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Jun.8,2012Eleonor Roosevelt once said, Do one thing every day that scares you.
Last May 20th, I did just that. In fact I did two things that scared me: I tested in my martial arts class for two belt levels: Green and Blue.
This meant that I had the longest testing time that Sunday. This also meant I was exhausted beyond belief after the exam.
You might be wondering if I’m some masochist intent on subjecting myself to crazy challenges.
Bowing before class
I’m not. Not really (though I do love challenges). I am, however, the only one in the entire Los Angeles Doce Pares system (comprised of 3 schools), who is currently an Orange Belt.
Taking the Blue Belt Exam with Green Belt classmates
Master Erwin wanted me to level up twice so I wouldn’t be alone every time I had to take another belt exam—and so Steve (the only other higher belt in my class) would have a partner to learn the lessons with.
With Master Erwin
The test was nerve-wracking at first, but once I got into the “zone” and focused on what I had to do, I found that adrenalin kicked in and I was able to perform the tasks required of me.
One portion of the Belt Exam which both scared and thrilled me was the Multiple Attackers part.
I had to fend off the two instructors who attacked me, using various disarming techniques I learned class.
The practical application portion of our martial arts lessons is scary–but I do enjoy it a lot because I know how useful this can be in certain situations.
I was exhausted, but happy at the end of my four hour long exam.
Los Angeles Doce Pares
I took up the challenge, aware that I would have to learn twice as many lessons, and that I would have the longest testing time that day. It was scary, to say the least, but I knew without a doubt that as long as I put my mind to it, I could accomplish anything.
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Thanks to Maiko for taking the pictures, and to Lena for taking the videos!
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Wow, you were kicking butt!
Congrats! That’s a great accomplishment.
Congratulations! Now you and Steve can pursue the next belt together.
Wow, congratulations! You worked very hard and accomplished so much; this is very exciting.
Kathy M.
This is great. What wonderful training in discipline! Congratulations.
Congrats, Nutschell! wow, sounds like you had quite a day! At the end of the day, you were smiling, and that’s important.
Happy Friday!
Congratulations, Nutschell! My older son took karate for one year, but quit because the instructors never showed him (one of the youngest in the class) correct kata form to earn his yellow belt. He felt completely left out with all other kids in yellow belts and above.
You rock! Our boys are black belts in Shotokan. You won Suffocate the Kindle edition. Congrads pal. (((hugs)))
Let me know you received the gift from Amazon.
Hi Nutschell – congratulations .. you do set many examples for us – that’s amazing to take two belts and pass both – well done.
Great news – cheers Hilary
You are too awesome.
Congratulations on the belts. Hard work pays off.
Way to go Nutty!
Here in Missouri, there’s no such luck finding anything remotely close to Filipino martial arts. So, I just had to stick to stuff my dad taught me growing up and settle for Kenpo and Kom Do Kwan.
I have often thought about taking up self-defense as a means to get more confidence and to get more physically fit. Congratulations on all that hard work. It looks like it has definitely paid off because you look very skilled in your photographs.