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Here's my opportunity to pitch martial arts!
Not one of those 3-week self-defense classes; they're just cashing in on a fad. I'm talking several years of multiple classes a week. Not only will you develop great balance and muscle control, mental discipline, and of course some sense of what to do in a dangerous situation, you'll also develop a confidence that projects from you wherever you are, making it less likely that someone will want to mess with you. They'll pick an easier target.
Martial arts is a way of life, but it's definitely a worthwhile way to invest in yourself.
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I actually agree with you on the Martial Arts classes. I have not ever taken Karate, Jujitsu or Judo, but I have taken Tai Chi classes. Don't laugh. Little old ladies make fantastic company, especially when they're feeling younger and younger every day from doing Tai Chi.
Because of the practice, my hand-eye coordination has never been better. I feel confidant and exude confidence when I walk down the street. I am better aware of my surroundings and myself. My reflexes have significantly improved as well.
All of this helps me on the bike. While I'm lucky enough to have only been harassed and never touched or had things thrown at me, I have been cut off and crashed into the car as a result (please see latest post). I am positive that the reflexes I've developed from Tai Chi helped me to stay relaxed during the impact and the fall, and I'm hardly hurt.
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admiral: "I am positive that the reflexes I've developed from Tai Chi helped me to stay relaxed during the impact and the fall, and I'm hardly hurt."
just read your latest post, I am soooo gald you're ok. I don't know if they teach falls in Tai Chi class but I'm sure the balance, centering and relaxation of Tai Chi helped you. Someday I'd like to teach a "falls for cyclists" class.
Hope you take the gal who hit you to court.
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Cyclist's rights
This thread has siblings all over the board so I'm sure that what I'm about to post has been posted in the past... but since I'm here:
Check out, join, lobby for (whichever is your bent) the League of American Bicyclists.
Website: http://www.bikeleague.org/index.cfm
One of the pluses is, as a member, you get some great publications about rides all over the U.S.
