We started sorting students last week for our Black Belt Challenge and Cedar Ridge Shotokan Karate Team. Mostly last week Rob and I just watched to get a feel for how much effort the students put in during class. I also had a class on Sunday during which we did the 'rhythm tape.' The rhythm tape is a grueling cardio/endurance workout that you do to a regular beat for an hour or an hour and a half. We started with the one hour workout to the tape, which is twelve shifting patterns (stances) and kicks. It is not a fun workout (if you ask the students--personally, it's my favorite), but it's the single best way for each of us to increase our endurance and improve our form.
I figured if a student was willing to come on a Sunday for two hours (rhythm tape, the ab wheel, and sparring) for this hard, basic workout, they are truly invested in working toward their black belt and being eligible for the karate team. These students each took an application to fill out, and we will conclude our selection process with a sort of tournament on Friday.
I will select the final team by the end of the day on Friday, November 13, and Saturday we will begin training as a team for our first tournament.
Sensei Christine
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