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.