Word to the wise: Don’t go a full week between Krav Maga classes. The first class back after a hiatus is always harder than you expect, even if it’s only a weeklong absence. It doesn’t matter. I felt weak, out of shape, and discombobulated. My head wasn’t really in it.

How do I know?

I accidentally kneed Chris in the groin. Yeah…

When you spend 20 bucks on a protective cup, you should wear it.

I say that like it’s his fault, but really it was my own. I should have been more focused. He was able to recover quickly, but it just reminded me how important it is to concentrate on what’s going on. That’s how people get seriously hurt.

In other news, I did miss the Level 1 test on Saturday. I was pretty disappointed, but it was completely worth seeing my cousin achieve a dream of hers. I don’t mind putting my own aspirations on hold to see her accomplish hers.

Okay, so I think it’s time I ‘fess up. I won’t be taking the Level 1 test this weekend. You might remember I had planned to take the test back in November, but then it was re-scheduled. In addition, I had a sinus infection and a slight (temporary) back injury.

So here we are. At the beginning of December. The Level 1 test looming over me… And I’ll be outta town.

To be perfectly honest, I don’t have to go away this weekend, but I’m choosing to go see my cousin graduate from boot camp.

True, I could chose to stay home and take the Level 1 test. But I have some good excuses… no really. I do.

• It’s really important to me to support my cousin as she makes this big transition in her life. Plus, it gives me a good excuse to see a state I’ve never been to AND see some of my family.
• I’m not ready. This should be fairly obvious in my lack of posts about classes lately. I’ve been struggling a little and it’s been hard for me to openly admit. One day I’m feelin’ great and the next I’m not on my A game… I know I’ve been going to Krav for almost six solid months, but I’m not consistent in my defenses. To me, consistency is a true sign of how well I know the material. So, I just need the extra time to really perfect what I’m learning.
• And if you promise not to call me a big chicken, I’ll even admit that I’m a teency weency bit scared of the Level 1 test.

Have no fear, I still plan on taking it in a couple of months when I’m more prepared. I’m in this for the fitness, the self-confidence, and the knowledge of how to defend myself. There’s no reason to rush into a day of torture test I’m not prepared for.

We all know exercise is good for you physically. But what you may not know is that exercise greatly benefits your mental and emotional health too. According to the Mayo Clinic, “exercise stimulates various brain chemicals, which may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed than you were before you worked out.”

I’ve been fighting bouts of depression for a few months now (who hasn’t in these economic times, right?). There are nights when I don’t want to go Krav Maga. I want to stay at home and bum around.

But when I go to Krav Maga and get in a really good workout, I’m more focused. I feel more successful and creative and I just feel so much better about myself.

Half the battle is wanting to exercise. As many of you may know, I hate gyms. I hate treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, weight lifting… yeah. I hate it all. I always feel like a hamster in the exercise wheel—going nowhere real fast.

Krav Maga gives me the motivation to go, because not only am I getting in some valuable exercise, but I’m learning something useful and making friends at the same time. It’s a win-win-win!

And Krav Maga doesn’t just boost endorphins, it also decreases stress and helps release muscle tension. Think about it. What better way to de-stress about that obnoxious client/co-worker/boss/spouse/friend/
family member/stranger-who-cut-you-off-on-your-way-home-and-
nearly-killed-you-because-they-were-on-their-%!@*ing-cellphone, than by beating the crap out of a punching shield?

Along the same lines of the advantages of Krav Maga post I made last week, I also want to give thanks to all the personal benefits I’ve experienced since starting Krav.

Thank you Krav Maga for:

1. Educating me with the knowledge and self-confidence to defend myself. That alone is pretty priceless.
2. Providing me a place to blow off steam. The economy has been in the crapper and unfortunately I’ve felt the effects. I’ve been frustrated and angry these past few months and Krav has given me an appropriate place to manage those frustrations.
3. Helping me cope with depression. I know this is similar to giving me a place to blow off steam, but really it’s very different. I’ve been fighting mild depression off and on for a few years now. One way I treat it is through exercise. As you have probably read over and over, I hate gyms. So the fact that Krav has given me a place where I actually want to exercise is a miracle all on its own.
4. Getting me into shape. I don’t mean to brag, but… wait… yes, I do mean to brag. I made several health decisions this year that led me to losing 12 pounds (I became a pescatarian in April and started Krav Maga in July). Don’t get me wrong. I’m not overweight, but that doesn’t mean I’ve been making healthy decisions. Since going to Krav Maga my arms, butt, and tummy are toned. I feel better. I look better in my clothes! And I’m really proud of myself.
5. Giving me a place to make new friends. Moving all over the country was fun, but it killed my social life. I’ve met a bunch of really great people by going to the gym-sponsored events…
6. Encouraging my expressive self. After I go to Krav Maga, my creative juices start flowing and I get in “the zone”. I’ve started writing, designing, photographing, and constructing more for myself. It’s a great feeling.

In what ways do you have to be thankful on this delightful Thanksgiving?

So far, headlocks make me the most furious. The idea of someone wrapping their arms around my head, trying to get me down to the ground… What is that potential attacker trying to take or accomplish? A headlock doesn’t seem like a purse-snatching sort of maneuver. It’s more personal than that. And to be quite frank with you, the thought of someone wanting to take something so private pisses me off.

Sometimes, it’s hard to recognize the implications behind the defenses when they’re in a controlled environment. Especially when your “attacker” is a middle-aged woman who looks more likely to bake you a fresh batch of cookies than put you in a headlock. But once you adjust your thinking and employ your imagination, it’s easy to become furious.

I think my partner can always tell when this connection happens inside my brain. I’ll often hear “Woah!” or ” Wow, you hit hard!”

I think their reaction says more about the energy I put towards Krav Maga, because I allow myself the right to become angry. Anyone can learn this. In fact, learning the defenses are shockingly easy once you get the hang of it.

You just have to want to learn it and be willing to put all your energy into it. But mostly, and I think this is key for women, you have to allow yourself to get mad.

So, go on. Get angry!