That's right. The most worrisome part of my 2nd degree test was having to spar a woman.
Did I mention it was a very attractive woman?
Who was quite fast?
Well, point is, I didn't get my butt kicked. I did pretty darn well by all accounts. No, I didn't hurt her - if that's what you're worried about - I'm sure she could have hurt me just as much as I her. I did manage to get a couple would-be knockouts to her head (no contact). She gave as well as she got, though.
The 2nd degree test went very well. I was pretty well winded by the time we got to self-defense. We're talking stomach cramps, doubled over but still fighting kind of pain! I did a couple takedowns that were fairly impressive & a few that somehow got the job done.
Breaking, not really my strong suit but still something I do well, came off better than expected. I put my hand through two bricks like they were barely there! The first one split down the middle like I took a saw to it & the bottom one broke into three large pieces. All well by my account.
Here's the video:
Ah, then came the candle - yes, this little monster of a test. I had to punch out the flame of a candle with a punch. Really, it's not as hard as you might think - you just punch, twist & put your hips into it. Sucker was out & smoldering like Lindsay Lohan on a coke bender.
Lastly came the Q & A - no, Harvey, this isn't as entertaining as the other "& A" you might have wanted to hear about. The questions were pointed, serious & difficult. Mr. Scott pulled no punches, as it were, & asked me if I felt I could take over for my instructor (No, of course!) & how well I felt I could pass on my knowledge to others (Technique - yes, Philosophy, not entirely). It was a heck of a grilling.
As you may have guessed, I survived. Yes, I was promoted to 2nd Degree in TKD! It's an accomplishment that can only be properly celebrated with beer...which I already did...& sleep, which I'm about to do. :-)
I'm going to be sooooo sore in the morning.
7/31/07
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14 comments:
Congratulations. Now you know that if you're ever attacked by 2 bricks you'll be okay.
Matt,
That's important! Heck, you just never know when bricks are going to come flying out of nowhere.
There are a lot of surly-looking bricks in my neighborhood. Can I hire you as a bodyguard? :-)
Congrats! I knew those bricks would not survive your attack.
Harvey,
You've got it! As you can tell, I'm not tolerant of mortar in any form!
tkd,
Shouldn't that be bjj?
Yeah, the break looked easier than it was - but not by much!
Congratulations! Cool video, too. And if you ever feel the need to smash some bricks, you can come smack my teens' heads...they're full of rocks anyway, so it would be about the same as bricks.
Mrs. Who,
I'm not sure that's a good idea. Oh, I'll bet the teens would be just fine - you see, I was a teen once & I remember my head was soooo thick, nothing could get through!
Maybe so, but could you at least TRY, lol?
Congratulations! Nice Brick Breaking!
Mrs. Who,
I could give it a shot, but I make no guarantees. The best thing you can do to soften them up is put them to yard work - moving firewood, mowing the lawn, etc.
That might give me a fighting chance! ;-)
oddybobo,
Thanks! It's not as bad as it seems & you feel prety good after you've done it.
Most excellent!! And really impressive brick breaking. :^)
My youngest just got her purple belt and I am amazed at what she can do...
Hope you're not *too* sore!
Richmond,
Thanks! My instructor has done 4 before but I'll leave that to the pros. ;-)
It is amazing what a person can do with a little training. Have your daughter keep it up! There's some great things that await her in the higher ranks. My advice to her: Black belt is the start of the real fun!
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