With things settled at home, we drove across the city and knocked on the door of the Sarge's wrestling studio. The Sarge was waiting right there at the door, with a smile and very warm welcome. We got to chatting as he finished suiting up then he very graciously waited outside, as the space did not have a change room, while we changed. He lent me a pair of boots and tights, which were definitely tight! Worked for me and Frenchie definitely approved, as I approved of her two piece ensemble with boots. The Sarge came back in, we climbed through the ropes and got to it.
The Sarge was very generous to show us through a range of things, such as locking up, rolls, bumps, running the ropes and corners, and how to practice landing more safely on your back. He even showed us a butt bump (landing on your butt) which looked as bone jarring as he said it was. I was doing pretty well early on (at least I thought I was) while Frenchie was having some troubles with the landing on her back. Admittedly, it is not easy and does hurt a bit when you're not accustomed to it.
We ran through all our favourite holds and learned some variations on them as well. For a few moments we did what we do at home, grappled and threw each other about and it was so very different and awesome!! No thought of keeping the noise down, no worries about hitting walls. We just rolled about and very quickly found ourselves winded. Sarge offered the idea of going slower and taking it easier so we could make our time last longer which made good sense to me. We drilled a few more moves like wrist locks which Frenchie grasped much faster than I did. Her karate training, though so many years ago now, was showing through which was cool.
I can't say there were highlights as the whole time there was learning, practicing or doing moves we already knew. At one point I had her in a headlock and put her head into the turnbuckle. I wish I had done that a few more times. Haha. We did the boston crab and camel clutch, as well as the figure four leg lock and folded toe hold. I had her up in pile driver position (yay ceiling height!) but she wanted down before I could finish the move. Next time. I got her up in her favourite, the cross-shoulder back breaker. Hahaha The Sarge missed taking a picture of that one alas and Frenchie wouldn't suffer it a second time. Again, next time.
As we ran through all our favourite holds, I was left blank, trying to think of what to do next. Unfortunately the novelty of the situation left me grasping for what to do or try next so thankfully the Sarge would step in and show us something if we were getting stalled. I ran the ropes a few times which was soooooo fun. Fact is, we were having so much fun with it that we forgot to take video or pictures. Thankfully Sarge grabbed a few action shots when we were grappling on the mats and at the end we did take a picture setup of us locked up at center ring.
I wish I performed better under pressure. Frenchie was looking to me to lead the way and from the things that Sarge had shown us, I felt like I didn't know enough to be showing her anything. I wish I had tried the lockup-push-her-to-the-corner... I wish I had done the shoulder block in the corner... I wish I had tried the thigh-to-belly in the corner... it's easy to sit here and think of things, quite another to be there in the ring and do it.
Frenchie's boots were flaking off material or paint or something which was annoying and embarrassing. I guess I shouldn't be surprised for bargain store knockoffs but it was making a mess of the ring. Sarge was good natured about it though I think he was as unamused as I was embarrassed.
The time went by too fast. We had to go to Frenchie's uncle's to borrow a power tool and Sarge's partner was due back for them to spend the rest of the evening together so we packed up and headed out.
Sarge told us we were welcome to use his ring anytime it was available and our drive home was was so excited with the idea we're going to make this a monthly event. I can't wait to see those few pictures that were taken with Sarge's camera and they'll find their way to our website just as soon as I have them.
