DadandZachonRecumbents.com

I went into the gym early to meet with the instructor, Josh. He has trained in Harrisburg YMCA with Charlie Cavrich and Mike Stone. My father trained with Charlie and Mike many years ago. Dad started with Mike Stone at Millersville University! I took a few classes as a child maybe 11-12 years old at the Y.

The first warmup was forward rolls, and I watched as the entire class flew across the entire gym at a very high pace. I tried one roll and I was VERY dizzy. I tried a second and was sort of dizzy again, I went to the end of the room after that. We did leg crosses and shuffles between the rolling. I was better at the shoulder rolls and slapping the mat. I did about 4 of those before stopping. One of the other white belts fist bumped me which made me really happy.

Then, we did exercises with footwork with a partner. I had a tall and young orange belt helping me today (I didn’t get his name). We practiced going between their legs and lifting up with the hip and legs on our toes.

The first move (I am learning the names still) was the “giant killer” move because it was one where a smaller person could throw a bigger one. We stepped to their side and brought the other foot around, connecting the shoulder (my right to their right shoulder) and sweeping the leg out. We practiced a few times before the actual throw. I am of course not used to hitting the mat that hard. I am getting used to it. Then we did some back and forth leg/feet exercises.

At about 30 minutes into class I needed to take a break and sit down , so I got some water and waited 15 minutes.

I watched as they did a move where you turn and make a lunge position to pull the partner over your leg. Josh said this was a hand throw.

The next throw was one where we pulled the sleeves down to the side and when they try to pull up and away you swing the arms up and you sweep the right foot from the inside. I participated in the last 15 minutes of class after I had recovered.

I had a lot of fun , and I found many weaknesses in my warm up and ability level. I am very happy and grateful for all of my teachers in the gym. We lined up by belt color and bowed at the end. I will be coming back.