I agree, as long as someone has the willpower and good teachers, they can go a long way - we have a large kids class at Risca, and although all kids have bad behaviour moments, you can tell which kids are going to do well and those who have just been brought along to the class by their parents, so we get used as a babysitting service while the parents go to the gym or swimming. Still it gives you a good feeling knowing that you are passing on self defence techniques which, although it sometimes doesn't show, is still sinking into their heads and might come natural to them in a real situation. Plus as well as the techniques we try to get them as street wise as you can, eg stranger awareness and how to spot threatening situations, which sadly they need to know this day and age.
Think you just have to knuckle down and not think too hard about it. And make sure you talk to Sensei a lot. I was petrified of doing my BB (well the fights more specifically). I'd rather run away and join the circus. Especially after hearing of the injuries that occurred at previous gradings... But knew I had to do it at some point and it may as well be this year. . With 10 weeks warning, and having trouble remembering most katas, Sensei suggested I should go for it. I had my work cut out. Luckily there were a few of us going for it including a regular training mate, so I was in good company. So I just got stuck into training, and tried not to think too hard about it! Not that it stopped me being nervous. And there quite a few times when I thought "this Summer is to soon, I've got too much to work on". But once you're booked to do it, you have to do it. Couple of weeks ago at the Summer Course, I did my grading. And passed! BTW: Prowla, was it you who went round to shake hands with all the 1st kyus before their grading?
Yes - that was me (it obviously did the trick! ). I have to say that the fighting looked very good from the sidelines!
I've asked my sensei whether he thinks i'm ready and he said yes straight of he also say's i just need to believe in myself, sharpen up some attacks on my ippons and i could pass. still it's going to be very nerve racking
That doesn't sound too bad. Once the adrenalin gets going, should be OK! Prowla: Thank you. It was nice to meet you. (I was at the end of the line) Nikki (I believe you know her) passed too. I hope the injuries are improving. I noticed a certain well seasoned black belt was on his bestest behaviour in the ni/sandan line up...
Likewise! Nice one; as with you, I only know her from the courses. I've been to see a specialist today, and it's going to be an operation on the knee. Ricky's a top bloke, isn't he!
Ricky is a great karate ka and only goes hard in the line when he sees people who have in the past taken the mick to people going for their belts, he gives them what they dished out to others. When you fight in the line up year after year you see which kyu grades go mental or even dan grades and when they take the next step, people remember and normally dish them what they have. The idea of the line is to help the fighter and test them, not just destroy them because you can because hes tired and your fresh.
well just read the rest of the posts and thanks guys but i just passed today so i am now a dan grade black belt of sandokai karate.
Hello Hi my Sensei is grading for the 3 dan grade in the winter, and the cool thing about it is, that Kancho is comming to little denmark to graduate him =) (hes the one who has the highest grade in the style tenchinkan) hehe its gonna be great to meet him.
I've just found out that my black belt grading is in 10 weeks. I've been reading these posts with great interest. I'm in a quandary about how hard to train leading into this grading as I have past injuries and health concerns that can flare up if I overdo it. I do feel that I need to increase my fitness and flexibility going into this grading. Any advice? Thanks Barba
I was taught to put in 100% effort in class so that any grading would be just like any another training session. we didnt even get to apply for black belt till we were told we were were allowed to.
the thing is whether it's a good day for karate or bad you can only give 100% and put in what you know.
