Learning the basics again

I had an awesome class tonight. I worked with Ms. M on the kicking drills, Ho Sin Sul (self defense) and sparring. Our primary drill was back kicks. I'm not the strongest when it comes to back kick. I had to really concentrate to get my kicks to land where I wanted them to land. Again, I have sloppy kicks, so I have a LOT to work on.

I talked to Ms. M tonight and asked her if she'd help me out after she's fully recovered from her belt test on Saturday. I want to get into great shape and I need a buddy. I am too darned lazy to do it on my own. We talked about possibly getting together and going walking. This would be a good thing. I won't get my butt off the couch without having a companion. For whatever reason, I don't know that I want to walk with my hubby, mainly because I think he'll walk too slowly and if I'm trying to get in some cardio, I can do it better if I'm walking with someone else who is motivated to walk fast.

We were talking after class tonight about Bunkai. We talked about Bassai and the fact that the opening of Bassai is essentially an attack. You have to look at it as if you're sneaking up to a fortress that is guarded by a sentry (or multiple sentries). With the salutation/Choon Be of Bassai, you're literally grabbing the sentry, stabbing him and kicking him to the ground at the same time. Then you'll turn and use his body as a shield or a weapon as you turn to get someone who might be sneaking up behind you.
I'm seeing the forms I've learned in a totally different light. I think that learning the Bunkai of a form makes the form take on a new meaning. I can see the practical application. I was talking to a friend earlier tonight and she said that if you learn the theory behind what you're learning, it'll stick with you better. She's right because I can actually SEE the form and can feel how it should work.