Black belt test scheduled!

Jorf

Well, I thought I posted this the other day but it's not here so I must have not hit the right button.

Test is scheduled for September 14. I'm psyched and glad that I have 4 months to put the finishing touches on learning how to do everything! Getting lots of good feedback on what needs help and how to approach it. It helps to be married to one of my teachers!

I'm bummed because I've missed a bunch of classes - last Tuesday did a roundhouse and smashed my foot (in padding!) on someone's knee and it dropped me to the floor it hurt so much. Had a conflict and didn't go on Thurs and on Sat morning I went and did forms before class and then went home - just felt crappy. Then yesterday I started with this weird back pain during class and it's really freaking me out b/c I'm terrified that it's my liver and it's mets and blah blah blah. (The whole cancer thing was preceded by a dream that I wasn't able to do my black belt test because I was dying. Ugh.)

Anyway, trying to overcome that fear and get into warrior mode but it's 1 am and I should be taking an ambien.

Well, that turned into a strange post.

Julie

purplemb

Julie...You have trained hard and long, you will do just fine...I keep telling people if I can do it so can you...

wow you have 3 classes a week we only had one...you will do fine...

MB

Anonymous

Julie,

I'm excited for you! And I'm gonna tell you exactly what you told me: take some of your practice time and focus on visualization, calm, harnessing strength and power and peace. You'll be great !

Funny thing is that MB's black belt test was almost a year to the day before yours! Good sign, I'm thinking...

And I know what you mean about the pains. I had a headache a few days ago and was convinced it was brain mets...

Jorf

Thanks. I haven't read your test report yet - it's the next tab.

I'm needing to take a little time off due to my back - turns out to be just screwed up back muscles from having stopped my PT exercises for a couple of weeks.... That'll teach me. Feels like good timing - a few weeks off and then go in and plow through 'til the test.

J

Anonymous

Julie...

I was thinking: how about a spinning back kick for one of your breaks? That would look pretty, well, PRETTY...

Hope your back is feeling better

Anonymous

Julie - how's your training going?

purplemb

to my martial arts sisters....I'm at a crossroads and really feeling down on myslef...is it bad to want a break?...its been weeks and I haven't gone...I practice once in awhile but its not in my heart right now...I just don't get it....I have loved this for 6 years now...and now this...don't think its depression cuz, I am busy and active with other stuff...maybe getting ice cream with the grands is more important right now...please tell me this isn't the worst thing you've heard of...

Julie...spinning back kick is very cool, practice so you don't injure your foot....my fav...4 way break, one in each direction...with different strikes...
MB

LisaAlissa

Quote:

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to my martial arts sisters....I'm at a crossroads and really feeling down on myslef...is it bad to want a break?...its been weeks and I haven't gone...I practice once in awhile but its not in my heart right now...I just don't get it....I have loved this for 6 years now...and now this...don't think its depression cuz, I am busy and active with other stuff...maybe getting ice cream with the grands is more important right now...please tell me this isn't the worst thing you've heard of...

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MB,

I’m not a martial artist, but felt like I wanted to respond to your plea…this is not the worst thing I’ve ever heard of.

I’ve been doing private Pilates sessions for over eight years now, and indoor rowing for two. It’s easy for interruptions to happen (life, whatever) and the longer the interruption, the more you’re building the habit of “not” going to class. For me, my surgeon’s instructions as well as pain and tightness have limited my activities for a while after surgery and radiation, so I’m in the process of rebuilding my habits right now. I’ve fully returned to my Pilates schedule (but they’re still tailoring movements to rehab my arm, upper chest & shoulder), but I haven’t made more than one rowing class so far…that one feels a little scary still.

Other things (like your grands) start to fill-in the time that was previously reserved for your classes and getting to them! There are at least a couple of approaches you might consider at this point (although I'm sure there are more ).

1. First, don’t feel down on yourself. This kind of thing can happen with anyone—and I think does! (It certainly did to me.)

