Mon April 4th - Grading for belt
I have not done Karate for 4 weeks, as we went on a trip around South East Asia, visiting Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam. I asked one of the Sensei if I should wait to grade test for my first belt, and she said one year she practiced on the beaches in Europe. I didn't do that!
So, I arrive at practice and Sheian tells me to grade. I have had no explanation as to the format, what I have to do - I simply was told to read the syllabus, so I stand with two other students, who are about 7 years old. They are called forward first and perform a series of moves to Sensei's command. He is sat behind a table, and is staring at the boys, watching every move.
I am called forward and start following the instructions. I am trying to remember what the boys did, but I am having a hard time remembering. I do not feel stressed, I actually relax, as I feel that I am probably not going to pass, as I have heard that grading is hard, and some of the adults often fail a couple of tests. I am not too hard on myself, as I haven't practiced for a few weeks.
Sensei is stone faced. He gives nothing away. Similar to a driving instructor, I know when I have done something wrong, as he puts his head down and writes something. After performing basic moves I am asked to do Kumite. I have no idea what that is. Another member of the club (Green belt) is asked to come forward and he explains what to do, as we are doing it! Again I don't feel stressed, but feel a little ill-prepared. The testing ends and I head home.
I get no feedback.
Mon April 11th
At the very end of the class I am called forward to accept my certificate for 8th Kyu. I am surprised, get a round of applause from the club, and head to the front to collect my certificate. I head home disappointed. I am happy I passed, but I thought I was getting a yellow belt. I only passed half the test.
Thur Apr 14th
One of the instructors congratulates me on passing the test. She says I should put 2 stripes on my belt. I ask why 2, and she says I passed both levels, and goes on to explain that I wasn't testing for yellow, but I passed the full test! I am relieved! I have always set myself very high (sometimes unachievable) goals, and am happy to start my journey on the belt ladder.
I have not done Karate for 4 weeks, as we went on a trip around South East Asia, visiting Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam. I asked one of the Sensei if I should wait to grade test for my first belt, and she said one year she practiced on the beaches in Europe. I didn't do that!
So, I arrive at practice and Sheian tells me to grade. I have had no explanation as to the format, what I have to do - I simply was told to read the syllabus, so I stand with two other students, who are about 7 years old. They are called forward first and perform a series of moves to Sensei's command. He is sat behind a table, and is staring at the boys, watching every move.
I am called forward and start following the instructions. I am trying to remember what the boys did, but I am having a hard time remembering. I do not feel stressed, I actually relax, as I feel that I am probably not going to pass, as I have heard that grading is hard, and some of the adults often fail a couple of tests. I am not too hard on myself, as I haven't practiced for a few weeks.
Sensei is stone faced. He gives nothing away. Similar to a driving instructor, I know when I have done something wrong, as he puts his head down and writes something. After performing basic moves I am asked to do Kumite. I have no idea what that is. Another member of the club (Green belt) is asked to come forward and he explains what to do, as we are doing it! Again I don't feel stressed, but feel a little ill-prepared. The testing ends and I head home.
I get no feedback.
Mon April 11th
At the very end of the class I am called forward to accept my certificate for 8th Kyu. I am surprised, get a round of applause from the club, and head to the front to collect my certificate. I head home disappointed. I am happy I passed, but I thought I was getting a yellow belt. I only passed half the test.
Thur Apr 14th
One of the instructors congratulates me on passing the test. She says I should put 2 stripes on my belt. I ask why 2, and she says I passed both levels, and goes on to explain that I wasn't testing for yellow, but I passed the full test! I am relieved! I have always set myself very high (sometimes unachievable) goals, and am happy to start my journey on the belt ladder.
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