Black Stripe Grading

[garnigal]

Last night was the grading at Tae Kwon Do. I've been stressing over this for weeks? months? and I'm so happy that it's over.

It was really fast. There weren't very many people grading - there were a few who didn't grade, but we didn't get much of a turnout for this semester.

It was a blur. I remember parts, especially the parts where I was sucking wind, but most of it is just ... a blur.

I know I still have a lot of stuff to work on. I'm too tense during my patterns - I was exhausting myself unnecessarily. Technically, my kicks need work, and I'd benefit a lot by working on my flexibility and cardio endurance. However, I made it through. I broke my boards, no one said "this is your grading, Ann" while I was sparring, and Master Chung actually spoke to me about my grading - he was pretty non-committal, but still!

My next grading isn't until December and it's the really big one - first degree black belt. I'm going to work very hard over the summer, using the fun stuff we've got planned (hiking, biking, swimming) to lose weight and work on my cardio. One of the great things about living on/near the Niagara Escarpment is the hiking. We've got various difficulty levels, but you don't care how difficult it is, because the scenery makes it all worth the effort. D. and I have talked about buying me a new bike for years, but this is the year. Actually, this is the month! I'm hoping to find one before the end of April. I'll probably go with a Canadian Tire special, but it's bound to work better than my old one.

After the grading, we hit Morty's - which was a blast! I'm so happy I convinced jen_the_great to come with. After the bar, I'd left the lights on in the car, but it (eventually) turned over. Not before D. turned around to help us out, but he was very understanding about my panic.

Anyway, I'm still on a high from my grading!

Comments

[maes.livejournal.com]

Go look at the pick-chures!

[garnigal.livejournal.com]

good pick-tures - we need Coggins to put his up too.

[married-n-mich.livejournal.com]

That is so cool. Black belt... I'm proud! Or envious... maybe a little of both!

[garnigal.livejournal.com]

I was so tense and freaked out that after my 5 or 10 minutes up front I was sweating profusely when I sat down - I don't ususally sweat that much during a 2 and a half hour class!

[married-n-mich.livejournal.com]

Just the fact that you're doing it is huge.

[garnigal.livejournal.com]

It's certainly a good workout! I don't know if I could use it effectively if I was attacked, but it makes me feel safer.

[married-n-mich.livejournal.com]

Dual purpose... that always works.

[jen-the-great.livejournal.com]

You were so awesome during the grading, especially for that combo breaking. In fact, you're awesome in general. We should do some sparring together so we don't die when the time comes.

[garnigal.livejournal.com]

that's a good idea. I checked out all the pictures this morning. We are awesome!

[sandraregina.livejournal.com]

Yay for you! That must be a wonderful sense of accomplishment. *beams*

[garnigal.livejournal.com]

I'm supposed to feel accomplished too? I just feel relieved!

Kidding! Thanks for the congrats!

[smallstar.livejournal.com]

Holy crap, you're already up to black stripe? That's amazing! Way to rock the exam, too. :)

(P.S. Lindsay here, in case you hadn't guessed - followed a link from D's LJ)

[garnigal.livejournal.com]

Howdy! and thanks! It was absolutely terrifying, but I think I did okay despite the pressure. I have until December before my Black Belt, so I (hopefully) have some time to get in better shape. :)

[smallstar.livejournal.com]

(I'm slow to reply sometimes, in case you hadn't noticed) ;)

I think that's awesome. I can imagine how scary it would be, though. Wow. At least you have lots of time to prepare for your next one. And it's easier to exercise in the summer when there's fun stuff to do outside! :)