for what corrections staff, law enforcement, etc. have to deal with.

I guess that’s all for now.

-BCP