In 2003, testing under the stern, watchful face of Demura Fumio Sensei, Isbel Briscoe, and Vasily Mstslavsky, I tested for 6th Kyu. I had to test through three Kyu leading into my green belt test. The grueling test took about twenty-five to thirty minutes under hot lights. I was dumb enough to wear Thermal Underwear beneath my Gi.
By the time I earned 4th Kyu, I chose to stop testing. Whatever assessments decided what I knew, or didn't know, it was my decision that I didn't know enough to progress.
I didn't want to proceed, and let whatever it was I needed to know catch up to me.
In my early twenties I was not well known for showing any great deal of wisdom, but one thing I knew certain, Karate is a patient art.
Depending on the dojo, some people make their first Dan in a few years.
Some much sooner.
The one thing I knew then was that I didn't know enough. There was no hurry.
I've spent eleven years in 4th Kyu, patiently, learning everything I could learn about my position in Shito-Ryu. What may seem a little overboard is likely one of the best decisions I've ever made.
This past eleven years has been a blessing, and my eyes opened many, many times, my understanding through the training bestowed by my instructors, has granted me a clarity - in an art I am undeserving - I never knew I could achieve.
Tuesday, 27May2014 I test for 3rd Kyu. I know the academia, my lineage , the nine Kata, and I will fight until I drop, and wrestle until I am become the blood, sweat, and tears it takes to earn this belt coming.
I am a little nervous, yes. Eleven years, comfortable, and maybe a little complacent. I know 6th Kyu. 5th Kyu... 4th Kyu... Probably better than most green belts ever will.
I don't know anything of 3rd Kyu.
The home field advantage is gone, and hence forward, this is wild country.
Yeah, I'm ready - nervous - but I'm ready.
http://www.piranhagear.com
Get the best of the best Martial Arts Gear for your needs directly from Piranha Gear, and put some Bite in your Fight! Use the 10% discount code KT-74804-JHVE1Q checking out for a 10% discount!
By the time I earned 4th Kyu, I chose to stop testing. Whatever assessments decided what I knew, or didn't know, it was my decision that I didn't know enough to progress.
I didn't want to proceed, and let whatever it was I needed to know catch up to me.
In my early twenties I was not well known for showing any great deal of wisdom, but one thing I knew certain, Karate is a patient art.
Depending on the dojo, some people make their first Dan in a few years.
Some much sooner.
The one thing I knew then was that I didn't know enough. There was no hurry.
I've spent eleven years in 4th Kyu, patiently, learning everything I could learn about my position in Shito-Ryu. What may seem a little overboard is likely one of the best decisions I've ever made.
This past eleven years has been a blessing, and my eyes opened many, many times, my understanding through the training bestowed by my instructors, has granted me a clarity - in an art I am undeserving - I never knew I could achieve.
Tuesday, 27May2014 I test for 3rd Kyu. I know the academia, my lineage , the nine Kata, and I will fight until I drop, and wrestle until I am become the blood, sweat, and tears it takes to earn this belt coming.
I am a little nervous, yes. Eleven years, comfortable, and maybe a little complacent. I know 6th Kyu. 5th Kyu... 4th Kyu... Probably better than most green belts ever will.
I don't know anything of 3rd Kyu.
The home field advantage is gone, and hence forward, this is wild country.
Yeah, I'm ready - nervous - but I'm ready.
http://www.piranhagear.com
Get the best of the best Martial Arts Gear for your needs directly from Piranha Gear, and put some Bite in your Fight! Use the 10% discount code KT-74804-JHVE1Q checking out for a 10% discount!
Location:Corona-Norco YMCA
