My First Grading

[Turnstar]

I have just found out our club is holding internal Kyu gradings soon. I am a bit nervous about it and when i get nervous i tend to make mistakes. Any ideas how to control your nerves before doing a grading.

[Anjin-san]

Just relax, you've put in the time at the dojo, you're ready.

[Banza Joe]

dude,
just chill, you're 26, so you should be able to calm your mind by now. If you're confident in what you know, you should be ok. Is Mr Bishop your sensei?

[Turnstar]

Yes he is my sensei. And i am sure he will have some words of wisdom on the grading topic tonight a training. Once i know what format the grading will take i will probably be fine.

[Andoru]

Someone told me that I should treat shinsa like it's another training - I agree with him completely.

[JHusch]

Before the grading started that I had, our Sesei came to us and said " Do everything the sameway that you do in practice. Do not try and change anything."

I guess that also releates to the statement of you play like you practice.

[Pauly]

Before the grading started that I had, our Sesei came to us and said " Do everything the sameway that you do in practice. Do not try and change anything."

I guess that also releates to the statement of you play like you practice.My sensei does something similar. Before gradings and even shiai, he tells everyone, "Remember, kendo is for fun. Enjoy yourself as you do in club practice."

[bamboo_stick]

Yeah, just relax and do exactly what you do at practice and you should have no problems. Remember, your sensei let you take the test because he/she thought you were ready!!

Have fun!!

[Optomitrist]

my sensei said two things to me "they are looking for 'big swing' and 'loud voice'"

What are you testing for? Based on your age I'm asuming it is one of the higher ranking kyus. Just have high spirit and good luck.

[Rurouni Kenshin]

If you dont mind a complete n00b speaking that hadnt any gradings yet.

Just get in "the zone" , dont focus on your surroundings...............just on your opponent and goal.........let your mind flow and do like you did in practice.
It's the same way I feel about all forms of sports even when martial art is not a sport; An UEFA World Cup Final or a NBA Final shouldnt be any different than a backyard fungame with your mates......................

Good luck btw on your grading...............break a leg............

[webjunkie401]

Okay, I graded for the first time in February and this is what I rememeber.

I was really nervous, and I don't think there's anything wrong with feeling nervous, pretty much everyone does, even after the first grading (which is what people in the dojo tell me).

Okay, so the grading itself, they had me do kirikaeshi since I had never done it before, and by the time I had finished that and started into the first round of jigeiko, wasn't feeling nervous anymore. You'll get focused enough doing kendo to forget to feel nervous. Personally, I think worrying about being nervous just makes us more nervous, which makes us worry, which makes us more nervous, and its just a vicious cycle.

Try not to worry about the grading, and I completely agree with everyone else, treat it as another day of practice.

Good luck.

[Michael_St_A]

You'll be fine. The grading will be embedded in a seminar which will ease you in. Just switch on when you enter the dojo and let the sensei teach you!


Gambate!

[ukenagashi]

have you ever done any demonstrations infront of the class? its just like that, just think of it this way, i read it about pre fight nerves it was "dont think of what the other person can do to you, think of that person as a target with multiple weak points and places for hitting"

seeing as this grading is a international grading and im sure other people will be doing it, think of the others as inadequate, absolute crap at iaido so when you are waiting for your turn look at the others think how you could improve on what the did look for thier mistakes and show them how it should be done ive never been told when i was doing a grading i was doing karate and the sensei sed "ok lads you and you are doing a grading" i thought "oh.........ok then"

so just think how could you are, nads to everyone else just do your stuff

[Darth Neighbour]

i also passed my first grading in february to 8th kyu in kendo and iaido. although i had been in training since september 2004 and was well prepared, i was nervous, cold sweat on my hands, the damn bokken shakin like a twig in the wind.
but i guess, that was not because it was my kendo-grading, but because of a general fear of tests, some kind of post-school-trauma.
at my dojo, the grading-test itself is not the most important thing, because it is only a 10 minute performance. it depends on your daliy shape, good mood or lot of stress changes your concentration, like in school.
but our senseis also watch our progress during regular training, so you´re not pinned down on that single event, so there is no need to be afraid at all, especially for your first grading.
the senseis are surely interested in your progress and they know, that passing the first grading is an extra-push of motivation to most students.

take a deep breath, listen to the commandos, don´t be hasty, if you have to think of some movements first and you get the job easily done.

