I have struggled with the second degree black belt form. So, much so that each night before we teach, the girls and I arrive about thirty-five minutes early for me to practice. For those who will never the see the form I'll explain it a bit. There are, at least, four times in the form where you are performing moves on one foot. There are three times (I've heard; we haven't finished it yet) where you are doing three kicks, in three different directions BEFORE putting your foot back on the ground. But worst of all there is the "butterfly kick". Sounds beautiful doesn't it. Well, it is when the person can do it. I, however, feel like a cow on roller skates. There is no art in the way I do this kick and there are at least two, possible three, in the form.
Last night in class, I asked Brady (our 3rd Degree Black Belt) on advice for the "butterfly". He told me completely different from what Master Mike had told me at 5:30. Can this get any harder? I said during class I would probably stop after this belt, if not before, because the forms seem utterly impossible for my body to do. At which, everyone reminded me I often say I'm going to quit. Well, this time I was more serious. Every Wednesday, after spending much time Tuesday night trying to do the "butterfly" I wake up sore, even if I take meds that night. John and Master Mike believe I'll be doing this in twenty years; they have apparently not done the math. :)
The encouragement comes in after class. I was one of the last ones to do my form last. Something I was hoping I would not have to do. But I did. Alex told me afterward that "was your best job yet", but if you know Alex everything is taken as a grain of salt. Meaning: I don't believe him. I got my shoes and was sitting down when Brady came over to me. "You underestimate your abilities." It wasn't the words that got me though, it was his expression. The kind of look you get from a sixteen-year-old when what he is saying is true, especially this teen. My reply, "That's a compliment coming from you. Thank you." And it did make me feel better, until I was driving home.
I told John what happened when we arrived home. "That make you feel good?" (He knows Brady too.) "It did, but now I'm wondering if they are just trying to get me to stay." We left it at that. I enjoy TKD. I do. Jesse and Chloe enjoy it too. But it is like Brady says, you have to be good because we are third and second degrees. I pointed out that was the problem, my kicks are not beautiful. Yes, they are strong but the accuracy that makes the beautiful is not there. Not sure where that leaves me. However, there is a tournament this weekend at the Polo Recreation Center in Columbia at 11am. We'll see how I do. I know the girls will be great. Both of them will be competing in forms, weapons, and sparring. I am just doing forms (no chance there) and sparring (only to redeem myself from last year-last place). I think the tournament will help me decide.
3 comments:
Brady must be on a roll. He complimented me sort of the other night too. Said I put him on the run when we were sparring and he's not use to that. ;-)
But, I have to agree, I think you are much better than you think you are! I wish you would share his words of wisdom on the butterfly kick!
Too bad I didn't get to watch you in the tourny. I hope he reschedules it soon!
Not on this topic but... I remembered you asked somewhere about lapbook ideas for studying the states? Depending on what you want them to learn, there are tons of things you could do. I almost wonder if doing a notebook would be better than a lapbook.... In a notebook, you could put an outline of the USA in the front and have them color in and/or the states as they study them. Have them find the flag, bird, tree, motto for the state and copy it into each states page(s)? Have a big outline picture of each state and they could map major cities, highways, regions? Mountains, deserts? Learn what each state is known for? Apples, cars, oranges, etc...
Just thought I'd throw these ideas out - feel free to ignore them ;-)
MM and I were talking about your sparring too on Tuesday. You are my nightmare. :) Said with love. As far as Brady's advice, I can't share it because I didn't get it. He lifts his leg as he starts rather than in the middle and I'm not sure how that works.
Lapbook - you and I are on the same page. I have thought about all of those things. I just want to find a way to fit it onto a two folder lapbook. I thought the girls would enjoy it. John suggested they "look up" things so I'm working on that now. Also, kind of a matching game with it. I'll let you know what I come up with at our meeting in a couple of weeks.
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