19th
I think I can punch again
I tore my left anterior deltoid last week weight training. It’s basically the muscle that connects the arm to the shoulder. So for the past week I have been unable to throw my left jab.
Keep in mind, I am left handed and although I typically use an orthodox stance, my left jab is essentially the cornerstone of my stand up game. I am considered primarily a kicker but I use my jab to set up my knock out kick (left roundhouse - to the head, usually) and as the fulcrum for my knees. If I am unable to keep someone in my clinch, my knees are no longer an option.
This had a weird mental effect on me when it first happened. I consider myself a fighter above everything else, and with a primary weapon gone I had a minor crisis of identity. It was strange, like a good friend was gone.
Anyway, I’ve been focusing on strengthening the muscle, and now I feel really good. I need to go work the heavy bag just to confirm but for the most part, I feel whole again. Weird how little things like that can make you feel incomplete.