usc96

Maybe I missed it but what rank do you hold now? I spent 5 years earning my 1st dan and can't see myself saying no when the time comes to test for my second.

In our underbelt class we just lined up by rank. Within each rank, the line up was pretty much whoever gets to/wants the spot first. There is no seniority within each rank, though some deference is given if one member of your rank has been in that rank for sometime (for example, if you just moved to 2nd kyu and one of the other 2nd kyus is about to test for 1st kyu, that person might get the more senior line up placement if he wants it. In our black belt classes, we just line up. No distinction is given to higher dan levels during the line up. I have to ask, how did you go from being a black belt and instructor to being a white belt with a 4+ year timeline in the same school?

It's going to shrink whether you like it or not (assuming you plan to wash it regularly), so why wait?

One benefit of testing for each belt is it prepares you for the one day when you take your black belt test. In our school, the underbelt tests generally take 1.5 to 2 hours. The black belt test is similar in that we do all the material we've learned up to that point, but it takes four hours.

I don't "cross" in the back, I layer. Here's an example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vu04qC047KY&feature=related

We don't have a volunteer teaching requirement that I know of? Then again, we have a good number of doctors and lawyers who are billing $300 - $500 an hour at their private practice, so requiring 500 hours a year of volunteer instruction to advance to the next belt might be a problem. That being said, the black belts (when available) do help out with the underbelt testing, so maybe that counts?

I lived in Okinawa as a child. That's probably the reason I chose karate as an adult. All those years of "you lived in Japan so you must know karate?"

Glad to hear you made it through the ordeal. Two on one in that situation is hard. There are ways to get out of a bear hug, but as I said, two on one adds a dynamic so you shouldn't beat yourself up over not knowing it at the time. To get out of a bear hug, stomp a foot with your heal. Step one leg out to the side a foot or so. Maneuver the other leg so you physically place that leg behind his (swing one leg towards the other, then swing it back behind his). This will get him off balance. Then, while he is teetering, root yourself while maintaining a good upright posture. Once your are set up, throw your arms and elbows straight out and back. This will drop the attacker. At that point, you can stomp him in the head or groin, or run.

It would definitely be jujitsu.

I think the creepy music gives part or the impression.

Thanks everyone. It's been two days, and I was expecting to be sore by now. Maybe I was in better condition that I thought, because I weathered the test pretty well. Can't wait to start leaning all the cool new stuff.

Took 4 years, 8 months, but I finally tested for Black Belt and passed. Four hour test and I'm already sore. Can't wait until next week's black belt class so I can start learning all the new stuff.

Congrats. I test this December. Starting to get nervous.

its a HUGE offense to wear shoes on the mat or inside a dojo! It's a sign of disrespect as you bring evil spirits into the room. Good to know. Don't want the evil spirits to come into the room.

This question is more for fun than anything else , but what has surprised you most about your style? I am a 2nd degree brown belt in Kempo Karate, testing for 1st Dan in December after nearly 5 yrs. Here is what has surprised me: 1. We don't break boards, ice, bricks, or much of anything (though I have broken a toe or two); 2. I'm embarrassed to admit this, but no matter how much I have tried, I just ain't that limber; 3. I can hit pretty hard when I want; 4. I can jump pretty high, but add "spinning" to the mix and I'm just about useless (I get dizzy); 5. Anyone can make it to black belt, but few stick with it; 6. I don't see too many of our moves used in sparing (I'm afraid to use them myself for fear of getting called down for sweeping, etc); 7. Karate is 40% cardiovascular, 40% mental, and only 20% physical strength; 8. Why do we learn without shoes? How often are you going to be attacked at the beach or in your house? So what can you add?