No, Really, I Am an American

After my incredibly productive morning yesterday, my body decided to embrace its fighting spirit. The weather was perfect for it.

I sent a text to Jacob proclaiming as much and around three in the afternoon, it was decided that we would meet since we wouldn’t be able to play on Friday. To say that I was eager would be an understatement. Now that my fighting spirit has had the opportunity to cut loose a bit, it’s constantly clawing at my consiousness. Patience is definitely a virtue I lack.

My head isn’t in the game much in the beginning. For whatever reason, I’m thinking too much, thus holding myself back — a problem of mine that Jonathan and Mike have pointed out before. I can’t help but think about my defenses and how can I improve my left attacks?

I admit to my cohort the thoughts that are swirling in my head and Jacob decides that perhaps we should change the pace a little. He hands me one of the “short swords”. “Left hand only,” he explains.

I scowl a little, but I know he’s right. I am not used to the weight, or the technique. Jacob is a little more proficient at left-hand since he’s had some practice with it before. I’m hopeful that I will be able to continue building strength on my weaker side.

We switch again. The fighting varies a little once again and I am given the chance to work on non-linear style. It certailny appeases my incredibly adrenaline induced body.

Thereafter, I am given the two short swords to use. Also, a technique I have never experimented with, but I am eager to try. Apparently, I handle myself all right…and I dare say I enjoy using two.

I am reminded that Jacob has no qualms about dirty fighting when I am distracted for what I think is a held moment. I wait for him to come on guard when he rushes me suddenly. I don’t have time to block and I curse my bad timing…and most especially for not being more careful. But I cannot help but respect the hit. It was certailny well deserved.

At another point in time, I lost grip of my weapon and I had executed a deep lunge. Remembering not to hold back, I twist around, grab Jacob’s leg, and attempt to bite him. I apparently took after Lucy more than anything and drooled on his pant leg. That was definitely something I had never tried before.

I am also suddenly aware of the circles. I had never seen them before now and I use them in my mind’s eye. I am sincerely amazed at how clearly they appear.

I am forced into a hanging parry at one point and rather than come out of it, I stay in that position. I am well aware of my strongest option, but then again, I am certain my opponent is as well. Hence, rather than react expectedly, I push forward from my off position in an attepmted linear head cut rather than swing and come down on the obvious right vertical. It threw Jacob and I pressed the attack. There was no question about who won that one.

We had to stop after that last move when we both noticed the joint on his right forefinger had swollen quite a bit.

I cannot help but be incredibly excited and pleased about this new fighting awareness that I feel like I have developed. It’s like everything I had ever been told has become more than just theory. It’s like this country has really reinforced and nurtured my “ki”.

I can only hope that with time and practice it will continue to grow and develop.