My 4th Class

[Glelas]

First off, I am 35. Been a sloth for about 15 years. Married - 2 kids.

I went to my 4th class tonight and I am a bit depressed because of it. Don't get me wrong, I love it - and I already can't wait until next week, however - my professor (yup, he is a professor, whatever that means) tends to take it easy on noobs. Of the 4 classes I have been to I really haven't truly "rolled" yet.

And tonight was a bad night. Alot of blues and high whites. None of my fellow noobs were there tonight.

My instructor drilled the shit out of me tonight. I think I finally finished step #1 in my "book". The system of training in my school is through a series of techniques. When you master a step you move to step 2 and so on and so on...

#1 was the 6 stances AND how to fall - front, back, sides, AND hip escapes - front and back.

Anyway he had me doing that most of the time the guys rolled. I felt like a tool for some reason tonight. I sort of felt like I was the odd man out and everybody rolls right away and for some reason he wouldn't let me. I know this is irrational thinking. Especially when a kid that is about 2 months ahead of me told me he did the same thing to him and he didn't roll until like the 6th or 7th class. It is still discouraging. I almost felt like asking my instructor if I am making normal progress for someone in my situation. But I thought better of that.

Now the school is competition based and very safety instensive and the system the school instills is a very deliberate step by step process so I can understand the logic but my emotions get in the way and I get discouraged.

All in all I love it though. After only 2 weeks I think I have come a long way. Instead of worrying about making it through warmups, types of gi's, walking through the door etc...I am now pissed I can't master a drill right away and can't roll.

I will definitely hit the gym 3 of the next 4 days and be back in class on Tues. The cardio I did on my off days made a huge difference in just a week. I can make it through warmups now and still have something left in me for the remainder of class. I am eating better and feeling better also...

[Tant01]

Yeah, that. Be patient and savor the anticipation but don't expect much!

You might be chomping at the bit to "roll" (aka randori) but if you think it's going to be "better" rolling you might be sorely disappointed.

You might feel like a slug at first and helpless to the techniques of the other students. It's not really going to be much "fun" until you can pull off the "moves" on your fellow students.

I'd recommend learning the game in baby steps (at first) you'll be competing before you know it.

[Little Apple]

Being a beginner sucks. Luckily it goes away after a while.

[aseepish]

Welcome to the club!

Take some comfort in that we've all been through what you're going through. You're learning a new skill, and it's rough at first. Smoothness will come with time - and it will come! Expect to get schooled by everybody you roll with for a while. It's all part of the learning process.

[OldSchool CO]

This may or may not help but keep in mind you're the most dangerous man in the gym right now!!! Seriously, the new guy is the one who almost always hurts a training partner (unintentionally most of the time), gets hurt by another "junior partner" who is making bones with his fancy new move, etc. Truly understanding your instructors method means not getting frustrated or emotionally disenchanted, studied examination of the why will allow emotion to be minimized. I say this because of my personal experiences. When I step back and truly listen to my instructors reasons I am not emotionally overwraught. Good coaches understand that longevity comes from proper training and patience. Learn that lesson early and you'll be a long way ahead of the "pack".

Mike remember my tremendous resevior of patience my first several lessons...LMAO: We all go through it...some of us just keep going through it over and over

[OldSchool CO]

No reason to throw a guy under the bus is there Mike??? I mean sure I gently opened the door with my foot, enjoyed the cool crisp Colorado evening air, and maybe I even muttered a couple of things at a barely audible level under my breath... But Kicked...Yelled...Stormed....these inflamatory remarks only hurt, they don't help

Yeah I'm back...couldn't remember my old name and password so I got a brand new shiny one. Let's see how much head trauma will occur before this handle/password combo become obsolete!!!

[OldSchool CO]

Mike,
I've found, based on extensive research and personal experience, a mop is the most effective way to recover from a carbonated incident such as you describe. Sponges seem like a great method, but leave a sticky residue on both the hand and surface violated. Paper towels, no matter how Brawny, lack the endurance to sufficiently finish the task. Lastly no matter how good an idea it may seem, tissues are the limpwristed pansies of the clean-up world and should only be considered as an absolute last resort.