More Forms!

As I progress, I realize that forms are just as important as anything that I practice more than I do forms. It’s not worth the embarrassment when I’m able to execute certain kicks with little problem but am almost unable to perform my form. I’d actually feel much better if it were the other way around. Anywho. Along with blocks, I am dedicating more time to forms (as I should have from the beginning).

Orange!

That’s right! I’ve passed my second test!

Considering that I was a yellow belt at the time of testing, the rules were much more strict than when I was testing to become a yellow. During one step sparring, I did not kihap. Didn’t even try. The proctor kept resetting us until we gave an excusable kihap which was after doing 10 pushups in front of the other students and spectators. I scored horribly there. C.

Then came breaking. Hammerfist went through on my first time. No problems (other than swollen wrist). I still believe that if I did not kihap, my fist would have basically bounced off of the board. I do not take kihap-ing for granted when it comes to putting my fist through wood or anything for that matter. Second break was axe kick. The only flaw that I could immediately point out was that I point my toe instead of aiming with my heel. It took two tries. A.

Kicking (basics and the like) was fun. I’ve really improved my left leg; it’s almost as effective as my right. A.
Poomse (forms) went alright. I realize (now) that I did not perform it to textbook quality as I should (and could) have and so: B.

Sparring… sparring… sparring…
I was matched with a purple belt because the yellow belts who were testing with me were small kids. I was honestly nervous. Though she was a bit shorter than I, she had much more experience. I felt that I didn’t try my best because of my nerves. I didn’t feel so well about this part of the test. However, the judges were impressed with my sparring. I even had an instructor congratulate me. B.

Judges’ Comments:

• Kihap louder.
• Good sparring. You varied your kicks and used them well.

Belt Test II

Another belt test is coming up this Saturday. That will be the day I achieve orange belt. Hopefully. My master believes that I’m very ready. All I have to perfect is my kihap [read: start kihap-ing quick or fail]. I cannot remember everything that is on the test but it is much of the same of what was on my first test with additional kicks and board breaks (hammer fist AND axe kick) and the respective form. Oh and contact sparring!! Yes.

I’m a little nervous about the hammerfist break though I executed it well during my first test, but I could never do it during practice. Some of the reasons I believe that I was able to do it during test only is because I kihap’d (really!) and I was afraid of the embarrassment of not breaking it on the first time. I’ll just have to adapt a “I’ll break this board even if I break my hand” sort of mentality. My wrist has already swollen blue and purple from improper breaking technique during training, but I’ll just have to cope and continue.

Wish me luck.
Much love and best wishes.