Yesterday was my test in Hapkido for my full black belt. I achieved my probationary black belt in January, and in our association, you have to test again for full black in six months. That was yesterday. Like all of my tests thus far, I was nervous. I know that I knew the techniques and such, but was nervous about a test. The tests are tough. Yesterday's test for Matt (red belt) and I lasted about 3.5 hours. The last hour or so though was board breaks for all of us testing, so we were only working hard for abut 2.5 hours! :) There were 5 of us testing, and for Sabumnim, that had to be difficult to administer. There were 5 different rank levels to watch and grade!
It was so cool, however, that so many people came to watch & support my test. My in-laws were there and that was awesome! My parents couldn't make the long trip, and that is okay. I'll send them a video of it when Thomas gets it done. Most of my friends from Lincoln made it. Michelle, the black belt in Lincoln, was there as well. I have always admired her, and looked to her as a mentor in Hapkido. This was an especially difficult test for me with her there, as this test now takes me to full black, and she had to stop at probationary. She was quite supportive and had wonderful things to say after the test. I felt so honored that she was there. All our other friends made it from Lincoln - Gerry, Todd, Chris, Megan. I didn't expect everyone to come, and it was wonderful to see their support. Of course, once the test started, I didn't notice anyone, but it was great to get congratulations after!!!
I was able to demonstrate some fun things during this test. I'll post some pictures and video later. During board breaks, Sabumnim handed me 4 boards and told me to set up holders for a series. The only "rule" was that I had to have at least one hand/arm technique and one foot/leg technique. Oh, and I had to move smoothly from one to the next. I set up a series of an outside elbow strike, then palm heel, then knee strike, then front kick. I broke every board in turn on the first attempt. It was so fun! After everyone else did their breaks, I had to attempt 2 paving bricks of 1 3/4 in each. Unfortunately, I didn't break them. I was disappointed, but I know that I let my head get in the way. We went to buy the bricks earlier in the week, and once I saw them, I told myself I couldn't break them. I'll ask Sabumnim if I can retry to break them in a few months. I KNOW I'll get them this time! :)
After the test, Sabumnim usually asks each of us questions about terminology & such. This time, he simply asked me if I was a black belt. I could honestly, without reservation, tell him that "yes, I am a black belt." I know that I know the basic techniques, feel that I can teach them correctly - even if I can't do them correctly 100% of the time. I know that I can live up to the responsibility that wearing the black belt requires. This is such an amazing milestone for me, and I have to admit that I am proud of myself! --- of course, today, I feel like I've been run over by a mack truck, but its a "good hurt"! :)
Again, I'll post some pictures and video when Thomas gets them done. I think he's going to make a small video of my board breaks, and perhaps some others of practicals. It was a good test, and I'm happy to say that now I have 2 years off of testing before I have to go through it again!
Thomas posted a video of the board breaks on the Nebraska Hapkido Association blog. Here's the link: NHA Blog I am not sure if he's going to post more video & pictures, so check back! :)
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