I can't believe I ever wanted to go off this stuff

I went a week without sparring after I started the hydrocortisone, for unrelated reasons. When I came back on Tuesday, the difference was remarkable (as in, several people independently remarked on it). The tiny marginal difference in flexibility and relaxation mean I can throw (something closer to) the truly liquid punches that are more effective with less work. And the flexibility + lessening of inflammation in my hip means the maximum kick height I can achieve without hurting myself is higher. It's only a few inches, but they're a critical few, because they move a number of people from "unkickable" to "kickable." Particularly on the receiving end of that this week was a pair of twin brothers, who moved from "I can maybe kick them this one way if I get an exceptionally good shot" to "I can reliably kick them at speed without fear of injuring either one of us."

All of which is a lead up to saying: don't announce to an all-male-but-for-you class "Now I can kick high enough to get the twins." It makes your classmates nervous.