Monday, July 21, 2008

Test Prep Interlude

I met with New Guy yesterday for a test tune up. He's got a great eye for detail. We went over my kata and refined as much as we could. We also discussed kumite strategy. I feel a lot better. I think just talking about it with an informed party reduced a lot of my anxiety.

I asked about his background. He has five Brown Belts! He's been studying since his early teens and never got to stay in one place long enough to get his black belt. Dang.

6 comments:

BSM said...

Geez and I felt bad starting over after making half way 15 years ago!

Don't stress the test. You're going to make a few mistakes. Once you accept that you'll probably do pretty good. Plus, instructors usually know when you are ready so you would not have been asked to were you not.

Do you guys break? I know you're in karate but I've been meaning to ask you what style?

Anyhow, I'll try to send you positive thoughts! And I expect some photos!

~BCP

Potatoe Fist said...

We're actually Tang Soo Do, but all the language is done in Japanese. Our founding members all learning Japanese styles first...

No breaking for us. I call it feats of strength, but our Teacher never really got into it, or, at least doesn't do it for testing purposes. We'll do it occasionally to make a point but that's all.

Meg said...

You will do well, I'm sure. You don't break boards? Interesting...
Is the test done during class, or is it done outside of class, at a special time/place?

Potatoe Fist said...

We normally do it during the last 20 minutes of class or so. That way he can wear us down during the class. I gather he'd rather us do things worn because it gets a better performance - too tired to screw up...

Tomorrow might be different - unknown territory.

BSM said...

We're related! Tang So Do is closer to taekwondo's karate roots than taekwondo is. Still, that's pretty cool to know!

Potatoe Fist said...

So Teacher called earlier today to give me the format. The first hour of class will be normal and he told me specifically what we'd be working on. Then the 2nd half is all me! Gulp.

He said, "block hard and don't make any squeaky noises!" I've been trying to work on that...

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