Tomorrow will be my second grading. Although I did well last time I feel more prepared this time. I've been to all my son's gradings but actually testing is a whole different story than just watching!! . My son is testing for his red tag tomorrow. He's an "old pro"...doesn't get nervous at all anymore . He always does a fantastic job! The only thing I'm apprehensive about is the oral terminology test. It's not for lack of readiness...I have the sheet memorized but my mind goes completely blank when I get up there . I'm the most excited about sparring . I've never sparred anyone outside of my class (or even my own belt rank). We used to choose which technique we wanted to break with but it's narrowed down to three options for each gup now. My options are: running front kick with the front leg, hammer fist, skip side kick. Not very interesting but definitely do-able . Although side kicks are my strong technique I'll most likely do a running front kick...just for a change of pace. Just wanted to share! I won't know the outcome until Tuesday. Kelly
GOOD LUCK!!! Please let us know how you did! I'll keep ya in my thoughts. I hope to be testing soon again also.
Hello All! Thanks for the well-wishing! It went fantastic!! Of course I didn't do as well as I would have liked but I think everyone feels that way . Gives us something to work towards. The oral exam went like it did last time LOL, she asked me to name a stance and I named apkubi. Then she asked what stance that was and I said walking stance but realized as soon as I said it that it was a front (long) stance...ACK! I quickly changed it but the damage was done (I get brownie points for "recovering" I think ). Sparring was awesome! I actually got to spar someone my size (she was two ranks ahead of me) that isn't in my class. Woohoo...it was great! I felt like I did well. Breaking is always a blast. Did a running front kick (front leg) and broke on the first try. One of the grading instructors said my extension was "excellent" :love: . LOL, it felt great! No mistakes on my poomse so I think I graded well on that. The kick combos are another story . I was very weak on my right leg and stumbled all my left-footed back kicks (not terrible but I was a little disappointed since back kick was THE kick for yellow belts). It went okay though...I only did one combo set wrong (did the wrong leg on a skipping side kick). My son did wonderfully as always. His poomse was beautiful...very sharp. Kick combos were a little rough but they always are for the higher ranks. Face to face he did excellent. He got kicked in the head during sparring but countered with a very smooth roundhouse to his partner's head (lots of oohs and aahs from the parents and grading instructors ). His break took a while since the instructor picked his technique for him. It was a jump back kick and he was breaking a "teen" board (he's 8 1/2 and small for his age). The kick he finally broke it with was very nice...good technique. He and I felt pretty good about it overall and went on a "date" to Subway afterwards; he even gave me a flower :love: . The test wasn't as huge as they have been in the last year (a lot of kids take the summer off due to other sports). It was a very relaxed, friendly atmosphere. We weren't as tired, hungry and stiff as we usually get . Everyone seemed to have a really good time. So that's about it for another three months...I've got a lot to work on in the meantime! Thanks again everyone for thinking of me :love: ! Kelly
Way to go Kelly! Congratulations and happy Mother's day! Don't be so hard on yourself you were, after all, not feeling too well the weeks prior to your test! Great job! My son is 9 and is a new Purple Belt. He is one of the few students in the dojang that takes his forms and training seriously. Every time I watch him do his poomse I am amazed at how he brings the form to life with crisp, determined movements and loud yells! Warms my heart! So keep your chin up! Keep smiling! And never ever let them see you sweat! :Angel:
Great Job, Kelly! Happy Mother's day to you as well. I'm relaxing for mine, went for a nice walk, and I'm chilling.
Awww, thanks guys :love: ! Narcsarge, that's wonderful about your son...tell him congrats for me . Isn't it great to see them do something and do it well? I hope all of you moms had a fantastic Mother's day!! Kelly
