I realized I never reported here on getting my blue belt a couple of weeks ago. It was a long test (mostly because the blues tested near the end) but not quite as gruelling as the last one–maybe because I remembered to drink more water this time. We had a little less time to prepare for this test than usual because the last one was two weeks later due to spring break for the kids. It meant a little more concentrated effort, especially on terminology and kicking combinations. I’m starting to think that in another belt or two, my head just might explode from trying to remember ALL of the kicking combinations! (We have to learn two new ones for each test, so I was up to twelve this last time.)

I do want to crow about breaking my board on the first try this time, after the embarrassment of taking three tries last time around. This time we had to break with an axe kick, which I found MUCH easier than the back kick. Let’s face it, it’s a lot easier to aim at a board that’s in front of you than one that’s behind you! Next time, though, we have to break with a back spinning kick, and I’ll admit it already has me nervous. Real easy to land on your behind with that kick, even when NOT trying to break a board. Opportunity for embarrassment is high.

But that’s part of why I’m doing this–to play outside my comfort zone and get over the whole fear of embarrassment thing–so I’ll just try to embrace the experience as Personal Growth if I screw up!