Early Brown Belt Testing

[L_Shell]

Ok...I have to breathe...I just got my Blue Belt (a week ago today) and the Master wants a few of us to test early, meaning this coming Friday, for Brown Belt. He was going to only test one girl; which I have to say did not make me happy (she barely showed up for last belt and I am the one who got her caught up). I guess he came to his senses and realized it would be better to let "the group" test. The good thing is that I know the Form, but that damn spin hook kick is seriously kicking my butt. I have to do it with my left (weaker) leg first:eek:...then the right (so-so). The Breaking is the reverse side kick; not bad.

[Coolwater]

Why rush it? When is the next test date? Would you feel happier if you could strengthen your muscles on both sides so you can do it from both directions before testing? IMO, it isn't worth risking a pulled muscle.

Why's your teacher so hot to move the date up, anyway?

[L_Shell]

Cool, flexibility is not the issue. It's just I can never, no matter what kick, get my left to go high as my right. I am not sure why he wants to move us along. I'm ok with it. It took me 4 days to learn everything. That's not bad. I am becoming more and more comfortable.

I can tell you, if he decides to move the other girl up early on the next belt, we will have some issues.:mad:

[appeace]

Are you right handed?? I find that most folks are weaker, less flexible on their off side. Do you do any sparing?
Just a suggestion--try sparing or working on the kick bag mostly leading with your right side and make yourself reach/stretch from the back side with your left leg. This will stretch those left leg muscles and force you to work your left side harder to "close the gap".

I did the same thing until I could spar as easily from both sides. (kind like forcing yourself to become ambidextrous--lol):D

Wow--that is a short time between testings! Of course, there could be several reasons for that--anywhere from the other student making a fuss about testing that soon to wanting ya'll to be able to compete in a higher class to trying to separate a large group of students into a more manageable number and ya'll are the ones he felt were ready to move up.

However, I agree with Cool, if you have the slightest doubt about being fully ready--dont. I always tell my students that I had rather they take their time and learn everything properly and confidently than to rush testing simply for the higher belt. Sooner or later, improperly learned moves will hinder a student from advancing and competing successfully.

From the ease at which you have already risen in the ranks and the confidence you project to us, in my humble opinion, I think you can handle it easily. You seem to be one of those who catches on to new things very quickly and then can use the remaining time to perfect your moves. Not that I would recommend you short test very often as you get to the advanced ranks but I feel you will do just fine this time.---Good Luck!:D

[L_Shell]

Yep, I am right handed. I do extra work on my left side to make it stronger, but sometimes I just wish it would happen already.Time, I know everything takes time.

This is the first time that we will be testing early. I don't plan on making habit of it. The combos seem to be getting more & more difficult. For some reason, Brown was just easy for me to learn.

I appreciate the kind words appeace. I'll let you know how it goes.

[renate]

what's "sparing"?? :confused:

[appeace]

Sparring is where students fight in a controlled situation, usually not full contact, in order to put to use the techniques they have learned in class and learn how to apply those techniques in a "street" situation for self-defense or for competition.

[L_Shell]

I am testing tonight...Wish me luck!

[pukkie]

Good Luck L Shell !!
You can do it !!!!

[appeace]

Good Luck, my friend! Kickbutt!!:D

[Coolwater]

Rah rah ree,
kick 'em in the knee!

Rah rah rass,
kick 'em in the other knee!

Figuratively speaking, of course.

[appeace]

Bbbbbbbbbbbbbwwwwwwwaaa--I remember that cheer!!:D
Yes, I am older than dirt!:rolleyes:

[L_Shell]

Wow! You guys are amazing! You must have some sort of magic powers...I'm a Brown Belt!!

[pukkie]

Congrats !!! L Shell

[Coolwater]

(solemnly) No, ma'am, it is you who have the Power. The butt-kicking Power of Chi. :D

Congratulations!!!

[appeace]

Way to go L! You are now an advanced belt! I wish I were there, I would have passed down my brown belt to you! Its a tradition our dogo observed way back in the dino days when I first began to study;)

It was considered an honor to have a black belt pass down their brown belt to a "special student".

You are going to make a fine black belt when the time comes and, I hope, you will consider sharing with others, what you have learned. Not only because teaching is very gratifying and, I believe you would be an excellent teacher, but it solidifies your own understanding as you teach another.

We are proud of you!:D

[L_Shell]

Thanks everyone!!!
I love it and as each new student comes into the class, I get to teach what I have already learned. Black Belt is about a year and half away, but I am looking forward to it.