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!
Showing posts with label second degree training. Show all posts
Showing posts with label second degree training. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
Just do it.
Nike's motto. I <3 that motto.
I had a six-month appointment with my surgeon today. Graft feels great, leg is strong, need to continue with weight training and cutting and pivoting exercises. I'll be getting fitted for a brace some time this week. I'm basically allowed to start doing sports again, but I have to listen to my body and not try to go above and beyond (which is hard, because I put 110% into everything I do).
Apparently, I'm eligible to obtain my second degree black belt sooner than I expected. I got my first degree in October 2007, and it's been about a year and a half since then (minus the 9 months that I've been out of commission). My Grandmaster wants the first degree black belts that he feels are prepared for the black belt seminars to train with him. By the end of the seminar sessions, if we've met/exceeded his expectations, we are granted our second degree.
The problem with this is that I've been out of practice for 9 months. I have little control in my left leg in terms of kicking techniques, and I'm out of shape in general.
So now what?
Once I get fitted for my brace, I'm going to jump back into the game. I need to get back on the horse and go for it. There's no way I'm passing up this opportunity, especially because I can finally move ahead in my training. I can get past that mental block.
In other news, I had been registered for 6 classes this semester (yes, 6 . . . at the graduate business school level . . .). I finally made the decision to drop one and just pick up an extra class in the summer because I couldn't deal with the workload. Now I'm taking 5 and working 4 jobs (yes, 4 jobs . . . UPS, the Registrar's Office, undergraduate accounting grader, and undergraduate organizational behavior writing tutor). I've been losing sleep because of the amount of coursework I'm expected to get done for each class, trying to balance working, and maintain my health. This decision might have repercussions later, but for now, my mental health ranks pretty high on my priorities.
I had a six-month appointment with my surgeon today. Graft feels great, leg is strong, need to continue with weight training and cutting and pivoting exercises. I'll be getting fitted for a brace some time this week. I'm basically allowed to start doing sports again, but I have to listen to my body and not try to go above and beyond (which is hard, because I put 110% into everything I do).
Apparently, I'm eligible to obtain my second degree black belt sooner than I expected. I got my first degree in October 2007, and it's been about a year and a half since then (minus the 9 months that I've been out of commission). My Grandmaster wants the first degree black belts that he feels are prepared for the black belt seminars to train with him. By the end of the seminar sessions, if we've met/exceeded his expectations, we are granted our second degree.
The problem with this is that I've been out of practice for 9 months. I have little control in my left leg in terms of kicking techniques, and I'm out of shape in general.
So now what?
Once I get fitted for my brace, I'm going to jump back into the game. I need to get back on the horse and go for it. There's no way I'm passing up this opportunity, especially because I can finally move ahead in my training. I can get past that mental block.
In other news, I had been registered for 6 classes this semester (yes, 6 . . . at the graduate business school level . . .). I finally made the decision to drop one and just pick up an extra class in the summer because I couldn't deal with the workload. Now I'm taking 5 and working 4 jobs (yes, 4 jobs . . . UPS, the Registrar's Office, undergraduate accounting grader, and undergraduate organizational behavior writing tutor). I've been losing sleep because of the amount of coursework I'm expected to get done for each class, trying to balance working, and maintain my health. This decision might have repercussions later, but for now, my mental health ranks pretty high on my priorities.
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