Kung Fu yesterday.  One of the black belts who I find the most challenging to fight had been out for several months with an injury...but now he's back.

This guy has a tremendous reach on me.  He’s faster, and he’s a LOT taller.  Also, he’s a very good strategic thinker, and has a closed guard like a clam shell.

He’s also got a killer hook kick, and he happened to catch me in the side.  The force of the kick actually penetrated sideways and slightly behind the kidney, pushing it toward my spine…and out a little.  World of ouch.

No real damage…just bruised and sore.

Also, deep bone bruise on my right cheek.  Luckily, Estee Lauder sells a concealer whose sole function is to cover the color purple.  It's for the rings people get around their eyes...but hey...I just go through it a little faster than some people. 

But I’ve gotten much better at opening up his guard, I’ve gotten better at closing distances and moving from outside his range to inside his guard.  Not great yet…but I’ve improved, and did better against him than I have in a long time. 

Then, in weapons class I kicked some butt in a staff sparring match (using what I like to call Q-tips – padded staffs).  Jammed my left pointer finger.

I’m stiff, I’m sore, and I’m seriously banged up.  So, why do I feel so GOOD today?

Can you say “endorphins” children?  That’s right.  I knew you could.