I am a novice to the rings. I've dueled exactly three times - Fists - and they've each been memorable for me, in their own way.
One of those times, I sparred at the behest of my daughter against a man who mocks the idea of walking softly and carrying a big stick by stomping around like he's Horam with a toothache and carrying a big axe. (Don't deny it, Jochin Nagadari!) He beat me, naturally, but I am proud to say that it was not by much and I held my ground. Since then, he's resorted to other methods to torment me that involve the Town Hall phone lines, so I can only surmise that he is afraid to challenge me to a rematch.
The other two spars - my first and my most recent - were with my husband and my daughter, respectively. Both were great fun. Appropriately, my first was with Ali, and alas, I had no clue as to what I was doing. Since then, we've installed a punching bag in my studio, and Lirssa and I have practiced with it frequently. The bout with Lirssa was her first, and she gave me quite a fit! Although I prevailed in that match, she talked me into buying pizza on the way home, so her stomach came out the real winner that evening.
If you have never sparred, I encourage you to try it. If you have drifted away from it, come back and bring a friend. And if you have an opportunity to match up against Mr. Nagadari, do punch him in the nose and say hello for me!
Happy Dueling Week!
xxxooo
Fio
