We sat in the tiled area and went over the history of Isshinryu and the history of Shimabukuro-sama. Then he had me run through Charts I and II, including doing the knuckle pushups on the tile floor. Then we took a short break, and he then had me run through the Seisan and Seiuchin katas. He gave me more suggestions on the Seiuchin, but he seemed pleased, overall, with my performance. He told me that he was going to promote me, and that orange belt was the first of the intermediate belts, and that I would have the next three kata to learn. (Naihanchi, Wansu, and Chinto.)
He also said that he appreciated the intensity that Julia, Mari, and I brought to the class. I commented on one of the brown belts in particular, who also really brings an intensity and a solid work ethic, and said that he was an inspiration. We talked about the black belts that have come through his tutelage. I always enjoy talking with him... I learn a lot, and not only respect him as my Sensei, but also really like and respect him as an individual.
Brad didn't show up today, but hopefully, he will show up on Monday. Sensei and I discussed his situation, and Sensei seemed pleased that I am willing to take Brad under my wing.
Phew! What a day! I'm still all sweaty, but very happy!
I read this from beginning to end, this afternoon, and intend on making a slower, more thorough study of it:
Posts
Congratulations on your belt test, Frank! Earning a new belt is always exciting. I think the only thing that can top it is realizing just how much more there is to learn and do.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I am envious that you get to wear a black gi. At my class, only black belts can wear the black uniform. I'm looking forward to that day when I can wear one.
Anyway, congrats on the belt, and keep on training hard!
Thanks, Ariel! Our dojo is laid with black mats, so a white gi would really not fare very well. The childrens' classes wear white, but the adults all wear black. The amount that there is to learn, is pretty daunting, but taking it step by step, maybe it won't be so bad. The Naihanchi kata isn't very long, so it probably won't be that bad, but the Chinto looks pretty complex.
ReplyDeleteHey, good job on your belt test. I study Isshinryu too...found your blog and liked it. (p.s. did I double-post? I thought I commented yesterday, but I guess not)
ReplyDeleteTracy
Congratulations on the Belt!! Its a great feeling to achieve your next grading - confirmation that you are actually improving and learning. Good luck with the new katas.
ReplyDeleteI'd love a black gi! The senior instructors at my dojo get to have black pants with their white jackets but for us lowly kyu grades ;) it's white suits. They're a bugger to wash (I have 3 of them to deal with!) and get so dirty off the dojo floor. Nightmare!
xMx
Thanks, Tracy! Always great to find another Isshinryu practitioner! Thanks for the congrats, too! :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Marie! The only problem with the black gi, is that they fade badly, but I'd rather put up with that, than trying to deal with washing a white gi.
Thanks again! I'm excited!
Well done Frank! Onwards and upwards as they say. Not sure if it's better or worse having it sprung on you like that? I suppose it makes you stay on top of things - just in case!
ReplyDeleteNobody wears a black gi in our karate organisation, however high their grade! However in my Jujitsu/kobudo club the kobudokas (that's me) get to wear a black jacket (piped with red) over white pants (with two red stripes down the sides). The jujitsukas on the other hand have to be content with white gis (with blue piping and blue stripes)!
Congratulations on passing your belt test and good luck on your future studies in karate.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Denman!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sue! The black gi is a lot easier to keep clean. The only problem is, it fades rather quickly.
Congratulations Frank!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Michele! :-))))
ReplyDeleteWhoo-Hoo! Congratulations on your grading, Frank! We also wear black gis (USA Goju). Black is beautiful :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Felicia!! Black is awesome! :-)
ReplyDelete