After years of being a purple belt (yes, I said 'YEARS'), several of which were WAY beyond my control--among other things, I will FINALLY be testing for my 2nd degree blue belt on Tuesday!

So, YAY for me!

well congrats dude. i hope you the best. let us know how it goes.

Congrats... good luck on your testing.

Best of luck to you! Keep us posted...

good luck to you!!!!! you will get it though! i gots faith!

Congratulations!

I failed. At least, that's how I view it. My instructor says we just took a break. I was doing fine until my instructor asked me to explain how to do a front stance, and then I started freaking out (tears, hyperventilating). I told him I'm bad at explaining stuff, and then he got upset at me. So, I have 'til Saturday to e-mail him with the explainantion of how to do a front stance and a fighting stance.

So, basically I'm screwed.

I failed. At least, that's how I view it. My instructor says we just took a break. I was doing fine until my instructor asked me to explain how to do a front stance, and then I started freaking out (tears, hyperventilating). I told him I'm bad at explaining stuff, and then he got upset at me. So, I have 'til Saturday to e-mail him with the explainantion of how to do a front stance and a fighting stance.

So, basically I'm screwed.

This is what testing is about. Even if you aren't that good at something, like explanations, you have to give it your best shot. That is probably what your instructor was looking for; to see if you would try. If you try your hardest, then no one can take that from you, if you fail or not.

Here's my explanation of front stance & fighting stance. Let me know if it makes ANY sense!

FRONT STANCE

start in ready stance

cross arms over body right over left

move right foot 1 1/2 shoulder widths apart in front

as you do that bring right arm down, kinda like you're blocking & chamber left arm

your right fist should be, like, 2 fists above your right leg

your back leg should be kinda straightish, but not totally rigid--there needs to be some bendyness

to it.

right leg has 30% of your body weight & back leg has 70% of your body weight

FIGHTING STANCE

start in ready stance

step back with right foot--behind left foot but slightly to the side

knees should be slightly bent

your body should be kinda sideways

bring your fists up to kinda in between your chest & face

Those are ok descriptions, but try to be as specific as possible. Imagine that you are training someone who has no experience. Also, think how you would describe things if they were blind.

Here is how I describe the front stance:

1. Step right leg forward...take a big stride, maybe 3 or 4 feet.

2. Front knee bent, back leg straight, walking on railroad tracks.

3. Make the knot in your belt (or your belly button, if not wearing uniform) point straight forward.

Fighting stance:

1. Step right leg forward, about 3 feet.

2. Point front foot forward, back foot sideways, making a big L with the feet.

3. Bend both knees, 70% of weight on back leg.

Much more concise, and less room for misinterpretation. Remember, try to keep it as simple as possible. Hope this helps!