struggle

[B&D]

back from training, really finding it a struggle due to age and weight, ok for 15 minutes then struggling against very competent red belts after 15 minutes.
I understand now what I have read before - don't do karate to get fit but get fit to do karate

[JimmyTheHoover]

Bollocks 

Do Karate to Do Karate

Never participated in a class yet that I wasn't tired after 15 mins - all that changes is how much effeort you actually put in during the session - you always try your best - you always get tired - you always try to be as fast as the higher grade at your side - if you keep doing that then as a by product you get fitter - faster - stronger - "Simples" 

JIm

[B&D]

I am very critical of my own performance in everything I do, I have a quality mark within my mind that I have to achieve and if I don't reach it i question whether I have the right to be doing the given subject. karate makes me ask this question in every lesson I participate in. maybe I should be looking to achieve personal best effort and not the end result?

[JimmyTheHoover]

All you can ever do atKarate is your own personal best - in terms of effort especially -keep doing that and over time by listening to your Instructors and trying to put it into practice your skills will improve. All an Instructor asks is a dedicated student who tries hard and wants to improve - you already sound like one so just keep at it.

I find Kata practice is great for pushing myself for personal goals - especially as it you against yourself.

Jim

[Moley]

Arwel, stop beating yourself around the head with a mallet!  You did well. It's a good thing to criticise yourself in order to improve, but don't put yourself down all the time. You and me, we are what we are. (Only I'm a lot fatter, older and more unfit than you). Last night was a "Beast". I know, it was designed to be, it will be good practise for you in preparation for Edinburgh. You were still standing at the end. What else do you want? I've known so called 4th Dans crawl out on their hands and knees halfway through a session like that.

As for the young, fit, athletes !
Just look what I found on Andrei's facebook this morning:

"Andrei Stanciu - You know you've had a good karate training session when for half of the way back home you have to crawl, cause you can't even see the road in front of you let alone walk up straight. I've never felt this good in ages. PS: and no, they didn't serve alcoholic drinks, or other psychoactive substances - just pure endorphins and not a drop of energy left "

[B&D]

talking about a lesson on the forum allows students to realise that many are feeling exhausted and it doesn't mean that you are a poor karateka student, after all you have stayed the distance in that lesson.

[siwan]

If we werent exhausted aftera session last night, it would show that we didn't put everything into the training. Sessions like that are not only physically challenging- they are mentally challenging too.
  Its what you put into your training that counts, never mind what others do- just keep pushing and encouraging yourself. Say "yes im F****, but i'm fighting on!"
 I slept like a log last night too

[B&D]

It was a good lesson, I enjoyed it (I think)