Ouch!
Published: Wed, 01/22/14
I had a fall Monday. It was really stupid of me. Next to the
pedestrian square in the centre of Crewkerne there is a row of
parking spaces. This area is marked off with a low chain mounted
about a foot from the ground, it is painted white but not that easy
to see. On Monday evening Venetia was working late because we have
been doing some renovations in a retail premises and it is easier
to get stuff done there outside trading hours. The Monday evening
class was about to start but I had promised V that I would check on
her if she hadn't come back. On the way round to the back of
the shop I passed the boundary chain and I remember thinking.
"You could trip over that if you weren't looking."
On the way back I was in a hurry and running, and guess what? I
suddenly found myself face down on the gravel. I was shaken but
not really hurt, I landed with my palms and forearms flat under me
and apart from bumping my right knee I was okay. Yesterday evening
I realised that my triceps are a bit sore and I think that is from
the strain of absorbing the impact with my arms. Otherwise that is
about it. Somehow I didn't even scrape my hands. I have
taught two classes since and coped fine.
It is strange how I could observe a potential hazard, be
consciously aware of its presence. Then five minutes later run
straight into it. Just shows how rushing and getting pressured
leads to accidents. It also makes me wonder what kind of injury I
might have done to myself if I didn't know how to fall and
protect my body. I think that comes from a lifetime of martial
arts training.
So two habits there. The habit of being careful and aware of
potential hazards and dangers. It is fairly well ingrained in me
but when under pressure it gets dangerously easy to override
sensible awareness and caution. Also the habit of protecting the
body against violent impact. I hope that getting violently
attacked is not something that happens to you ever, it might, but
hopefully not. But you can still fall like I did or all kinds of
other accidents can occur. Knowing how to protect your body could
make the difference between a few bruises and broken bones or worse.
But for martial arts training to work for you it has to be habitual
and manageable. This spring I am holding a series of weekend
training courses which will enable you to incorporate Stav training
into your life. More details at
http://www.iceandfire.org/wetraining.html Also included is some
video which shows the degree of control and confidence that
develops with a few years of training and practice.
regards
Graham