First test

[Hudson]

I'd taken TKD for a few years but had to quit because I was not in shape or properly hydrated. The tests were about 30 minutes long and fairly easy.

 

After that I fixed all my problems and got myself into great shape. (Modest, aren't I?). Almost 4 months ago I joined a Kung Fu school.

 

Last night was my first rank test. I'm going to try and put down how it felt testing there in words, but I don't think that's possible.

 

The test was 4 hours long altogether, although the last half I was sitting down watching the higher levels. That was amazing. Watching them do the practical 5 animal applications made me realize thats exactly what I was looking for in the style. They were lightning fast, graceful, and extremely precise.

 

My testing started out with more pushups then there are numbers, followed by plenty of crunches. The amazing thing is that while I was a beginner, I got to stop, but the higher levels all had to keep going. They cranked out rep after rep with full spirit.

 

Then we went through the last 3 months of material. Basics. Kicks, Punches, Blocks, Stances, and some internal and external exercise sequences. That might make it sound simple, but keep in mind going over all that was 2 hours long.

 

After that the beginners got to sit down for the rest of the test and everyone else kept going until mostly everyone was sitting down except the highest ranks testing in forms specific to their rank.

 

When it finished and I had my belt and certificate, I felt more accomplished then I had ever been. I look forward to the future tests no matter how painful they get at times.

 

What I'd like to know is, how was your first test?

[Master Jules]

I took my first test when I was 8. I still remember it......it was in Kyokushin, and I just remember being there for what seemed to be an eternity......and being sore for the next week....I remember my sensei test back in 96 for Goju.....I was testing simultaneously in both Okinawan and USA/Urban Goju......It was August, we took the test outside in 103 degree weather for 5 hours......I truly stared death in the face that day for sure....my 4th dan test was insane.....7 days long.....5 hrs a day.....1 very long 45 minute full contact no pads round on the first and the last day, and a 30 minute grappling round while I was blindfolded on the third day.......not to mention every conceivable application and kata, etc.....

 

Lotsa fun :-) ......

[battousai16]

i remember my first test. the sensei pulled me to the side after class, said "ben, i think you're ready to advance". he held some pads, and i did my techniques, my blocks, and my form. it was all about 10-15 minutes. he then went up to my dad, charged him money for a belt and a pair of kali sticks (we started that at yellow), and that was it. i always liked that, since it was mostly judged on my over all skill in class and my progress, and not so much on my performance on a set day, where people tend to train just a little bit harder, when they should have been training that hard all along. and it took out those often ludicrous testing fees. we never had a "standard" test until black belt, which i always thought was a good thing. a shame that school shut down

[47MartialMan]

My first test. I didnt even know I was being tested. I was told to do my best performance. I thought it was just a checkup to see if I had any problems Next thing I knew, I was promoted.

[Sasori_Te]

Congratulations on your first successful test and good luck with many more.

 

I don't really remember my first test. I certainly remember my Shodan test though. * hours worth of blood sweat and tears. Afterwards I felt like a dish rag that had been run over by a garbage truck.

 

It's a bit like hitting yourself in the head with a hammer. It's not a whole lot of fun while it's going on but it sure feels good when you're done.

[Master Jules]

"Afterwards I felt like a dishrag that had been run over by a garbage truck".......

 

LOL......

 

Man....you aint kiddin' !!!

[foreveryoung001]

My first test, I can remember being a bundle of nerves. We went through some class drills and warm-ups, then the students for each belt level would be brought up and perform their requirments together. Once we were all exhausted, we would have to stand before the panel, and answer questions about Chund Do Kwan history. For each belt level, we would also have to turn in a written paper, they got longer the higher up you tested, and we would have to give a general overview of our papers, and then answer any questions they asked about them.

 

That one stands out in my head, but only bits and pieces of the other tests do. I remember for one test, a visiting master was sitting on the panel, and I had to sparr him. I went home that night and found a bruise on my chest, in the perfect shape of his foot from a side kick. I remember a concrete break I did for 2nd gup test. and, I remember the incredible pain during my 1st dan test. There were several times during that test that I thought I wasn't going to make it. They said I did great, but to this day, I still feel like I just barley made it. I slept for about 4 days straight after that one...

[aefibird]

Afterwards I felt like a dish rag that had been run over by a garbage truck.

 

It's a bit like hitting yourself in the head with a hammer. It's not a whole lot of fun while it's going on but it sure feels good when you're done.

 

Yes, I know that feeling well!! I felt like that when I tested for karate Shodan.

 

My first test seemed to be over very quickly, but I don't actually remember if it was quick or if it just seems it as I look back on it. I certainly remember feeling as 'pleased as punch' at the end of it and felt like I wanted to shout out to anyone who would listen "I'm not a white belt anymore!!"

 

Congratulations on passing your first test!