On the Road to Kung Fu–Two

It was Memorial Day Weekend when I signed up for those four free Karate Lessons that led to my return to the world of Martial Arts.  I began practicing the Hung Gar style of kung fu back in 1984.  Over the next 17 years, I went from novice to instructor.  And then, I hurt my foot.  And for seven years, I was unable to practice kung fu.  So I put my attention to other pursuits, like music and writing.

But then I got fat—very, very fat.  Imagine as fat as you can imagine.  I was fatter than that.  So I went on a diet.  I used the Weightwatchers plan.  It works.  I can say nothing but good things about it.  I lost 120 pounds (so far).  Doctors would tell me to exercise.  My foot was better, so I could now, but being so fat, I was afraid to exercise.  After losing 120 pounds, though, I felt that I could exercise again safely.  But I didn’t want to run or walk or life weights or bike because, quite frankly, I find them boring.  But I enjoy working out.

I found the idea of going back to my kung fu club and having to relearn all I had forgotten to be intimidating and somewhat embarrassing.  So when I had the opportunity to take those four free karate lessons, I jumped at it.  This would be a new system.  The workouts would be much less than the typical three hour classes at my old club.  I wouldn’t have to teach.  Just show up and work out.  No responsibilities.  It was perfect.  Unfortunately, it turned out that to continue would also be expensive, over $250 per month.

Well, I don’t have that kind of money.  Besides, after the second lesson, during which I sparred with the black belt instructor with great success, I knew I could go back to my old club.  I hadn’t forgotten everything.  So I called my old friend, Lee, and asked him to help me get back up to speed.  That’s what I’ve been doing this summer.  I’ve been going into the club three to four times per week since the end of June.  Now we’re coming up on Labor Day, the end of summer.  So here’s my progress report.

I can now get through an extended class without any trouble.  The first time back with extended exercises, I thought I was going to pass out.  Now, I won’t say it’s easy.  But I can do it without hearing the angels calling out to me.  I have managed to re-learn all but three of the empty hand forms.  I have re-learned the broadsword, and the long handled broadsword.  I have re-learned one of the two spear forms.  I have practiced the tiger fork and the butterfly swords, but I don’t have those forms down yet.  I have even re-learned the super duper double secret secret exercises that we don’t show hardly anybody.

I have also found myself helping some of the younger students with their forms and movements.  So, it’s all coming back.  I don’t move the way I did back when I was twenty-nine, but I’m doing okay.  The other day, my friend, Lee, reminded me that there were men that were forty who couldn’t do what I’d been doing.  I know I feel strong.

Kung Fu really does give a full body workout.  After a kung fu workout, you discover there are muscles you didn’t know you had.  This is because they hurt.  Seriously, a martial arts workout is perfect for people who have limited time to exercise.  It is aerobic, yet it also has the same effect as lifting weights.  Studying a martial art will make you fit and strong.  You learn to breathe.  You learn to pay attention.  You get to kick stuff.  It’s a lot more fun that walking on a treadmill.

So if I see that guy giving away karate lessons at the Labor Day Street fair here in the beach cities, I will be sure to thank him.  Those four free lessons gave me the little push I needed to go back to the South Bay Kung Fu Club.  I am living proof that there’s room for everybody at that club and in the martial world.  If I can learn this stuff, anybody can.  If I can come back, at the age of 54, and jump around the floor swinging a sword around, then there’s hope for anyone.  You can be insane too.