[bullet08]

think about good pint of your favorite ale.. it should go by really fast. i don't really remember much about the testing, but it was short and sweet. got there on time.. took the test.. thank the sensei.. and was outta there.

if you have weak stomach, don't eat haggis before the testing.

pete

[Alan03]

Just try to relax and take it slow. The faster you go through the grading the more mistakes you'll make to try to get it over with. A few points from my grading that I tried to remember was to focus on using my left hand and even if I miss the target my shinai would not hit the floor or shoulder of the motodachi. In addition, kiai as loud as you can for every swing that you make. Once you get into it you'll be more relaxed and everything would just come together like in practice.

So basically:

Relax
Take it slow
Left hand
Kiai

[Yiu Fai]

I've been training in kendo twice a week since November last year and my 1st grading will be 8th May, I don't feel nervous at all atm, but I think that will change closer to the date... :wink:

Oh and this is my first post on this board too, a newbie in the dojo and on this forum, oh well hopefully I pass my first exam and become not so newbie in at least one sense!

[Hisham]

Good luck with your grading and welcome to the forums :)

[Commander]

Gambate :D

Im sure you'll be fine, even although i have not graded....yet :)

[Kirsty]

I might have my first grading in May. I'm a little scared. My sensei kept having to correct me the other day. I hope I don't mess up. :ermm: I'm glad I have all of you to talk to in these forums since I hardly say anything when I'm at the dojo. I hate being shy.
I'm also very happy about the grading. I can't wait! I guess most of you know how I feel...nervous and excited at the same time. =P

Anyway, good luck!

[joekc6nlx]

Kirsty, it's okay to be nervous - that's normal. Even nanadans going up for hachidan are nervous, and think of how long they've been doing kendo. Just because your sensei pointed out something wrong, there's plenty of time before testing for you to correct that and do it correctly without consciously thinking about it.

When you go up for your grading, you'll be nervous, but don't let your nerves rule your actions. You have the training, the ability, and the desire to test, and if you just keep your eyes focused on your partner, and not worry about anything else in the room, you'll be fine.

Which grade are you planning to test for?

I'm working on testing for ikkyu whenever we have our next promotion exams, so I'm diligently working on kata.

[Kirsty]

Kirsty, it's okay to be nervous - that's normal. Even nanadans going up for hachidan are nervous, and think of how long they've been doing kendo. Just because your sensei pointed out something wrong, there's plenty of time before testing for you to correct that and do it correctly without consciously thinking about it.

When you go up for your grading, you'll be nervous, but don't let your nerves rule your actions. You have the training, the ability, and the desire to test, and if you just keep your eyes focused on your partner, and not worry about anything else in the room (http://000info.com/?go=room), you'll be fine.

Which grade are you planning to test for?

I'm working on testing for ikkyu whenever we have our next promotion exams, so I'm diligently working on kata.

Thanks for the advice. ^_^
Um... Since its my first time I have no idea about anything. ^^;

[joekc6nlx]

Thanks for the advice. ^_^
Um... Since its my first time I have no idea about anything. ^^;

My federation (ECUSKF) allows us to test for an unspecified grade if we're in the kyu grades. If we say we are going for a specific grade, and don't make it, we do not get a consolation grade promotion. In other words, if I were to test for sankyu, and didn't make it, the judges wouldn't automatically award me a promotion to a grade that would be appropriate to my performance.

So, by just going out and doing our best, we leave it up to the judges to determine which grade we should be given. Except for ikkyu, though, where we HAVE to tell them we are testing for ikkyu. That is the only grade where we are required to do kata, and then only the first 3 kata. For all other grades below ikkyu, it's kirikaeshi, uchikomi, and one match with an opponent.

You'll be fine, and once you've done that, you'll be inspired to work on the next level.

[RC_Kenshi]

Kirsty,

In our federation (NCKF), you (or actually your Sensei) specifies the grade for which you will be testing, even at the kyu levels. My guess is you will be testing for 6-kyu. If you would like to test in May, please mention that to Nakagawa-sensei, and to either Kyle or Jon. That way there is no doubt in their minds about whether you want to or not.

