My painful but rewarding “ninja training” Hapkido journey

Now, I see why all adult “ninjas” are the teachers. Becoming a “ninja” is hard work and painful work.

Sometime in November 2017 I started taking martial arts classes (again). One of my fiancé’s co-workers said that he taught Hapkido. And, somehow he convinced me to go to his classes.

I had no clue what it was and no idea how well versed he was in Hapkido. This guy is big, like high school football big, and nerdy and owns just about every gaming console/device ever made. He loves to visit breweries.

Apparently, his skills are so advance that he is registered with the state as a weapon.

Needless to say, when I first started the class I had no idea what I was in for.

So, Hapkido:

Korean martial art

Hapkido is an offensive martial art style

Similar to Akido (defensive)

Similar to Karate (offensive)

Kicks, punches, wrist locks, choke holds, throws

Advance practitioners use weapons: swords, staves, fans, etc.

Uniforms are black

Moves are taught in both Korean and English

When I was in elementary school, I took Taekwon Do for a few years. But as time went on, being the only girl in a class of 15 or so boys began to hurt, a lot.  Boys kick really, really hard.

I quit about midway through and stopped at my purple belt.

A bit of time has passed between then and now. Life took hold. I got flabby and unmotivated.

I was very hesitant about getting a workout and starting martial arts again. I never forgot how much a kick to the stomach hurt, even with sparring gear on. But, I grabbed a uniform and a white belt to give Hapkido a go.

My progress so far has been slow but semi steady: One day most weeks, to one day every week, to now two days a week.

Have I lost any weight? No.

But, I’ve gained a lot of muscle. So, for now that’s pretty neat.

I’ve also gained a lot more confidence. Training requires you to stand in front of a mirror and face yourself and your mistakes and triumphs.  At times when I don’t think I can’t do something in class or out in the real world, I think back to training and know that trying is better than quitting.

It has been a painful journey. The knowledge I’ve gained about myself totally made every bruise worth it. And, to all the older “ninjas” in training, I recommend Tiger Balm and a good, hot bath.

If you in the Austin area and looking for a good workout, check out his school.