gggrrrrr

gggrrrrr
first day with my Gi

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Practice Pays Off

I got my first belt promotion -- two degrees on my white belt. It was a long day, but it was so nice to spend it with everyone at the gym. It really felt like such a supportive and comfortable environment. Everyone was so sincere and proud of each other. Some of our coach's black belt friends came from other schools, so it felt official, but they were helpful if anyone was having a hard time. After the kids tested and the women's self defense class, I heard my name called as the first adult belt test. I couldn't believe it. I really didn't think he would call me first. I went up there and mouthed, "oh, crap" to someone who was standing on the side of the testing area. The first thing asked was two take-downs. I hadn't learned very many take downs, but I remembered a couple of things Gary showed me when I was nervous about starting standing (which i've only done twice). And I am so glad that I reviewed that right before testing. The first take down, they knew I was nervous and fumbled on my balance a little, so they said, "relax. do it again." After this, I was okay.

I was so nervous, but practicing definitely helped me remember the steps for each move.

Friday, December 3, 2010

World Wide Web

I appreciate the world of blogs more than ever these days. Originally, I started this blog as a challenge for myself to document a three-month fight training experience (and to see if I could be consistent about writing), but since I didn't actually compete when I had planned to, and fight training has been waning, or at best, fluctuating, this has become about my everyday Jiu-Jitsu experience. My friends read a bit at the beginning, but I found that Jiu-Jitsu moves are not that interesting to those who do not train Jiu-Jitsu (amazing, i know). Not to mention, telling people about crying and freakouts at frustration station, I learned, should not be public information. Especially as the only female currently training at my school, the online world has been a great discovery for me to know that other women are out there.

White Stripes

I haven't taken a test since 2004, but now I can sympathize with my students. I was teaching about test-taking skills last week, and I told them that I am nervous about my first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu test. They think it's pretty neat that I train Jiu-Jitsu. It usually surprises people, which is fun for me to see the reactions. Anyway, my test is tomorrow for two degrees on my white belt. I was a little surprised when the coach told me I was testing, but he sees what I do in class, so if he thinks I'm ready, I'll give it a shot.
I've often thought of my Jiu-Jitsu practice as an opportunity to experience frustration and failure as a challenge to myself; A space where I am always learning and growing and gaining awareness. ... but tomorrow, I am afraid of failure. My fortune cookie last night said, "Don't be afraid of fear."
To avoid the embarrassment of failing in front of my entire school, I've been practicing and thinking about the steps for each move. I still feel as though there is so much that I am shown in class that I can't remember, or don't remember details for... but I'll be practicing with my fiance (yes, there's been a title change) and going to class tonight... wish me luck :-)