When you do test (whether in May or November) the format NCKF uses is each kenshi will do both parts of kirikaeshi (using the shinai to receive), then do two rounds of jikeiko. Jikeiko lasts until the judges decide they have seen enough to decide whether you pass or fail; it can range anywhere from 30 seconds to 5 minutes. For both parts, remember to keep your kiai big, your swings big, your zanshin big; everything BIG. During the jikeiko, don't worry about scoring a point, the judges aren't looking for that. Focus on perfect kendo. Concentrate only on the basics: men, kote, do; and follow through with good zanshin and a loud kiai. At your level, if you can get one good solid men, thet's probably good enough. Do not worry about hiki waza (e.g., men-taeatari-men, etc.). Just keep going forward, whether or not you you strike first. And be aggressive.

Good luck,

RC_Kenshi

[Kirsty]

Thank you RC_Kenshi and joekc6nlx ^_^

Kyle asked me about this. Thats how I knew. ^^ I'll make sure that they know I really want to be graded though. Just in case they aren't sure.
I thought I might be testing for 6-kyu.
Now I just need to practice being aggressive and following through. I'm no good at that. ^^; I always hesitate! I guess there is too much going on in my mind. I'll have to try not to think so much as well.
I hope I don't forget everything at the last minute and fail. @_@;

[joekc6nlx]

Thank you RC_Kenshi and joekc6nlx ^_^

I'll have to try not to think so much as well.
I hope I don't forget everything at the last minute and fail. @_@;

In the words of Master Yoda, "There is no try, either do or do not." You will NOT fail. If you have been practicing kendo for this long, you will do just fine. I'll make a suggestion for you - treat it just like regular keiko. During keiko, your sensei is watching you, right? But you don't think about it while you're practicing. I know there's a bit of nervousness associated with your first grading, and that's to be expected. My first grading is at least 3 - 5 months away and I'm nervous right now.

Once you get out on the floor facing your opponent, any thoughts of what the judges are thinking, or even that they're present, will go away. You'll be too busy attacking your opponent to worry about anything else.

I apply the same principle to my tournament matches. I have faced opponents who were sandan and up, but I don't let that prey on my mind. After all, I practice with 7th, 6th, 4th, 3rd, and 2nd dan all the time.

You'll be fine!
One other thing..the judges know you'll be nervous. They were once in your place, most of them haven't forgotten it, either.

[Kirsty]

In the words of Master Yoda, "There is no try, either do or do not." You will NOT fail. If you have been practicing kendo for this long, you will do just fine. I'll make a suggestion for you - treat it just like regular keiko. During keiko, your sensei is watching you, right? But you don't think about it while you're practicing. I know there's a bit of nervousness associated with your first grading, and that's to be expected. My first grading is at least 3 - 5 months away and I'm nervous right now.

Once you get out on the floor facing your opponent, any thoughts of what the judges are thinking, or even that they're present, will go away. You'll be too busy attacking your opponent to worry about anything else.

I apply the same principle to my tournament matches. I have faced opponents who were sandan and up, but I don't let that prey on my mind. After all, I practice with 7th, 6th, 4th, 3rd, and 2nd dan all the time.

You'll be fine!
One other thing..the judges know you'll be nervous. They were once in your place, most of them haven't forgotten it, either.

Thanks ^^
Now that I think about it, I don't get nervous during shiai keiko even though everyone is watching. Maybe it will be like that?
And I like what Yoda said. :silly: Maybe I'll think that during testing. You're right too! I'll will not fail! And if I do....well...I'll just try again!

[Kirsty]

I take back what I said at the end of my last post. It won't apply to me because I won't fail. =P

[joekc6nlx]

I take back what I said at the end of my last post. It won't apply to me because I won't fail. =P

Good for you! That's the spirit!

[kanyil]

haha haggis.

Just relax. it's a kyu grading. Just turn up in a presentable state, relax, do your normal kendo, try not to fall over or drop your shinai, and chances are you will pass.

(I've been told the same applies to almost all gradings - add "if you are ready" to the end of the above sentence for the higher dans) :D

[Yiu Fai]

Kirsty,

I'm facing very much the same situation as yourself and I've made up my mind that all I can do is my very best and let everything else just happen. After I realised that doing my best and preparing mentally and physically is really the only thing I can do to influence the outcome, thats when I stopped feeling as nervous as I did when I first heard about our gradings here in May.

