Belt Test Today

My youngest karate-ka and I tested for our next belt promotion today.  I'd like to say that I kicked butt, I don't think I did.  Every time I go through one of these I get all psyched up to do well, and then when I'm done, I go over in my head all the little stupid things I did during the test that I should have done better.  Not to mention that no one enjoys being judged--and if you do you are insane.  So imagine standing in front of a panel of 10+ pairs of eyes, looking at every flaw.  Well, if you're me, you turn red and start to sweat profusely, grateful for the fact that the end is near.  

I couldn't help but notice that the person who was "grading" me was taking copious notes.  Ugh!  I'm sure she wasn't because I was so great she wanted to gush about my grace under extreme pressure....And of course by inviting her to take up residence in my head during the test I know that I screwed up a couple of strikes, foot forms and at one point, my voice cracked during a sound-off like I was Peter Brady going through puberty ("when it's time to change...").

Here's some highlights.  I was actually proud of my roundhouse kick:

And I love this self-defense.  It's "bear hug over the arms," and requires you to reach behind and do a groin grab (assuming a man is doing this and that would actually hurt), followed by an elbow strike, aikido hand hold, snap kick to the face, and a takedown.  I love takedowns, I probably shouldn't love them as much as I do..

After I did my test, my daughter did hers--she was the only one in her belt rank going for a promotion, and she did great! When I think about how nervous I was, at least I'm not five years old, standing by myself in front of a bunch of adults.  What courage she showed!  Here's a picture of the two of us.  I'm such a proud mama-san:

Did we pass?  Well, we shall see tomorrow night!