Being at a loose end without the escape of a book is a dangerous thing.

I decided to sign up for a martial arts course – first lesson was this evening. Akra Jr in particular was very excited and wanted to come too. He thinks I want to be a Panda, for some reason. He kept following me around waving his arms around and going “hi ya” type noises. Bless.

First lesson was a bit of an eye opener – it wasn’t going to be as easy as just waving my arms around and making threatening noises. I think I’ll be okay as long as my potential attacker stands still for a while so I can think through all the moves: “right, just stay there, that’s right. Now I’m going to push down on your arm and go for a palm strike, ‘k?”

There was only one other girl there, and she had been going to martial arts classes from the age of 3 so I felt particularly weedy. I was also paired up with a bodybuilder and possibly one of the toughest guys there. Fortunately a very nice and patient bloke who didn’t laugh at my pathetic attempts at co-ordination. In the interest of not building up fake confidence, he didn’t hold back (at least he said he didn’t) with the wrist holds – so I know I can get out of one now, regardless. However, can I just say …. OW!

Still, I’m going back again next week. Assuming I recover the use of my arms by then. Pass the Nurofen.