Gambate!

[bluhawq]

My first grading was in Febuary..yeh..6th kyu...but we didin't do kirikaeshi, uchikomi or jigeiko..it was just normal men, kote, do cuts..and footwork..pretty basic stuff (as my seniors would say)to tell you the truth..I didin't feel nervous at all..while my friend was moaning and groaning all through the nite (we slept at a hostel near the grading centre coz we had a seminar the day before) bout grading. well..that situation didin't last for long..I was the FIRST one to grade out of the EVERYBODY who was grading...yeh..i figured that out when they arranged us on the floor..huhu..my heart just went PLONK rite to the bottom...hehe..but it wasn't so bad coz one of the sensei's gave me a tenagoui which confused me coz..why the heck is he giving me a cloth?? (I wasn't in bogu yet)hehe..figured it out later and thanked him of course!...owh yeah..then graded with EVERYBODY else sitting at the back staring..huhu..good thing was that we did in in 5-6 ppl in a batch..so it wasn't so bad for the potential 6th kyu-ers..keke...owh yeah...did I mention my friend (the moaning and groaning one)..yeah..she jumped to 4th kyu..hehe..so much for all the nerves!!!=P

well..GOOD LUCK to both of you..May is it?..just remember to kiai the roof down!!

[goh]

I have just found out our club is holding internal Kyu gradings soon. I am a bit nervous about it and when i get nervous i tend to make mistakes. Any ideas how to control your nerves before doing a grading.

I think suzuki sensei's student rick sempai described it best:"drink beer,sleep well":wink:

[JoonShik]

My first grading was in Febuary..yeh..6th kyu...but we didin't do kirikaeshi, uchikomi or jigeiko..it was just normal men, kote, do cuts..and footwork..pretty basic stuff (as my seniors would say)

u lucky people. we hav kirikaishi twice (one recieiving and one striking), and 2 gi keiko. ill b testin this sunday fo 3kyu. and to the topic of being nervous, dont be. ur only doin stuff that u probably know how to do very well. here, if you can do a great kirikaishi and a ji geiko that just shows wut u know, ur good.

[runsyi]

I've been training in kendo twice a week since November last year and my 1st grading will be 8th May, I don't feel nervous at all atm, but I think that will change closer to the date... :wink:

Oh and this is my first post on this board too, a newbie in the dojo and on this forum, oh well hopefully I pass my first exam and become not so newbie in at least one sense!

I've been training two or three times a week since November too! Last night at keiko my sensei told me to start practicing my kata because the ikkyu test goes up to gohonme. I'm a little freaked now because I can barely do sanbonme.

[Commander]

I haven't graded yet and was wondering, can you grade from nothing to ikkyu or do you have to go from 7th-6th-5th and so on?

[goh]

its all up to your dojo.

[sjp]

I haven't graded yet and was wondering, can you grade from nothing to ikkyu or do you have to go from 7th-6th-5th and so on?

In the UK Kyu Grading is the responsibility of your dojo.
Often close located dojos will get together to hold a Kyu Grading.
For Ikkyu and above there are National Grading Seminars/Exams held during the year.
Glasgow - March
Watchett - May
Stoke - July
Sumi - August
Cranford - October

There is nothing to stop you attempting Ikkyu as your first grading.
But it might be and idea to do a Kyu grading as an experiance.

[Commander]

Cool, i'll have a word with my sensei and see what he thinks :)

[joekc6nlx]

There is nothing to stop you attempting Ikkyu as your first grading.
But it might be and idea to do a Kyu grading as an experience.

One of my dojo mates went up for Ikkyu on his first grading. He did very well, and now, he's Ikkyu, plus he's studying in Japan almost every day at the dojo.

He's going to kill us all when he gets back with all of that training. :wink:

[Commander]

What do you need to know for Kyu level?

[StewRat]

What do you need to know for Kyu level?

http://www.pabudden.com/kodokan/kyugrading.shtml

[Commander]

http://www.pabudden.com/kodokan/kyugrading.shtml

Hey StewRat, which dojo do you practise at? Do i know you?

S :)

[StewRat]

Hey StewRat, which dojo do you practise at? Do i know you?

