Grading Day - 5th Gup

My colleagues seemed to whiste through this grading (show offs) but, I guess because of my foot injury (still painful), I found it really hard and was glad that it was all over and a little relieved to pass. I don't want to be in that state for a grading again.

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And I have a competition to take part in this weekend - doh, why?

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So there we are - another Grading completed, phew, am now a blue belt - I think that's about half way? Another two Forms taught and practiced - it's getting very taxing on the brain cells.

All in the mind?

This injury is getting to me now. It seems the more I train the longer I’m going to be out of action. But I can’t go on at half speed – things to do, monsters to kill …. grading, competition and lots of other things to achieve.

One thing I have thought through though is completing Forms ‘in my head’. The idea may be of use to others and it seems to work for me so have a stab at it – no need to break your foot before you start!

Basically, find some quiet time and space and just imagine, in your head, that you are doing a particular Form or Draw. Take you’re time and concentrate it really works. I also check out the Form with the training book and/or my notes book and, surprisingly, have come up with a few revisions which I need to correct when next training for real.

I’m going to try the grading next week, with my foot and ankle strapped up, and then see how I get on before deciding on the competition for 8 June 2008.

Broke my Foot - Update

Well, I’m over the shock of this training disaster? My left foot is still painful and bruised but at least the swelling has gone down. I’ve chipped a small bone off one of the other bones in my foot and it is now cutting into me when I move – especially when I train. (You didn’t think I was going to stop training did you?)

The Achilles tendon is still sore too – in fact more so than the break. It actually stops you from even walking properly – every step I take is painful and makes me limp. More frustratingly I can’t jump or twist or even stand on up my toes.

I will need to cut down on the training as it is pointless and I may even do more damage. I’m no longer sure about entering the competition, especially with me doing Yedo 5. I’m not even sure I will grade this time – what a setback!

Never say never though! And I can still swim!

Growing in Confidence

Just a review really – just so I can keep my brain in order. Computers write things to disc to free up memory so I’ll try the same? I feel I’m improving at last – not sure if others do – but things are starting to click into place. (Mostly my elbow!)

I can do all the stuff I need for my next grading three weeks away so I have time to improve some more and lessons in hand so to speak. My fitness and weight loss/muscle gain is all better, stretching still poor but increasing and I feel more alert, awake and alive!

The club has also put together a team of students to enter the June competition and I’ve been selected as Captain of the team – a nice thought, so let’s hope we all do well and clean up on the trophies.

June is looking like being an exciting month: grading, competition and, all being well, another visit by Grand Master Eddie from South Africa – fantastic!

Forward Roll - Form 5

Had a spare afternoon in the garden this weekend and, well, one has to try it – so I did and here is the result. Ten attempts produced a ‘sword roll’ of sorts. This was not the best roll – but the best video. Thanks Zoe for taking the videos and for accidentally deleting the best one!

I can see in the video where I go wrong but should be able to correct that – when my bruises fade. I’d forgotten I used Judo mats to practice 'Ukemi' all those years ago. Still, I’m pleased with the results and can/will do better.

My next Grading will be on 3 June 2008 and I need it for then - with the rest of the Form.

Forward Roll and Cart Wheel

This week I’ve come across and age old problem we all have to face sometime – old age! According to the syllabus Form 5 requires a forward roll and Form 9 a cartwheel! And, of course, I need these Forms for thier related Grading!

Should I really be throwing myself across the ground doing a forward roll or a cartwheel – with a drawn sword? To be honest is isn’t the sort of thing I’d planned to do with my retirement and at the age of fifty it’s going to be difficult.

Ha! It was going to be difficult at the age of twenty five but at least I could do rolls then as part of my Judo training. I’ve never done a cartwheel – yet!

Bring it on!

My Little Do-Jang!

Well, here we are again, that’s me in the photo (bad light in the Squash Court, sorry) training. I prefer to train in my Do-Bok, with bare feet, I guess so I don’t look too odd to the folk passing by who expect me to be swinging a Squash Racquet.

Some of my colleagues wear trainers in class but I just don’t like the feel and it may be something about my Judo days where it just wasn’t done. Anyhow, I need to learn both Forms 4 and 5 by June this year for Grading. Form 5 includes a forward dive roll with a drawn sword. That should be fun, not!

Grading Day - 6th Gup

Well, I did it! I’m now a Green Belt in Haedong Kumdo and it feels good.

What more can I say? It seems to have taken a long time but I do feel I am going somewhere now and a have a great understanding of what is needed and what it’s going to take to get there.

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So many people have helped me, so once again, thank you to one and all!

Master Frank Akkerboom - Netherlands

Tonight, during our Haedong Kumdo lesson, we had a guest visit from Holland – Master Frank Akkerboom (see photo). What a surprise!

He gave the class a demonstration in the use of two swords and I have to say it was spectacular beyond belief. How did he do that, together with a few gasps and admiring looks said it all. Yes, how did he do that?

Clearly I am light years away from it but hey, something to aim for – and it does look so good. But you have to start somewhere and his technique is awesome.

On the other hand – I’m not feeling too confident about the grading next week and this evening’s demonstration just shows how far I have to go. However, it does confirm to me, even more, that this IS where I want to go.

Thank you Master Frank for your inspiration.

Year End Results - 2007

Phew! Well firstly a Happy New Year to all – what a year 2007 was for me. I think the photo here shows it all – big smile, happy face, a few trophies and a Yellow Belt. I’m going to pat myself on the back and say I did much better than I ever thought I would last year.

Next year, 2008, my guess is that it will be much harder. I have the basics in Haedong Kumdo and have gone from a white belt to full yellow belt, albeit in three grading exams, in one year. This year I hope to raise two or three belt colours: Green, Blue and Blue/Red and with a bit of luck maybe get to Brown (?). I need to learn a further eight Forms then – I only needed one for the first year – so it will be a tall order. And, of course, there is all the other stuff to deal with as well: cutting drills, perfecting draws, stances and free sparing to mention just a few.

As they say in papers – watch this space to see how I measure up.

Grading Day - 7th Gup

What a great end to a great week – especially after Sunday. Passed this grading feeling quite confident and at ease with Haedong Kumdo at last. I’m a Yellow belt, reminds me of 1974!

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Thank you again to all who have helped, trained, demonstrated and encouraged me through this year.

Grading Day - 8th Gup

Passed again and though not entirely happy with my own performance I’m quite pleased for myself and my colleagues. A much better Grading Day now I have a greater understanding of Haedong Kumdo. A special thanks to Babs who made our new belts and a big thank you to Master Paul Giffen for his special advice and assistance to me!

Group Photo

OK, not the best of photo’s, but here we are on Grading Day -

20 May 2007. I'm the white belt in the middle.

Grading Day - 9th Gup

This was my first grading test in almost twenty five years. Maybe I expected more from myself, the examination or both? I know it’s a mind set – but this isn’t the challenge I thought it was going to be – I think I’ve missed something here? Confused am I! Anyhow, I passed and now have a little black tag on my white belt. Coool.

Grading

I don't beleive it! I'm not eligible for this first grading as I am not 'time qualified'. Never come across this before - you were ether good enough or not? How things have changed - can't say I agree with it but hey - I joined the club and they have rules. Grrr - frustrating.