Ended up taking my first class tonight at the new martial arts school. I haven’t signed up, but took this as a trial class.

The class I went into was the Filipino weapons class, but I arrived early and caught the latter half of the sparring class. It was stand-up sparring, Muay Thai stuff, even some takedowns happening. Very cool. I learned afterwards that the class isn’t an open/free sparring class but actually a class so there are sparring drills but then some rounds of sparring with your partner… you can go if you want or focus on things. I like that — actually learning how to spar, how to fight, how to apply what you’ve learned. No glorified games of tag, but certainly you will get tagged; this is good. Classes ended, and Guro Ray called us onto the mat for the weapons class. He handed me a couple of bamboo batons and off we went.

Senior student warmed up the class, then we partnered up. Being new I was put with that same senior student. Guro Ray would demonstrate a drill, then we’d work with our partner and perform the drill. The drills were cumulative, starting simple then building upon the previous. Felt a little awkward at first because I’ve never done things like this before, but I did my best to be loose, focus on the drills but not focus too much and over think it… just flow, just go. I was doing fine, but I admit there was so much going on and I wanted to remember it all so I could practice it at home… it was overload, but in a good way. I felt I did alright for a first class. After a while we put down the double batons and picked up wooden knives and performed the same drills. It was nice to see how the same motions apply no matter what: sticks, knives, empty hand, it all works. This I like. It’s simple.

During the class, Guro Ray would watch. I recall hearing him talk but didn’t realize at first he was talking to me. I was focused on what I was doing, and of course I’m not used to Guro Ray, his voice (soft spoken guy), and how he teaches. But he was correcting me, telling me what to do, encouraging me. Just a matter of learning how he works and getting familiar with him.

After class I hung out for a bit and spoke with the other students. Everyone was very nice, very welcoming. Folks made me feel immediately at home. It was a fantastic atmosphere. From watching some of these guys during the sparring session (at least one I recognize from Monday’s open mat doing some BJJ), I can tell the experienced guys really know there stuff and there’s just no ego, high desire to learn, willing to help each other learn and progress. It just feels like a very healthy atmosphere.

I had a lot of fun. I’m sold. I will be going back on Monday, trying out the stand-up class, then take care of the paperwork and get going. I think I’m going to focus right now on the stand-up stuff: Jeet Kune Do, (Pekiti Tirsia) Kali, Silat, Muay Thai, western boxing. Let’s get going with that, then down the line I’m sure I’ll add in the BJJ.

A new chapter begins. Where will this part of my journey take me? I don’t know, but I’m going to take it one day at a time and just enjoy the ride and let come what may. So far, I like, if that wasn’t yet evident to you. 😀