2. Consider making a list of what you like as well as one about what you don’t like about your current classes. Examples might include: (a) how you feel (physically) during/before/after class; (b) how you feel the next day, (c) the distraction afforded by the mental focus; (d) the post-class calm; (e) the social interaction with your classmates; (f) the corrections from your teacher; (g) how you feel about doing better (or worse than classmates); (h) distance to class; (i) better balance or strength for everyday activities; (j) performance before an “audience”; (k) competition? (l) hauling workout clothes around, (m) laundering work-out clothes…whatever goes on your list! Go back and continue adding things to your lists over the next couple of days as additional things occur to you. When you start running out of things to add to your list, you’re ready to move to the next step.

3. One more list, please. Were there things you hoped to get from the martial arts? List them, and whether you have (or have not) gotten those things.

4. Consider your various lists. Are the things you like—things you want to continue experiencing? If so, are there things on the “don’t like” list that you could eliminate or change by making a change in your teacher, class time, number of classes, the facility where you take classes or something else? Are there things you wanted (but haven’t gotten) that you think you can still get from the martial arts?

5. Unless you’ve reached a decision that you don’t want to continue any of your current martial arts, consider talking w/ one or more of your teachers. Depending on your relationship, consider asking for a meeting, or invite them for coffee so that you can discuss and ask their advice.

6. Do your current classes require an out-of-class activity commitment? You say that you “practice once in a while” but your heart isn’t in it. Perhaps your needs have changed a bit? Or you need an activity that’s confined to class for a while—so that the in-class atmosphere will be there to support your practice? Sometimes letting yourself be “in the moment” in class is all you can handle. If so, again, talk w/ your teacher about whether his/her class can work on that basis, or if there’s a better class for you right now. If you go this route, put a date on your calendar to reassess how you feel—3 or 4 months down the line can make a lot of difference—but don’t try to ramp up your activities in the meantime.

7. I see that you have worked in a number of the martial arts disciplines (karate, kung fu, taichi). Are you still working in all of them? If so, perhaps a focus on one only? If not, is it time for a change? Perhaps a return to a former discipline? or a new one?

8. Martial arts (as I understand them from the sidelines) are definitely a mind-body activity. Perhaps you want to try a different mind-body activity, but one without the martial elements. If so, consider what other activities might suit your current needs. Something else that you’ve always wanted to try? Pilates? Yoga? Ballet? Gyrotonics? Or (if it’s permitted by your teacher) limit your martial arts participation for a while to non-contact elements—forms & katas only for a while? Consider any of these activities (or even something like rowing, running, cycling, walking or powerwalking) against your lists, and reconsider your activities.

9. You mentioned your grands. Is there a class that is a multi-level class that you could go to with them? If this is something that you’d like to try (and they would too)? Would you prefer modeling an activity you’re already familiar with for them? or would you prefer for you all to be beginners together?

Finally, since you’ve been down on yourself, I hope you’ll simply take those feelings as your own cue to yourself to reassess your current and potential new activities for what best suits you now! I hope you’ll consider putting activity (of some sort) back on your calendar (as regular weekly appointments to which you’re as committed as a medical appointment)—you know you’ve enjoyed it in the past—I hope you’ll give yourself a chance to enjoy it again!

Just a few thoughts—HTH,

LisaAlissa

Anonymous

MB - it happens. I had the same sort of feeling after my last promotion. I really wanted to go, but the motivation just seemed different. I'm sure there would have been a few classes I would have sat out if I didn't have to also get my son and two other kids there. And once I was there, I felt ok enough to train - and train hard...

It's ok to take a break if you need to. All of my senseis have taken time off - I mean YEARS off - at one time or another. They've all come back, too. But even if they didn't, that would have been ok, too. Listen to not just your body, but your heart as well - and enjoy those grand babies

Julie, I like the four-way break, too.

Jorf

MB - please be kind to yourself about this. I think it happens a lot, especially after a black belt test. I see a lot of people let go - either permanently or temporarily after the intensity of that training. Do what feels right to you.

So, my training is not going. I hurt my back (had stopped doing my PT exercises - bad girl) and was out for most of May and then got back and even sparred the Sat of memorial day weekend. Then some time over the weekend wrecked my foot (the other one) and I think I have a little bitty stress fracture. It's such a drag. The clock is ticking. But, as 2 of the BBs told me at a party last night - you know you're already there and you'll be fine. Which I know, and i know my foot will be all better by then but I'm bummed to be missing out on the intense training that one gets only when they're testing for black belt....

