Got my black belt!

I had my black belt test in late October and it went pretty good. I fumbled a few small things in the beginning, mostly due to nerves, but then as the test went on I got more comfortable. I wasn't very happy with my shoulder throws though. I was paired up with a guy who is very stiff so it was like throwing a concrete slab. But it wasn't that bad I guess. My patterns (empty hand and weapons) were really good - better than I even expected. I couldn't help but smile to myself when I overheard one of the junior students "That was so awesome!" after doing my long staff pattern. I knew I spanked that one. The test took just over 4 hours to do with all eight of us, and apparently that was quicker than normal.

In mid-November I got my black belt (officially) and the ceremony/banquet and it also went really well. Our Sai & combo demos were great, I broke all my boards on the first try and I got to see lots of friends and family at the same time. I felt so spoiled though! Both my mom and her work partner got me beautiful flowers and my mom also gave me a nice card and some money. My dad gave me a nice card and a silk Kung Fu style jacket. My boyfriend's parents gave me a lovely journal and card. A couple of my friends also got me a card and the DVD, Samurai Fiction (good movie!).

My biggest surprise was my boyfriend's gift. He got me my own Katana sword! It's the one I wanted too, the Practical Katana made by Hanwei. It's already sharpened and it can cut through paper (I already tried, heh). Sean has the same one (a bunch of us pooled together as his black belt gift last Spring). It's kind of funny. We don't give each other jewellery... but rather weapons. Heh.

After the ceremony, we went to Boston Pizza for food and drinks. Sort of a tradition after the ceremonies. We work hard all day making it happen and we get treated to dinner.

A week after that I had my first black belt class and we worked on stick defense and counters and then we worked on throws. Lots of fun and it's great being in class with my friends. I put on the black uniform for the first time on the weekend and I felt like Darth Vader rising for the first time. It's weird wearing a new uniform, with a new belt and being in a new class... but it's exciting too. I can't wait for all the new cirriculum I get to learn!

Me getting my black belt from Grandmaster.

Me with my new belt, feeling accomplished.

Me and Sean (if I look tired, it's because I am)

More pics here (but there is no captions yet):
http://www.tongmoodo.com/gallery/banquet2005

Well done...whats your discipline?

I gained black in Shotokan many many years ago.

Thanks.

I take Tong Moo Do, which is a mixed martial art. I've been in it for 5 years and I'm having a great time there. Now, with the new class, it's even more exciting.

Are you still in Karate?

Good Job, you should start kicking the shit out of some of the clowns on here like Questkat!!

I only use my powers for good. :wink:

Congrats dear way to go... I took Tae Kwon Do years ago, and it came in handy a few times but only in self defence mind you... Continue on and be the best you can.. Again kudos to ya lady ... Keep it up.. (RH)

No belts in Muay Thai otherwise I'd be going for it too! Great job and keep it up!

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Congratulation.... BTW we haven't seen you in a while

Congrats! You look good in a black belt. Though you can not kick my ass because we're too fat apart. hehehhee

Mmm.. kickboxing. I love it when we have those classes.

Thanks everyone! It's nice to be "back" again. I've been lurking around for awhile, but I haven't been very active in a lot of forums lately, not even in my own.

Last time I remember seeing you around here you were selling off your worldly possessions to buy an airline ticket. Did you make it?

Just noticed this thread and wanted to pass on my congratulations as well. It's great to see your enthusiasm in your sport.