Hong Kong Phooey

Today I had my very first karate lesson.  It's something that I've been toying with doing for a few years now.  Found a dojo fairly close to me (on South Michigan Avenue) called Imazaki Dojo, so I set up a free session for lunchtime today.

The sensei's name is Seijo Imazaki.  His features have a distinct Asian flair to them, although it looks like he's part caucasian as well.  The dojo was very no-frills--- just a big empty room with mats and mirrors.  I was the first one there, so I got a solo lesson for the first 20 minutes or so.  Afterwards, two men joined us.  One of the guys was also a newbie (it was only his second class), so I didn't feel too out of place.  The sensei made me feel very at ease and gave me confidence-- I had never experienced a workout like this.  I was suprised at how difficult and strenuous it was while, paradoxically, requiring a certain level of focus and grace.

Here are some of my thoughts and what I learned today:

1) it's a barefoot activity and my pedicure is solely lacking.  Epic fail.
2) there are all kinds of behavioral rules regarding gestures and bowing, especially when you get onto the mat.  I wasn't entirely sure if I was supposed to bow every time you get on and off the mat, so I erred on the side of over-bowing.  I was a human bobblehead.
3) they loaned me a pair of pants to wear, but during the whole session I kept thinking "where is the store and when can I get my own outfit?"  I was jonesing over the sensei's get-up with the mysterious Japanese writing.
4) once I got my outfit (it's called a gi and it's a uniform, not an outfit; there's a whole new language to learn here), it soon became apparent that adding a spash of color via the belts can only happen once you earn it by progressing from level to level.  So much for freedom to accessorize.
5) I kick better than I punch.  And I still have trouble knowing my left from my right.  And I'm a klutz when it comes to footwork.

I had a BLAST!  For the next two weeks, I'm allowed unlimited sessions for $25, then I sign up for a monthly pass-- I'll probably go with the one session a week, because I'll need to keep up my running and Pilates, and school will be starting soon.

Will I become a mean, lean, fighting machine?  Who knows?  But the process is filling me with energy and I'm eager to dive right in.