What Should I Ask as a Newbie?

ninjaqutie wrote: Glad to hear your first class went well. Just to let you know, you will be sore even after months and years of training. I have bruises so often that I might as well have tattoos! If your wife is anything like me, then she may be discouraged from wearing skirts and such. I haven't worn a skirt or tank top in months because I don't want people thinking I am a battered wife! HAHA.

Hah! So true Ashley, I have bruises on my wrists from an over enthusiastic uke during katate dori techniques on Saturday. My poor boyfriend must feel so bad when we go out in public and I'm head to toe in blue and black! Especially since he doesn't do martial arts of any kind!

Nadina, first off, I love your name! So unique. My best friends name is Nadine, so they are similar. :O) I feel for your boyfriend. My husband actually takes class with me, so he understands. The funny part is, he might actually be responsible for a bruise every now and again. My coworkers have come to think my bruising is fairly common now and they have even taken photos of them for a study on the development of bruising and IR photography (I work in a crime lab).

Women and bruising just don't mix. I mean, how can you wear an amazing dress, skirt or shorts and feel sexy with bruises on your legs or arms. I know I don't feel pretty and I am certain that other men don't want to see them either. :O)

Ashley Carter wrote: ... Women and bruising just don't mix. I mean, how can you wear an amazing dress, skirt or shorts and feel sexy with bruises on your legs or arms. ...

LOL This is a problem for horsewomen, too. I had a huge bruise on my thigh once, from being kicked. That was easy - just don't wear shorts for a month. But the black eye when my late mare clobbered me with her head was really obvious. Wearing makeup and sunglasses just makes you look like you're trying (badly) to hide a black eye. So I just went about my business, shiner and all. But I did wear horsey t-shirts, and carry a photo of my mare to show when I'd explain it to people who asked.

Maybe I should get an Aikido t-shirt or two...

It's awful for hubbies/BFs, because no matter how clearly women explain what happened "everyone knows" the Aikido/horse story is made up. I even had one woman "tsk, tsk" me, saying "Honey, just leave the bastard."

Ashley Carter wrote: Women and bruising just don't mix. I mean, how can you wear an amazing dress, skirt or shorts and feel sexy with bruises on your legs or arms. I know I don't feel pretty and I am certain that other men don't want to see them either. :O)

The same could be said, and often is said, for muscles.

[quote=Linda Eskin;233434
It's awful for hubbies/BFs, because no matter how clearly women explain what happened "everyone knows" the Aikido/horse story is made up. I even had one woman "tsk, tsk" me, saying "Honey, just leave the bastard." [/QUOTE]

HAHA. I had a similar event at my old dojo. I was 17 at the time and was working at a grocery store. The lady point blank asked me "Is you boyfriend beating you?" I said "No." She said "Honey, trust me, it never ends. Leave while you still can." Obviously she didn't believe a word I said. I also had VERY bad allergies at the time and was on lots of meds and getting allergy shots. I would put ice on my eyes between customers. Several would ask me "Are you on drugs?" or "Are you high at work?"

Gotta love it......

I just wanted to say thank you once more for the advice that everyone provided.

My wife and I have gotten off to great start!

Thanks again,
Kevin.