S :)

Edinburgh and St Andrews, so yes you do know me (I've given you a lift to the Fife Riviera), though I don't think we've been at EKC at the same time for a while.

The nickname is only a thin disguise, but I can't find a smilie with a fair flat-top to give the game away completely.

[Commander]

Edinburgh and St Andrews, so yes you do know me (I've given you a lift to the Fife Riviera), though I don't think we've been at EKC at the same time for a while.

The nickname is only a thin disguise, but I can't find a smilie with a fair flat-top to give the game away completely.

Fife riviera hehehe, I wont be at EKC dojo for the next 4 weeks because Fraz is going on holiday. I've been practicing at Glasgow for a long while though.

I'll try and make a trip up to the east when Fraz comes back.
:)

p.s whats your full name? PM me if you dont wanna disclose here :)

[Kirsty]

O_O Ahh! My first grading is tomorrow! Should I practice today at home? I've been practicing at home a lot and people have said that I've been doing better lately. Just in time for the grading! >_> I still think I need some practice though. So, should I work on kendo at home or should I just not worry about it until tomorrow?

[Light Samurai]

I'd just do a slight review, not a full practice. 0-shrug- I'm not a kendoka, but in Aikido, I'd go over all the techniques, and notice what the key points are. -shrug-
Take what I say lightly, and wait until a kendoka gives better advice :p
Peace and Love.

[Kirsty]

I'd just do a slight review, not a full practice. 0-shrug- I'm not a kendoka, but in Aikido, I'd go over all the techniques, and notice what the key points are. -shrug-
Take what I say lightly, and wait until a kendoka gives better advice :p
Peace and Love.

Thanks ^_^

[Light Samurai]

Anytime. Do you know what rank you'll be going for?

[LarsCW]

Good luck on your grading Kirsty-san.

Will this be another page in your kendo comic? the excitment of the exam?

[Kirsty]

Good luck on your grading Kirsty-san.

Will this be another page in your kendo comic? the excitment of the exam?

Thanks ^^
Hmm. Thats a good idea for the comic. ^_^ I have to finish the character's practice first.



Anytime. Do you know what rank you'll be going for?

Uh...I have no rank...so the first one. ^^;

[Light Samurai]

Thanks ^^
Hmm. Thats a good idea for the comic. ^_^ I have to finish the character's practice first.





Uh...I have no rank...so the first one. ^^;
Ooooo. Hehe. I wonder what the firdt rank is in Kendo.. I guess it varies from dojo to dojo... Speaking of rank, do any of you guys wish that more martial arts would use the menkyo system? Deep transmission, complete transmission, etc?
Peace and Love.

[Taisaburo]

Ooooo. Hehe. I wonder what the firdt rank is in Kendo.. I guess it varies from dojo to dojo... Speaking of rank, do any of you guys wish that more martial arts would use the menkyo system? Deep transmission, complete transmission, etc?
Peace and Love.

Rokkyu is the first rank. It doesn't vary from Dojo to Dojo. And no i do not wish more Martial Arts would use the older system. Leave it to Bujutsu to use them.

[h2o]

Rokkyu is the first rank. It doesn't vary from Dojo to Dojo.
Uhm, maybe not if you look only in the US. I believe kyu gradings are administered at a national level.

[Kirsty]

I just got back from my first grading. It went by so fast I didn't even realize what I was doing. XD I can't really say if I did good or not. Is that the way it is for everyone? I wasn't even thinking, so I probably forgot a lot of the things people told me. I made sure my kiai was loud though!

[joekc6nlx]

Well???????????????
Did you pass? For which kyu did you test?
Give us the juicy details, PLEASE!!!!! Enquiring minds want to know.....:)

Good for you on doing what you know without thinking about it, just letting your training take over! <loud applause here>

P.S., for H2O, kyu gradings in the U.S. are done at the federation level, not the national level. It's usually not until we go up for godan that it gets to the national level.

[Kirsty]

I don't know if I passed or not. I really have no idea at all. o_o I hope I did.

[samurai999]

The Kyu grades are done from federation to federation in the US, but it shouldn't be that hard. If you don't have no clue what kirikaeshi is before the shinsa, THEN I might say that you are in a bit of a pickle.

