Big news on the home front today. Olivia and I tested for our Yellow Belt, First Stripe (degree) in our Karate classes. We belong to Nix Dojo. It is Okinawan Style karate, the entire name is actually: Ryokoku Seidokan Karate Kobudo Renmei (you can check out their site at: http://www.ryokokuseidokan.com/ if you are looking for more info.
Here is Olivia during the first part of her test. The first section is what is known as a Kata. This particular kata is Kihon Kata. It is the first that we learn.
The best part of the kids test was that Sensei would yell out the commands to the kids so that they got it. As the belts get higher, the instruction during the test becomes less.
Here is me during my Kihon Kata. I know it doesn't look particularly difficult, but I can tell you that it took me a couple of months until I got it. And now, as I watch myself, I still see MANY things I need to work on (like bending my knees more, better turns etc.). Also, please note that I went FIRST out of the whole testing series this time. I don't know if it was a compliment or not, but I will take it as one. :) (and for the record, this is the first haircut in many years that I am totally unhappy with... blech).
The next part of the test is a series of Self Defense Moves that we learn in our class. They are done by the numbers (in Japanese... ichi=1 ni=2 etc.) I got pretty good video of the kids doing it. I didn't get the adults (as the nice husband who took the video of my kata was filming his wife at the time!). When the adults test we are with a partner actually doing the moves. As your belts get higher, these too get more difficult and you need to do more in the series. For this test we had to know 1-6 (or ichi - roku)
Today was a highlight. First off, as a parent, I loved seeing Olivia up there working hard. She was so nervous when we got there and I took her up on the stage to feel it out. She looked like she had seen a ghost. But once she got started and the other kids were there, she relaxed and had a good time. I caught one photo of her excitement about getting her yellow belt. And one of the black belts (who help with testing) told me afterwards "boy, she was REALLY excited about that". It was nice to see her accomplish something that she has put a lot of time into.
Secondly, since I took on this new hobby/sport back in November, I have enjoyed every moment. I enjoy the sport, I enjoy the people, I enjoy the Dojo. All in all, it has been a positive part of my life here in Okinawa thus far. And, now, I too have accomplished the first step in this process of bettering my stealthy skills. I hope to look back at this video in 2 years and be able to see just how much better I am then. But, for now, I am very happy with my accomplishment.
I think one of the things I love about this Dojo and this experience is the vast variety of people who participate. I wish I had been able to video the entire day, because showing you the "beginner" aspect is such a small part of the talent and hard work that is part of it all. Another highlight today was watching the high level belts test. Brandon (Sensei and Ms. Akemi's son) tested for his 3rd Degree Black Belt. Sensei Toma (our head Sensei over Nix Dojo... ohhh, its a whole hierarchy in the Dojo world thing) was there. I think he is something like 80 years old. It was like being a part of the Karate Kid. I tell you. Just something about taking Okinawan Karate in Okinawa. ANYWAY... Brandon was amazing. There were other high belts too, and it just made me thankful that I get the experience something that I would likely have not done back in the States (and who knows, now maybe I might...).
There is also something to watching the people that you "study" with succeed in their goal. I enjoyed watching my classmates do their Kata. Being in class together, you see where people struggle, where they do well and what happened only yesterday in class as a hang up. It was a proud moment for me to watch these people (mostly women) who I have only known for a short time, but see work so hard physically to obtain their next goal. Way to go ladies! (and Sean and Kenny too).
This is Olivia with Emily and Christopher. They all started Karate back in the fall together. It was fun to see them accomplish this together.
5 comments:
I have no idea with whom I am more impressed - Olivia or Kelly - you both are fantastic! You can tell you put a ton of work into it. I am impressed that Olivia seems to have really practiced, given her age. That's tough! She's going to be awesome. Well, she is already.
The air force base and field trip shots were hilarious.
Ok so we think that you should send in Olivia's video to funniest home video...not because of the black belt Olivia...but Emily to her right was hilarious. Emily and Bryce and I watched both videos and you guys did great. The kids were very impressed with Olivia.
That was awesome!. Congrats to.
you both! Lincon enjoyed watching and I will let
Madi watch when she gets home.
We are very proud of you both. Both of you were wonderful! What a great accomplishment and so meaningful to have done it in Okinawa.
Kelly, these are just amazing. I am slightly teary-eyed at watching Olivia. I didn't know a 5 year-old could be so dedicated to something, you can tell she practiced and practiced. I'm so glad you are both doing it. Congrats on your yellow belt!! And yay to finding something that you are enjoying so much!! Talk to you soon!
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