Well, about a month ago, I (Nicolette) got my brown belt. And no, i didn't just get it handed to me, I had to really work for it.
So the new rule for Cedar Ridge Shotokan is that you have to be on level 800 to recieve your brown belt, and level 900 to recieve your black belt. The reason this rule is in effect, is because you have to be showing your belt level outside of the dojo, which would include you being a higher level. In my case, I had been "just too good at it[being a sempai]". being able to be a sempai means that you show leadership skill, good spirit, attitude and effort. This is major in being a senior student because you are now an example for the rest of the karate dojo.
I went through a very straining hour of all different kinds of kicks, punches and different combinations infront of the whole campus. I was sweating profusely, totally out of breath, and had the feeling as though I was about to vomit all over the dojo floor. the most intense part of is, was that Kat and Jamie were in the background shouting insults at me. Saying things like, "you will never be good enough, you will just go back to drugs" and things like that that they KNEW would get me pissed. The point was that i could fight through all of the anger, and keep up my good spirit.
I did just that, and I was able to keep my spirit. Sensei Rob then asked me if I could commit to being a leader inside and outside of the dojo. Of course I am, so i said "Os". He then told me he had something for me, and gave me my brown belt. I immediately started crying. This is the day I have been waiting for. Karate is my number one thing I love to do. It is my "Kung Fu", so when I was able to officially be a Sempai, it was a dream come true. And that's my story.
-Lettuce
November 18, 2010
The Kyu Exams
November 12th, 2010 Cedar Ridge held kyu exams in the gym. The exams were judged by Sensei Rob, Sensei Christine, Sempai Nicolette(me) and Lauren. Be warned: whenever you have us judging kyu exams, you know its going to be a adrenaline pumping, sweaty, beastly workout. Fortunately, a lot of people passed their exams. It consisted of Triangle Katas, shifting patterns, shifting combinations, foot positions, punching, and full on FIGHTING SPIRIT. What we look for mainly for kyu exams is spirit. Spirit comes before skill or technique, so if you have a good attitude and good effort, it overrides if you aren't as "coordinated" as others. Everyone did a very good job, and those who didn't pass just have a few nuts and bolts to sort out. Congratulations everybody!
-Lettuce
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