Thursday didn’t get off to the best start for me, I woke up to my alarm going off but no noise coming from it – it was 10 minutes till class started. I jumped out of bed and threw my gi on, grabbed my half filled water bottle and ran to my car. I live about a 10 minute drive from the dojo, I managed to get to class being 10 minutes late. After some warm ups we got into some more speed training – I can sense a bit of a theme for the rest of the intensive; pushing our limits. To prepare for the possibility of Japan training, especially if it is in Summer, the conditions now are a good similarity to being there. One thing I have learned from Karate over the last few years is you can always find more. When you think you have reached your limit, it is just a thought, pushing through the mental barrier of pain and doubt is what will get you to your next level or goal.

The evening session was again more speed training, sweat has become a common companion for me these last few days. I think I was more sweat than man. My body is holding up fairly well, I just have a small knee issue that I have been compensating with a knee compression sleeve. As it comes to the end of the week, I am very happy with what I have achieved so far, but I won’t lie when I tell you I am looking forward to a weekend rest.