Slow and Steady

The results are in: I'm not perfect.

The advancement test on Wednesday went well, but not perfectly. There were several instances during the kata (a series of moves designed to teach basics, as well as continuity) where I made a mistake. Not severe, more of a detail issue, partly due to nerves, party due to not regularly performing the kata, as I should be doing.

Taira-sensei's words were encouraging, though. And for me, taking a simple look back at where I started over two years ago, I'm content with the progress I've made - stronger, faster, more comfortable. There is still so very far to go, however, and even achieving a status of 初段 しょだん black belt, is really only the beginning.

As Taira-sensei likes to tell us, 空手 からて karate is a life-long activity. Proof? Just ask Taira-sensei's sensei, Nakamura-sensei. He's 84 (at least?) and still strong.