Belted blue

Well, I had a few more bumbles than I'd have liked, but I managed to bounce back and recover and get through my test.

Tests at my new Kung Fu school aren't as big a deal as they were at my old kenpo school, where there were written invitations and everyone tested at the same time and there was more ceremony and it was more like a rite of passage. At the new school, until you get into the upper brown belt and black belt ranks, you just test after class whenever the instructor figures you're ready. Last night I was the only one testing, and I found it a bit nerve-wracking to be out on the floor by myself with stealy Shaolin black belt eyes upon me, not to mention a clipboard. Each testing style has its benefits and attractions, and I haven't decided which I prefer, so I guess I'm just fortunate that I've been able to experience both. In any event, this test, like the others I've gone through, was inspiring and humbling.

Thanks, ya'll, for the encouragement in comments and email. Last night was just a small milestone on a long road, but such things are great opportunities to reflect on how far I've come and how far I've got to go.

Plus, now I get to learn nunchuks! Woo!