As one said, it was meant to be and this is part of my training. So I'm doing nautilus and riding a recumbent stationary bike and doing my PT exercises and writing my essay for my test - which is a wonderful experience.

Send good chi to the distal 5th metatarsal of my right foot please!

Anonymous

Oos! Will do, Julie. Enjoy the bike and machines as well as your essay. Remember, it's the journey, not just the destination that's important...

purplemb

thanks all for the support, I knew you'd understand...just need some time off, but i was practicing my kicks on the bag this weekend...whoo hoo...
Julie. be careful and heal...take care of you....
MB

Jorf

yes, yes, yes. But I want to do the journey!!!

The podiatrist looked at the x-rays today and said it really doesn't look broken, told me it was "silly" to go barefoot so I'm shopping tomorrow for martial arts shoes. Do either of you use them? What do you wear?

I helped teach class tonight in my running shoes and it wasn't too bad - especially since we were outside.

I think it helped to be told it wasn't broken. I also decided that I have to be more "I'm going to get over this" about the foot like I was with the cancer! So, "It's healing and I'll be fine soon." And I'm visualizing my test, flying kicks and breaks included (it's my stronger kicking leg)!

j

Anonymous

Woo-Hoo! Great news about your tootsies! Foot pain is the worst. There is a new black belt in our dojo who teaches/trains in running shoes inside when her feet are bothering her. I've never used shoes to train in, but I've heard good things about a few - including a karate/tkd shoe by Adidas and one by a company that starts with an "O" (can't recall it off hand - I'll track it down for you)...

Glad your training is on track again!

purplemb

Julie got mine online...
century Martial arts catalog www.centurymartialarts.com

These shoes are constructed for long lasting durability and performance. Breathable side panels keep your feet cooler and drier during tough workouts. Tread design is ideal for all martial art styles.


Item Number : 076000
Price :
$49.99

Colors: White with Blue or Black with Silver
Sizes: 4-1/2 through 11-1/2 (including 1/2 sizes), 12 and 13.

My DH used them until we were not allowed to have shoes...

Jorf

mb thanks.

I borrowed one of my teacher's shoes (actually both of the shoes, one of the teachers) last night - ugh. Hot, sweaty, moved around in the shoes, balance was all different....

There's a shoe company a couple of hours away and I'm heading that direction on Monday and may try to stop by and try some on. There's only one store that has shoes nearby and they only had one kind.... I just can't buy shoes from a catalog but might end out doing that.

I did great on the foot last night but it definitely hurt this morning. AARGH.

purplemb

Julie...hugs and please be careful...
MB

Jorf

Hey there. So, training is now happening in full swing and I'm loving it. It's such a challenge but I was thrilled last night that during sparring I didn't get nervous and intimidated (by one of the big green belt powerhouse guys - with whom I controlled the whole fight, thank you very much, but as I should as an almost BB). I'm having a lot of fun working on my essay.

I did get new shoes - "Discipline" shoes. I don't like wearing them at all but, if I have to (and I still do) then I think these are good.

It's been hot as you know what the past two classes. My uniform is dripping wet. Love it!

I joined a gym too so I'm doing nautilus, bike and forms/basics when I'm there 2-3 days a week. Now if I could just stop eating like a pig I'd be happy!

Thanks for your support.

Hmm, I just had a thought, Felicia. Feel free to say "NO!" My husband is my best editor. But he's also part of the board for my test so I don't want to share my essay with him. I'd like to get someone to read it and help tell me if it makes sense and point me to the places that don't. Would you be willing to do that? As I said, I know that this is your job and don't want to impose in any way. Truly. My therapist is also a writer and a martial artist and I'm already planning to ask her if we can spend a session doing that. My goal is to get the whole thing finished up in the next two weeks and then put it away for a month so I have another month to fix it (or completely change it!?) before the test. Let me know.

Anonymous

No problem, J. I'll pm you my email addy if you'd like...

Jorf

Oh, thank you!

Yes, pm me, I know I had it once before but not sure if I still do.