Last Saturday, I took my black
belt test. During the course of the test, I vomited several times, became so
fatigued that I could not stand, and took several blows to my head (wearing
protection) that I became somewhat disoriented. I’m proud to say I survived it!
In martial arts, black best tests
are often seen as a demonstration of the skills acquired by the applicant while
studying at the dojo. In KOUSHINKAI Karate, there is an added element of
perseverance, what we call the ‘Spirit of Osu’, that must also be clearly
demonstrated. I knew this prior to my test. I spent the month prior to the exam
practicing kata, using HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) inspired
workouts, practicing and increasing the number of pushups/sits ups/squats I
could do, and working on my kumite combinations. In KOUSHINKAI Karate, all
tests are catered to push each individual to his/her limit, the instructor recognizes
individual limits vary, and is conducted with safety as top priority.
There were a few things that
surprised me about the test itself that I also believe are worth mentioning.
Being nervous definitely contributed to my fatigue. Also, doing
pushups/sit ups/squats x 100, and essentially achieving muscle failure in my
major muscle groups, affected my kumite a lot more than I anticipated. I felt
like I could barely stand, let alone use foot work. When I got hit in the
torso, I lacked the core strength to tighten up. It felt like I was getting hit
while I was inhaling each time. Since we were striking full contact, it had a
big impact on my performance. Finally, while I had practiced fighting with head
protection, and had taken blows in practice, the fatigue factor greatly
impacted my body’s ability to handle head strikes. In fact, having watched the
video of the kick and hook I received to the head, I realize that there were
not even thrown with full strength, thank goodness, and yet when I received
them, it really did feel like a hammer was being swung at me! I feel like this
has much more to do with being exhausted to the point of not being aware of the
attack.
KOUSHINKAI is a self-defense
oriented karate style. We do not focus on martial art as sport or performance
art; we use traditional karate ideals to improve our abilities in practical
self-defense. I believe my test showed two things. First, my consistent
practice and dedication to my art has paid off. I wouldn't have survived what I
just went through 3 years or even 3 months ago. Second, I have much to learn
and can improve in many areas. I’m excited to continue my journey.
Osu!
Theo R. Okawa
Theo R. Okawa
