Feeling the Wrath

I started my Muay Thai training with Wrath James White yesterday. It was bad ass. I'll admit that I was intimidated and nervous going in, but I've never done anything like this, so I didn't really know what to expect. And Wrath is a big guy. But, for the first session anyway, he kept it slow and simple for me. He mainly showed me the correct stance and form, which is something I need to work on. My balance is terrible. And I'm not flexible at all. Looks like I'll be doing yoga with my wife after all. She'll be happy about that. Though she's doing prenatal yoga right now, and I don't think it's quite intense enough.

We worked on basic punches: jabs, power punches, and hooks. And most importantly while throwing punches, gotta protect my chin. And keep my arms tight into my body. I've been standing in front of a mirror this morning and just practicing that. I need to be able to keep my balance and still throw controlled punches, while never losing my form. It's gonna take lots of repitition, but I'm ready to work hard.

We moved onto elbow strikes. He showed me four different elbows, one of which is illegal in professional fighting. The elbows felt awkward because you have to have your arm in kind of a chicken wing to keep the elbow tight so it can cut like a knife when thrown. Looked pretty devastating.

I had a lot of fun and learned a lot. I mean, before last night, I didn't know shit. I at least have something to work with now, something I can practice. I've changed my diet completely and only take cold showers. I will be jogging every single morning and on most nights, and doing as much shadow boxing as possible. And most importantly right now, I'm going to stretch and stretch. I've gotta get more flexible.

Our next session is on Tuesday, and I'll post an update.

Did I mention that I'm a pile of soreness today??