the clock is ticking

We had our first official candidate practice last night. One of the sensei's who is helping to organize the graduation ceremony/show got us all together to kind of give us an idea how it will all happen in October. Our school puts on a big show the night the candidates receive their black belts-lots of demos by the demo team, storm team and candidates. Its really an awesome show. So we started going over the demos we would be working on as a group and also broken down into smaller groups. It was fun-they don't make the demos too complicated because first of all, we have enough to memorize (including our own individual musical demos) and most importantly, they want us to look good and synchronized. We also got a bit of a pep talk, some advise on the practical test- the phrase of the night will be YES SIR!! regardless of what your brain wants to say! Because if Renshi sees anyone rolling their eyes, complaining or doing anything that might mean you are displeased with the test he will be merciless! You must have a positive attitude and for gods sake NO CRYING! I really hope no one cries...there are 3 really little kids who are also testing and if they cry I have to supress my motherly instincts to comfort them. (or maybe they'll have to comfort me..)
I have to know a lot of material by then, (next friday). first- all my kata (about 17) 3 bunkai kata and application in a han (naihanchi shodan, pinan shodan, and pinan yondan oyo bunkai) and the first 10 kumite. (short pre-arranged sparring drills). I also have to have my musical demo pretty much choreographed (although it doesn't have to be perfect until October). And we have to have our 1st aid/CPR cards by then, too. We will also have to do a 3-4 mile run and then spar for a good 1-1 1/2 hrs. The exam is from 7pm until midnight and we WILL have to be at the track at 8am the next morning for our run. Why? because we are tough karate people dammit...I LOVE KARATE! (wimper)