4.30.2007

Friday night's Practical exam

So the black belt practical test was last Friday night. It was not a good night. Although no one broke any bones, and there was no blood, it was ugly. And why did it get ugly? Because people were WHINING! Not my friend M, she’s not a whiner. Big rule regarding the practical test. DON’T WHINE! Renshi-(or Kyoshi now) HATES it. It makes him very angry. These kids and CB were complaining even before they had anything to complain about! So they all got to see his “bad” side. Almost everyone ended up in tears at some point (except M. she’s bad-ass) Now, I’ve told you about CB (crybaby) and her 2 daughters. Well, the youngest failed the physical test so she is out until the next testing cycle. She had been sick way too much and had to take a make-up physical test. She ran her 3 miles in 36 minutes. Not too good. So now its down to the mom and oldest daughter. Both of them complain ALL.THE.TIME. Actually, I’ve heard that the oldest one actually howls sometimes when she’s running. HOWLS like a dog at the moon. Must be comical to say the least. So some other incidences were; one kid (going to 2nd degree) wore the wrong gi top. He wore his blue top-everyone is supposed to wear white. (not his first practical so he should have known this) Punishment? 1000 pushups. That’s right. 1000. Also, M was sparring Sensei T (who is also an accomplished muay thai fighter)..he told her that he was gonna start hitting her and it was going to hurt. So he did, harder and harder each time, and finally he threw this kick to the ribs that really hurt – what did she do? She executed a perfect knee strike to the groin. Even grabbed his shoulders and pulled him into it. Legal? No. Effective? Yes. Kyoshi reprimanded her later in front of everyone for that…he called it “completely unacceptable behavior” And she knows this…but at the time, that’s how she reacted. (knee-jerk reaction heh heh).
Then after sparring they did breakfalls-over and over, and they couldn’t use they’re hands or arms to get up afterwards, legs only. Then they did bunkai (kata application) and kumite (pre arranged short sparring drills) for the rest of the night. No kata at all. And apparently, CB was talking constantly to M throughout the whole thing. M’s just trying to do what she’s supposed to be doing and CB keeps stopping and talking to her. And not even just talking while doing kumite-she would actually stop and try and have conversation (mostly complaining about the unfairness of the whole practical) finally M said “can you just SHUT UP and do the Kumites!!” I don’t think that really worked though. In the end, they were told they all had to come back the next morning and work more on bunkai and show their musical demos. All this after they had to run at the track at 8am. And they had to run 5 miles. Ouch.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm trying to imagine going on a run and passing another runner who is howling at the moon as she runs, like a tormented dog. I would be scared, I think.

Anonymous said...

Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.

frotoe said...

Sheila- i've heard its quite disturbing to witness. disturbing, but amusing at the same time.

Anonymous- you forgot to use quotation marks. no plagiarizing on this blog!

Becky G said...

Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.

And petty minds post anonymously on blogs. If you want to criticize, at least have the cajones to post under your real name.

Frotoe, I used to be one of those whiny people. My favorite phrase was, "But I can't." I outgrew that by yellow belt, though.

Still, I makes me sick watching people get promoted when they didn't earn that rank.

Mathieu said...

Sucks...
The best minset remains the positive one. I can do this. I can do this. I can do this. :)

be well,

Anonymous said...

The trolls are out in full force. Anonymous people love to insult karate people. It's because they don't have the guts to do it in person.

Steve said...

I think it's great that the standards at your school seem to be so high. Much of the criticism I personally have is for schools (any school) where people such as those you describe who continue to be promoted in spite of their lack of spirit and of ability. This is why I left my last school and now study where I do.

I'm glad I stumbled into this loop of blogs. I find them all interesting to read.

Potatoe Fist said...

I'm with Steve. I'm deeply impressed with the level of requirement to move on. Sorry to hear about the participants who don't seem to have the correct mind set. Loved the groin shot!

Selby Karateka said...

Hi, i visited your blog for the first time, I didn't even realise that you had a link to mine, thanks. I like the idea of physical exams, it is necessary to build on your stamina and aerobic capacity at the same time as learning karate. I like to be pushed beyond my comfort zone, not at the time but the satisfaction in achieving more than you thought you could is great. Will drop back to your blog soon, keep posting, Osu!

frotoe said...

Thanks to all my supporters (not you, Anonymous)
Steve and Selby Karateka- I'm glad you came to visit! Steve, I'll add you to my list too~just visited your blog and I'll be back on a regular basis.
:)

Steve said...

Thanks, frotoe. I'm glad you enjoy it. I have a good time doing it.

Mir said...

That sounds like a demanding test!

But then.. if a student has the energy to talk throughout the test, there must be many moments of rest.. no? Just wondering if the movement is constant, or if you get breaks between the various activities.

frotoe said...

The student should definitely NOT have the energy to talk. It is quite a demanding test and she should not have been stopping to talk. there were breaks allowed, but only when Kyoshi said so.