Wave Your Legs in the Air Like You Don't Care

[shanmonster]

I got up early this morning so I could go to a group weightlifting class, but I'm still shagged out from last night's kung fu class. I think I need another couple hours of rest before I go to the gym, not to mention go on my planned kayak excursion tonight.

I found the class particularly brutal last night, possibly because it was indoors for a change. The room was sweltering, and the kicking drills, horse stances, and hundred dragons we did felt even more taxing than usual. We did extensive stretching, including a long bout of the wishbone stretch. To do this stretch, lie on your back with your arse jammed tight against the wall. Put both legs straight against the wall, then let them open out as far as you can. Gravity emphasizes the stretch. A few minutes later, someone comes along and moves both of your legs further down the wall.

I like this stretch. I can really feel it working. It's a good one to practice at home while you read a book.

While in this stretch, I heard a sudden masculine yell, then raucous laughter. I turned my head to see what was going on, but couldn't figure it out. I relaxed back into the stretch, then heard someone else yell, and then there was more laughter. Then Sifu Danny came up to me. "Wanna know what's going on?"

Before I could say anything, he'd grabbed me by the ankles and, in one quick movement, clapped my legs together. This time, the yell I heard was from my own mouth. But so was the laughter.

At this point, we were told to line up to go through our forms. I hobbled my way to the front of the class, and proceeded to go through Sup Bat Sou. All that daily practice I've been doing seems almost for naught. I feel like I've fallen behind, somehow, and the new section we were working on is still eluding me. I just can't get the jumping double kick that lands in a seven star stance. My hands seem to be flailing around in a most disorganized fashion, and the stance a mere afterthought to all the legs flying in the air. I need a lot of practice.

Of course, I think I'd do a lot better if I were a bit less exhausted before beginning my forms. I hope I can get together with Colleen on Sunday to practice.