I am training my way through a karate kickboxing program at Versus Training Center as I blog about martial arts in this blog. They are two symbiotic experiences that feed and support each other. It was time again on October 28 2010 for a belt promotion class. Its a time to have our skills tested and get recognition for the hard work we have put in to our training. My program is a very modern Karate Kickboxing style, described as… ‘more power than Kyokushin Karate, more technique than Muay Thai’ (Iman said that). The class starts with technique drills, to demonstrate mastery of individual skills and combinations. My promotion to blue belt was the highest ranking promotion that day and it put me on the menu. I had to go through seven rounds of sparring, and the last two were against my Senseis, Ali and Iman, both who are Kyokushin black belts. So there I was sucking air after 5 rounds, and there were two more to go. and in walks Iman with his gloves and shin pads on, and he is fresh and ready to go. Well it turns out I did ok, but I really had to dig deep because I was gasping for air after doing 5 straight rounds. But it turns out that I did ok. And now I have a blue belt. Thanks for a great test, the sparring, and all the great training. See you in class. Osu!

Link to full photo set on flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/superwebdeveloper/sets/72157625195875779/with/5149282759/

After a pile of drills and 7 rounds, last two against my senseis, both Kyokushin black belts, I was awarded my blue belt. I was sucking air hard and taking hits, but it sounds like I did ok. Ill post more photos later. Another step in my journey accomplished.

Blue Belt Award

We did belt testing tonight at Versus21. I’m a little behind my peers as I had about 3 months off due to a tendinitis injury in my right wrist from playing badminton of all things. So tonight finally was the belt test that I could not miss like I did the last one.

The evening test consisted of different technique demonstrations. Left – right -duck, left – right – double hook – front kick and so on. Being a bit behind my peers actually made me well prepared. But one thing I did flub was the Ippon Kumite demonstration, but only because I got partnered up with a southpaw. Whoa, everything was different. Note to self on that one. We then moved on to the heavy bag for a demonstration of power on the bag. We hit the bag with kicks and punches at full power for one minute, ducking and weaving and setting up for powerful combinations. Shadow Sparring was next, swapping partners after a defined time. Then we moved on to conditioning. 15 pushups ( we do lots more than that regularly I can assure you), 80 squats, and then the abdominal plank.

In general, I was well prepared, and I’m glad to finally have my belt. Its true though, as they say, a belt is only there to keep your pants up. What really matters is how good you do when you train. But I can say that it is good to have one on after long last. I look forward to training even harder, sparring, getting stronger, sharper, and losing some more weight.

And the final bit of preparation, you might notice, is how my toenails are painted to match my new belt colour.

Orange belt, orange toenails

Remember this: a belt is only there to keep your pants up. You have to earn the rest.

My Grades:

Technique: B
Kumite: B
Bag Work: A
Exercise: A-
Attitude/Attendance: A

Group shot, orange in front, green in the back