Summer advice
It’s hot outside. Here’s some advice to keep in mind as you train this summer...
Hydrate before and after class. Try not to bow out for water unless absolutely necessary.
It’s okay to keep a handkerchief or hand towel in your uniform to deal with sweat on the spot.
Watch out for wet patches on the mat. It’s not pleasant to take ukemi in it and it’s unsafe to step in, so everyone should be vigilant and wipe the mat as needed to stay safe.
Clean your uniform after every class. A clean uniform is a reflection of your attitude toward training. Sweat-stained uniforms are just as dirty as they look, and no one wants to smell your pits (much less take your ukemi) from iriminage !
And now, without further ado, sound advice from one of our former instructors, Stan Mitchell, in memorium . . .
SUMMERTIME BLUE
Lyrics by Stan Mitchell, sung to the tune of “Summertime Blues”
(with apologies to Eddie Cochran)
So you wanna go to class but can’t get the motivation.
‘Cause the temperature inside makes you crave refrigeration.
You want the AC on to try not to lose it
But Sensei says, “Sorry, samurai didn't use it.”
Sometimes I wonder what I'm a-gonna do
But there ain’t no cure for the summertime Blue.
Well you gripe to everyone about your AC situation.
They all tell you “Man, just keep up with your hydration.”
I can't believe they’ve bought in to the Sensei's plan:
“A little sweat is good, it'll make you a man.”
Sometimes I wonder what I'm a-gonna do
But there ain’t no cure for the summertime Blue!
So you finally go to train with a sense of desperation.
And your uniform gets soaked with some honest perspiration.
You raise your hand to bow out because you're feeling strange,
But all Sensei says is, “Forty times and change!"
Sometimes I wonder what I'm a-gonna do
But there ain’t no cure for the summertime Blue!