One of the first things I learned when I started taking karate (other than knuckle pushups) was the famous karate yell.

My white belt class spends a great deal of time bowing to the master, crouching in a "Karate Kid" style stance, and punching the air while grunting.

These alternating punches end with a "kee-yup" to transfer your power into an imaginary target. My karate yell has improved dramatically as has my overall fitness.

My throat was actually as sore as the rest of my body after my first training session. You know how it is. New class, excitement, adrenaline, and of course, the testosterone- fueled neeed to be competitive.

A scruffy looking teenager stands at the front of us. We call him "Master". He barks orders at us, and we grunt. And kick. And punch. And bow. I hate him. He is skinny. I am not. I am gasping for air.

After 9 or 10 karate classes now, I can actually do over 20 knucklepushups without stopping. When I started I could barely get 10. My punches have improved. For the first week or so I had terrible pain in

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my rotator cuff. One of the black belts who is a little older at our dojo took me aside after class and taught me a few strengthening exercises. I also bought a book online called Martial Arts After 40 at http://www.martialarts3000.com to learn some body-saving tricks.

Overall, my experience has been wonderful. I have sparred a little bit with karate pads and its a blast. But the best part is my body. I literally can see changes every few days. I'm eating cleaner, I've dropped weight, my bowel movements are way, way better and I have tons more energy!

Will I be breaking boards with my bare hands? Not this week but who knows?