Hello Kaitlin, I suggest that you follow your instructors advice. Be very firm where your limits are concerning your body. Perhaps I haven't read your entries closely enough...but it sounds as if you may have some pre-existing conditions? You should practise accordingly. Too much injury, and you stop training. Personally, I'd rather see you train at a "lower level", than not at all. When faced with bullies, sit out rather than get hurt. Oh, and you may want to "sanitize" your journal...naming people in public often leads to misunderstandings and bitterness. Just leave out the names and I think you'll be alright. Stick out the training...you'll find with time you learn how to train without too much pain every class. There will always be some, though... Ron Tisdale