I Did It!

I did it. I am now officially a 4th Gup orange belt. What a day. Martial arts is the only sport I know of where bruises are a badge of honor. As I sit reflecting the day, I am covered in bruises but they were hard earned ones and I’m proud of them. This probably sounds like a contradiction to most people. But if you have ever worked for months on obtaining a goal then what ever you went through to reach that goal was worth it in the end!

One key item I have learned in training for this level:

1. Why we do forms or kata’s:

In the beginning, I had no idea of why we do this. I just thought it was a series of movements. Yes, we are suppose to visualize attackers but it still didn’t make any sense to me, I just did what Soke Geniesse told me to do trusting in his leadership. Now I know, not only does it help sports challenged individuals like me learn their left from their right, it helps develop coordination even at the age of 43. In addition, it creates muscle memory. In an unexpected situation, you will always fall back on your muscle memory. It’s like riding a bicycle. You may not have ridden in 10 years but when you get back on it begins to come back to you. In memorizing and practicing your forms if you are ever in a position of being attacked your body will begin to do the things it has memorized. I now understand why they should be practiced daily.

In our form one, it gives you practice in pivoting, breathing and controlling quickly your emotions. This is key in so many of the things we do. Form two, carries it several steps further in practicing specific strikes, kicks, how to look for your opponent, and when to gather your strength.

The ukemi was still hard. I had a pinched nerve in my shoulder. But, I learned that I can push myself even further than I have before. Soke had told us, “Mind over matter”. He was correct.


Truthfully the hardest part of the day was watching each of my 3 children that were testing struggle through certain aspects of their test. Each of them persevered
and words cannot describe how proud of them I am.

I have several people I want to thank if you will bear with me:

Thanks to Mr. Van for his cardio classes. I still had a hard time. However, I don’t think I would had made it if not for his help increasing my stamina.

Sensi Fernandez’s advise on some of my techniques made a huge difference. He has the ability to spot things I could not have. As well as, his words of encouragement during the test.

Sensi Kendall’s steady presence and consistent teaching has been a plus in helping me learn over the past several months.

Soke Geniesse has the ability to make me believe that I can do more than what I think I can! Thanks Soke.

The best part was listening to my kids encourage me as I struggled with certain parts. Hearing, “You can do it, Mom”, can really push you to do more and last but not least to my precious husband for the back rubs and adjustments!

Thanks Zack for being my ukie today. You did great!

This all goes to show, that you are never to old to try something new!

Have a great night. I’m off to a hot bath to soak these tired muscles.

Ous! (means I can do)

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