We’ve started

Last night my upcoming Black Belt grading became real. Ever since getting my brown belt (3rd kyu) the “big one” has been in the back of my mind, but far enough away to not worry. For the first three months of the year I’ve been able to psychologically avoid it by saying to myself “well if I’m not ready I don’t mind putting it off for six or twelve months”. Even last week when we had our pre-10-week-program grading, I went into it not fussed whether I got through or not. Getting the “you’re on track” from Shihan was a great confidence boost.

However last night was our formal meeting to start the 10 week program. We had to complete an essay titled “Why I want to be a Bushidokan Black Belt” grading which I did over the weekend. I had a bit of trepidation going into the meeting and came out of it with the reality of it having sunk in; if I maintain the program I will be going for my black belt in June.

The program itself is both intensive and time-consuming. Shihan described it as going to hell and back (and there again during the actual grading). There was an element of “doom and gloom” about the program coming from Shihan and the Sensei’s. The program requires a weekly commitment of:

• 3 x 45 minute run a week
• 2 x advanced classes a week
• 80 pushups and 80 situps a day
• practice each kata five times a week
• sets of all the core goju, judo/juitsu and self defence techniques four times a week
• sundry other activities

I need to sit down now and plan out my weeks. I need to find the right balance so that I can still fit in work and family; I don’t have the luxury of putting life on hold for 12 weeks.

We’ve also been told to journal our activities, so this blog may get a workout.

So the emotional roller-coaster begins. From the high of getting through the pre-grading last week to a sleepless night last night processing the reality of it all.