Zen Shotokai: BLACKBELT TEST Blackbelt test March 22-24
Zen Shotokai: BLACKBELT TEST Blackbelt test March 22-24
Zen Shotokai: Blackbelt Board
Sat on the board for a Blackbelt test for Zen Shotokai Dojo in Aiken.
Did self defense and sparring with the candidate.
470
Brown & Blackbelt Class.
ESCRIMA
Tonight we drilled Escrima; combat form 1, then did it with a 180 turn then did a double set drill.
Nidan Testing
I was invited to sit on the Blackbelt board for this weekend’s Nidan (2nd Degree) testing at the Dojo. It was everything I expected, intense, mental testing and then a look at skills and character of the students. I was surrounded by so many (~40) Blackbelts from around the south, many 8, 9 and 10th degrees as well as like myself 1st. I learned more just being a part of this test as a judge than I have in several months of my own studies.
Very proud of our Dojo and how much respect we all get for building what we have together. I’m reminded again that a Blackbelt test is as much a test for us as it is for our Sensei and more importantly our Dojo.
Among many things I did and participated in during the test. The one I remember most outside of the breaking the brick and being a partner for self defense was passing the 8″ needle through my hand.
Reflecting on the lesson. I would have definitely regretted not doing it. And also overcoming my mind trying to protect me by talking myself out of it and building up the courage has set my mind on fire the past 24 hours.
Blackbelt Ceremony
Like the test, no words at the moment. Holding this post and will fill in later…