One moment it was going so well. Then there followed an instruction. The next moment it was no longer going so well. The reluctant backflip that was not reluctant and will not be reluctant the next time. The incursion was the brain on the backflip.

Or is it the gliss to middle age that is reluctant?

Whichever, whatever, however, in the meantime an icepack and back reassurance pills and the robust determination to be back at the mat next week or some week soon. Strangely undefeated! Supine but undefeated!