Last night in training, Steve clocked me in the face. I heard this little noise as his fist hit my cheek. I tried to remember, have I ever been punched in the face? When was the last time? Did my brother ever clock me? I shook it off and felt tears spring to my eyes, which is normal, I suppose, but I should try not to well up after being hit in the face, otherwise how am I to see my opponent? Maybe just don’t get hit, eh.

He didn’t hit me that hard, kind of a glancing blow, and I don’t even show a bruise today. I got back up on the horse and continued the exercise, which was to run a gauntlet of three attacks; one from the instructor with a foam-covered bat, and then two single hand-to-hand attacks.

My next time going through, I was momentarily distracted (bad) somehow while in the range of the bat, and my instructor swung it at me while not looking at where I was. Thusly the bat flew directly into my face, smashing me in the mouth. I dropped to the mat and covered my stung lips with my hands. I felt like a total idiot for not sinking and for not at least throwing my arms up. Pfffft.

I got an ice pack and a tissue, but again got back on the horse, with berry-red lips and a little blood in my mouth. The next couple of hours we worked on a lot of shoulder/elbow locks and throws, and it was really fun. I was all excited because I could do the manuevers.

Today I just wear a bruise on my left shin.