Tim

[joekc6nlx]

Kirsty,

They should have assigned you a number or some other identifier (so your name wouldn't be used), and would have posted that number somewhere or announced it somehow. If you heard or read your number, then you passed. Were you going up for a particular kyu or just going out and letting the judges decide which kyu to award you?

[Kirsty]

Kirsty,

They should have assigned you a number or some other identifier (so your name wouldn't be used), and would have posted that number somewhere or announced it somehow. If you heard or read your number, then you passed. Were you going up for a particular kyu or just going out and letting the judges decide which kyu to award you?

They assigned me a number, but I don't think they announced who passed or not. Everybody just left. I don't know what kyu I was going for. ^^; I need to ask more questions...(I don't talk very much at the dojo). All I know is I was number 19. o_o; Not that that helps any.

[Commander]

Kirsty, i hope that you passed (you probably did :) )

Theres a grading on July im not sure if i should go for it, my sensei thinks i should but i down myself, im not good enough or i'll likely make a mistake etc.

The grade im supposed to be going for it Ikkyu its my first grading

[Kirsty]

Kirsty, i hope that you passed (you probably did :) )

Theres a grading on July im not sure if i should go for it, my sensei thinks i should but i down myself, im not good enough or i'll likely make a mistake etc.

The grade im supposed to be going for it Ikkyu its my first grading

Don't worry about making a mistake. I saw a lot of people make mistakes ( I was most likely one of them) . The biggest mistake was the kiai. I could hardly hear some of them! Just make sure to be confident and kiai! (I should be taking my own advice =P )

AHhh! Why don't I know what rank I was going for! I hate being shy and not asking enough questions. @_@

[joekc6nlx]

Kirsty, you certainly don't seem shy when you're on the dojo floor, (at least, I get that impression from others), and certainly not while you were testing.

I see where kendo has had a positive influence on you. Good for you! I'm anxiously awaiting the next promotion opportunity for our federation. I missed the one in March.....darned pulled muscle.

Commander, test anyway, even if you don't think you're ready for it. You might be pleasantly surprised to find that you are more than ready. Trust your sensei's judgement in this, you'll be fine.

[Kirsty]

Kirsty, you certainly don't seem shy when you're on the dojo floor, (at least, I get that impression from others), and certainly not while you were testing.

I see where kendo has had a positive influence on you. Good for you! I'm anxiously awaiting the next promotion opportunity for our federation. I missed the one in March.....darned pulled muscle.

Yeah. Kendo is making me feel less shy. I bet a lot of people who knew me before can probably hardly believe that I do something like kendo. I hardly ever talk to anyone at my dojo...even though I really want to. I hope they don't I'm weird or rude because I don't say very much to them.(I will talk if spoken to) Its no fun being shy! @_@ One reason I'm on the computer (http://go-all.com/?go=computer) so much is because I can be myself and talk to so many people. o_O And I'm writing too much! sorry ^_^;
Anyway... You must have been upset, when you couldn't go to your promotion. I know I would have been. Good luck on the next one though! ^_^

[Commander]

Why the hell not, i think i'll have a go :)

[RC_Kenshi]

They assigned me a number, but I don't think they announced who passed or not. Everybody just left. I don't know what kyu I was going for. ^^; I need to ask more questions...(I don't talk very much at the dojo). All I know is I was number 19. o_o; Not that that helps any.

Hi Kirsty,

Unfortunately they did not post the results yesterday. I understand they did have some of the results (probably the earliest testers, like yourself), and if you had gone to the judges table right after the shinsa you might have been able to find out. By the way, you were testing for rokyu.

I was watching you, and you did quite well: you had a good kiai, your zanshin was good, you followed through well. It's obvious you've been paying attention to the advice you've been getting for the past month or so (a couple of our sempai have commented to me on how much you've imoroved in the past month - I must agree). If it was up to me I'd probably award you at least gokyu, but then again, I'm biased.

We should have the results in a week or two (hopefully). Maybe you'll find out as soon as Thursday. Congratulations on making it through your first shinsa. Now you know what to expect, the next one will be easier (as long as you keep up the good work.

[Kirsty]

Hi Kirsty,

Unfortunately they did not post the results yesterday. I understand they did have some of the results (probably the earliest testers, like yourself), and if you had gone to the judges table right after the shinsa you might have been able to find out. By the way, you were testing for rokyu.

