Black Belt Test

Anonymous

Julie, when is the date of your test?

purplemb

keep us posted...
MB

Jorf

Well, here's the sad update.... Yesterday I planned to go full-out in class and then take it a little easier this week prior to testing Friday night.  Had a great, hard class. Went to spar and practically knocked out one of the BB's with a light hook punch - nabbed her in just the wrong place in the jaw.  Bizarre. I felt horrible.  She was fine after a little bit. So I sparred with one of the masters who is a fabulous fighter and I haven't sparred with him more than a couple of times (he has his own school and comes to us occasionally - I had a great private class with him working on one-steps while our school was on break last month). It was amazingly great. He came up with an ax kick and I saw the opening and went to spin - fast.  My shoe grabbed the carpet and I turned over on it, felt the crunch and was swearing before I hit the ground. Nice sprain.

 Anyway, it seems to be a bit better today.  I'm keeping it up, iced, using crutches or walking around (painlessly) on my heel in the house. I'm still planning to test - it just won't be exactly how I pictured it. 

 I've been working really really hard this month - going to the gym or training in some way or another almost every day. It's been a very physical time. I've been feeling great with it. So, it won't be a real physical prowess test. I've shown my ability and progress in class but I'm sad not to be able to show it for the test. At least 5 young black belts who live out of town are coming in for it and I'm disappointed to not be able to be at my best for it. But, ultimately, that's not what being a black belt is all about. So....

 I'll let you know how it goes.

 Love,

Julie 

Anonymous

Sorry to hear about your injury, Julie! I'm sure it's not the way you envisioned testing, but your'e right, the test itself is not really waht being a black belt is about.



One of my training partners hurt his knee exactly one month before he was to test for black belt. He had trouble kneeling and was unable to spar at all. He finally had an MRI and was diagnosed with a torn meniscus (sp). His docs recommended surgery, but he didn't have it until after the test. He was able to do everything for the test except spar and breaks with his legs; he stood in keiko (attention) for the entire time the rest of the testing group sparred (well over 45 minutes). He was pretty disappointed, but everyone in the room knew he had earned and deserved that shodan belt; the test was just the formal displaying of the knowledge and skills he'd acquired througout his training. BTW, he was already a BB in TSD, but donned a white belt in Goju and began a new journey. Quite an inspiration.



My sensei tells us that by the time we are ready to test for the next level - whatever that level may be - we are already there. You'll be great, Julie!

Jorf

Oh Felicia, you're so right.  I had a pity party yesterday - woke up and it was raining and I was feeling really sorry for myself.  A little more positive today tho the ankle hurts a little more. I had a talk with one of the masters about it yesterday and she said everyone feels like they are "given" the belt because no one feels worthy.... But I know I've done the work and I know I've already earned it.

Right before my cancer came up I had a dream that I was unable to test for my BB because I was dying. That my DH had to carry me into the dojang and they awarded me a belt anyway. I have kept that in my mind and that's part of why being physically strong and balanced was so important to me for this test. But, I've done it. I've gotten really fit and strong. I'm totally better than I was pre-cancer. So, I will go in on Friday and do my thing.

BTW, I turned in my essay yesterday. I sewed up 5 special copies for each of the masters and put together about 20 others in a little less special binding job for the other black belts. Thanks for your help on it.

Julie

Anonymous

Sending lots of positive energy your way for tomorrow, Julie! You will be GREAT, I know it!



And we want to see some pictures!