2nd Dan

I apologize to everyone who asked about how I did on the test and whether or not I got my next rank - I've been busy with finals and events for the semester end.

So good news - I passed the test and am now a second degree black belt in taekwondo! The rank ceremony is on June 13, so I technically am still a first degree until then. I already picked up my new uniform (with the new stripe on the upper portion), and my new belt is being ordered.

The test went really well - there were six groups of us testing: four groups of adults and two groups of kids. For the 35th anniversary of my school, my grandmaster only required us to demonstrate the forms, or poomse, of our rank (for anyone testing for 2nd degree to 4th degree). We had to demonstrate them well in order to pass, of course. I tested in the first group, and after we had gone through all three forms, my grandmaster told all the black belts on the floor that he wanted my group to go first because we had the crispest techniques. It was such a great honor to hear that! Now all the others know who to go to for forms advice.

I'm in the process of learning the 2nd degree forms. I've got Choong-jang down, and I'm onto Kodang. It's tough, but my knee's been holding up well. I have another doctor's appointment coming up soon, so we'll see!

I hope everyone is doing well themselves. I've got a busy summer ahead!

Testing.

I'm testing for my second dan black belt tomorrow. I can't believe the date came so quickly.

I'm SO ready.

Back to the dojang.

I finally got my knee brace about two weeks after the February entry. It fits perfectly and while I've read a lot of material that's discussed how the post-op knee brace doesn't necessarily protect my knee from ACL reinjury, it still feels more appropriate for me to wear it for now. My surgeon told me that I should wear it until I feel comfortable working out/playing sports without it, which could take a long time (A year? Two years? Don't know . . .). It's a pretty lightweight brace - weighs about a pound and has been set to prevent my knee from hyperextending. I initially had to get used to activity with the brace on; six weeks later, the only thing I'm still not used to is being able to stretch my leg all the way.

I've been working with Cindy and Francis every Sunday for two hours on forms, from white belt to first degree black belt. Cindy has been an amazing help, pointing out the (millions of) areas for improvement. Granted, Francis and I have had to work on basics at this point to make sure our performance of the forms looks much better, but we now understand why each technique is executed the way it is.

During Wednesday forms classes, I'm able to take my learning from Cindy (who learns directly from JHK) to the other black belts. It's great to see someone's improvement over a period of time, especially when you know that you've helped them on that road to being better. Some of the black belts I've been in class with now know the nuances that Cindy first made me aware of, since I've been there to offer constructive criticism. It's times like these when I want to keep working towards at least third degree. Who knows if I can get there with my knee the way it is . . .

I'm looking forward to the test, even if it gives me butterflies in my stomach. I've been working hard for this and I know that I will do well when the time comes.