I was watching you, and you did quite well: you had a good kiai, your zanshin was good, you followed through well. It's obvious you've been paying attention to the advice you've been getting for the past month or so (a couple of our sempai have commented to me on how much you've imoroved in the past month - I must agree). If it was up to me I'd probably award you at least gokyu, but then again, I'm biased.

We should have the results in a week or two (hopefully). Maybe you'll find out as soon as Thursday. Congratulations on making it through your first shinsa. Now you know what to expect, the next one will be easier (as long as you keep up the good work.

Thats good to hear. I barely even remember anything it went so fast. ^^: I just remember my kiai and someone yelling at me for being too close to the line. So I was testing for rokyu? I had no idea! Like I was saying, I need to talk more and ask more questions! Thanks for telling me. ^_^

[joekc6nlx]

Anyway... You must have been upset, when you couldn't go to your promotion. I know I would have been. Good luck on the next one though! ^_^

Well, when the doctor told me no kendo for 6 weeks, and said don't even think about the promotion, I thought about it for a while, and came to the conclusion that I'll just have that much more time to prepare for the next exam. As long as I keep in mind that I'm trying to improve, not necessarily make a particular kyu, I'll be all right.

Oh, and you don't write too much......

[Kirsty]

Well, when the doctor told me no kendo for 6 weeks, and said don't even think about the promotion, I thought about it for a while, and came to the conclusion that I'll just have that much more time to prepare for the next exam. As long as I keep in mind that I'm trying to improve, not necessarily make a particular kyu, I'll be all right.


Thats a good way to look at it. ^_^ I know how it feels to have to quit kendo for a while like that. The reason was a lot different though... =(


Oh, and you don't write too much......

Thats good. ^^; I was afraid that I talked (wrote) too much on the computer (http://get-data.net/?go=computer), while not talking enough offline. =P Well, the part about not talking enough offline is true...

[Eiliries]

@Kirstyn: Don't worry (be happy?), you did really well, I was impressed by how loud and clear your kiai was. If you want to talk to anyone at the dojo, go ahead, I'm certain your input would be much appreciated! And don't worry about saying anything stupid, thats what I'm there for :wink: .

[Kirsty]

@Kirstyn: Don't worry (be happy?), you did really well, I was impressed by how loud and clear your kiai was. If you want to talk to anyone at the dojo, go ahead, I'm certain your input would be much appreciated! And don't worry about saying anything stupid, thats what I'm there for :wink: .

haha. Thanks ^_^
After someone told me (and the other people near me) "Those people aren't going to pass. Their kiai isn't loud enough," I made sure to kiai as loud as I could at the time.

But yeah, I should just talk and not worry about it.

And don't worry about saying anything stupid, thats what I'm there for :wink: .
:silly:

[samurai999]

Oh you're in norcal, kristy? Which dojo? I was in Palo Alto... Good times.. Good times...

As for testing, if you're testing in Norcal, don't worry about it. If you know something.. anything.. Well, in terms of shiai or kirikaeshi, you should be fine for 6kyu... I skipped from nothing to 5kyu to 2kyu to 1kyu(for kata) then to dans.. Kiai isn't a major deciding factor in grading, but it should be there. I have seen (or heard) people with absolutely no kiai pass kyus. If you have loud kiai and if you are going for kyu, it is always a good thing... It shows that you have some spirit.

If you take the no kiai thing to dans, then you're in big trouble....

Tim

[Kirsty]

Oh you're in norcal, kristy? Which dojo? I was in Palo Alto... Good times.. Good times...

As for testing, if you're testing in Norcal, don't worry about it. If you know something.. anything.. Well, in terms of shiai or kirikaeshi, you should be fine for 6kyu... I skipped from nothing to 5kyu to 2kyu to 1kyu(for kata) then to dans.. Kiai isn't a major deciding factor in grading, but it should be there. I have seen (or heard) people with absolutely no kiai pass kyus. If you have loud kiai and if you are going for kyu, it is always a good thing... It shows that you have some spirit.

If you take the no kiai thing to dans, then you're in big trouble....

Tim

I go to the Rancho Cordova dojo. ^_^