I like to tell myself that pain is just weakness leaving the body and stiffness the next day is just a positive reminder of the work I have already put in!

It seems training martial arts for over a decade, especially one with full sparring, you get good at taking care to prevent injuries. Afterall, I have no aspirations to become an MMA fighter or do anything more extreme than fighting in tournaments. BUT, over 10 years older than when I started, I am fighting the clock.

So, the ache is a good one and all the benefits that come with being active and learning a real life skill far outweigh the aches.