Tales of a Blue Belt assessment

Saturday, April 8th is a date I’ve been eagerly awaiting ever since Rob first informed me that would be the date of my Blue Belt assessment back in January. This assessment is something that I’ve wanted to do for over a year and I know during that time I wasn’t exactly shy about voicing my opinion that I was ready to do it. Now that it’s finally here there’s only one word to describe how I’m feeling – terrified. I haven’t been this nervous since my University exams back in the days when Y2K was still a genuine concern.

I feel ready for the assessment, if anything I’ve taken my preparation too seriously. By nature I have quite an obsessive side to my personality and this has certainly come out in the two months leading up to my assessment. I’ve kept written logs of what lessons I’ve attended and what I’ve done in those lessons. I‘ve attended a few Blue Belt assessments before, but as anyone who has done an assessment will tell you it’s completely different when it’s your own assessment.

When it comes to doing any type of physical activity despite any nerves that I might feel I’ve always been extremely confident in my abilities. I may be terrified, but in all honesty I don’t envisage any scenario in which I don’t pass my assessment first time. Looking back now I cringe a bit at my thought process approaching that first assessment. I may have put all the hard work in physically, but as Rob has told me on a few occasions there is a lot more to Karate than just the physical. Physically I was prepared, but mentally it was a whole other story.

When the assessment starts I feel like I’m performing well and everything is going according to plan. As the assessment progresses my confidence is growing and the nerves are long gone. When it’s time for the Sanbon Kumite I can’t help but think about the Blue Belt assessment two weeks previously. After failing to pick up on Rob’s initial first attack I got punched in the face for my troubles. The nerves are now back in full force and when I get a stitch while working with Lisa, I for lack of a better term completely lose my head.

I know people have overcome far worse things than a stitch during assessments, but unfortunately my reaction to this isn’t good. I become increasingly frustrated at not being able to perform at 100%. I’m getting hit far too many times for my liking and with each hit the red mist descends a little further. I’m being countered on my third attack while I’m over reaching and off balance which is resulting in me literally stumbling seven or eight feet across the hall. I know it’s going badly, but I don’t seem to have the ability to turn it round. The Sanbon Kumite seems to go on forever and I remember thinking to myself at the time that I just want this to stop so I can get the heck home.

When it’s over I’m pretty upset as I know the Sanbon Kumite was a complete disaster. I remember various people such as Toni, Chris, Justin and Lisa trying to console me, but unfortunately it doesn’t make me feel any better. I know there’s no way that my performance during the Sanbon Kumite was good enough to meet the requirements of a Blue Belt. In fact the first thing I do when I get home is email Rob saying that I know I’ve failed the assessment and that I need to re-do it as soon as humanly possible.

At my next lesson on the following Tuesday, Phil tells me that I received a partial pass and that I need to re-do the Sanbon Kumite section of the assessment. Whilst disappointed I didn’t pass first time I’m relieved that I will only have to wait a few weeks to try again. Donna and Simon also receive partial passes so at least I won’t be doing the re-assessment on my own.

After getting my feedback from Sarah and Dave there’s a general consensus that my issue is more a mental one than a physical one. It’s something that has been an issue in my time at the club – getting frustrated when things don’t go well. I take Rob’s advice about meditation, something that I used to practice regularly and book myself onto a meditation workshop (I do listen to you occasionally Rob!). I know that I need to get my mind-set right before re-doing my assessment as it wasn’t where it needed to be the first time.

Over the next few weeks I work a lot with Dave Pope on my Sanbon Kumite and the importance of staying calm, focussed and not getting frustrated when I get hit. On the Tuesday before my second assessment Dave gives me probably the best piece of advice anyone has ever given me at the club. He tells me that he wants to see “Yoga Keith” at the assessment on Saturday. I know exactly what he means by this; the more I think about it the more I realise that I’m a very different person at Yoga to what I am at Karate. I think it’s a combination of adrenaline and the fact that Karate isn’t something that comes naturally to me. This results in my becoming frustrated when I struggle with certain aspects of Karate.

When I arrive at the dojo I’m surprised at how calm I am. I’m a little nervous, but it’s night and day from last time. When it comes to the Sanbon Kumite section I’m feeling relaxed and confident. I remember thinking ‘Yoga Keith’ right before I start the Kumite with Toni. I’m feeling a little tired when, after Nick, I have to work with Pete. I’m struggling with Pete due to his technique and the fact he is so ridiculously fast. He hits me a few times, but I resist the urge to try and hit him back. At the end I’m not sure if I’ve done enough to pass. I know that I’ve done much better than the first time, but that’s a pretty low bar to clear.

I’m told that I’ll find out the result at my next lesson which will be on Tuesday. When I arrive at the lesson I’m feeling more nervous than I was for either of my assessments. When Rob tells me to come and get my Blue Belt my initial feeling is one of overwhelming relief, soon followed by sheer joy. The fact Donna and Simon also passed really was the cherry on the cake as the three of us have spent so much time practicing and helping one another over the last three months.

Looking back on the whole process a few weeks later one thought really springs to mind. When you reach the higher grades you really do need to be a well-rounded practitioner. Previously I knew my temperament and focus weren’t the best, but I always believed that my physical abilities could make up for any mental shortcomings. The assessments showed me that if you have neglected any one area of your Karate you will be found out.

I remember a few weeks back Dave saying to me that it could work out for the best that I didn’t pass first time as it would force me to address certain issues I had with my Karate. I do believe this to be the case as I know in the last 18 months or so I had allowed a certain level of arrogance to creep into my Karate. The fact that I didn’t pass first time has humbled me a bit and made me look at certain things I was doing in more detail. I don’t think I would have had this level of self-reflection had I passed first time.

My advice for anyone doing an assessment in the future would be to not get themselves into the state I was in before my first assessment. I know it’s easier said than done, but it really does make a huge difference if you’re calm and relaxed. Also if you don’t pass first time it’s not the end of the world, as Rob said to me I wasn’t the first person this has happened to and I won’t be the last.

In saying all that though I really do hope I pass my next assessment first time!

Ruby's Italian Adventure

My first time experience of a karate course in Italia. I went along with four other practitioners from my club, altogether there was eight of us from England representing our country. I felt nervous about the travel aspect but I knew the karate side would be hard but enjoyable. We landed a day or two ahead of the course so had some time to sight see beautiful Italy checking out Sienna. Pisa is where we stayed in a hotel; it was beautiful but quite basic. The course was from Thursday to Sunday; it was a magical time being be part of a bigger circle of the karate clubs, out on the beach. A different black belt instructor led the warm-ups with all of us standing in a huge circle, it was magical looking around seeing everyone doing the same moves and passer-by’s watching, I think they liked seeing people being together and exercising together, one guy came along and in the middle of a demo wanted to know more about us, some of us giggled finding it hilarious- that's how much of an influence we all had on this guy. (BRILLIANT)

We enjoyed (?) mokuso on the beach (30 mins) of meditation, being still. One sensei at the Sunday evening meal said "allow your thoughts to just come and let it go again, not to be completely silent" so for me I kept thinking about my life and one person in particular who has a huge influence in my life, I felt like crying but then I concentrated on the sand and waves and let my thoughts be washed away and the only person that mattered right there and then was me, only me. The course was led by a Japanese and Italian sensei.

They split the time and lead for an hour each, both of them were gentle and clear in their explanations demonstrating very well each move, the whole course was broken down into two practices each day apart from Thursday and Sunday when time only allowed one keiko. However the practice itself was two hours each and even then it was broken down further into stages so meditation, kihon and demos. I made sure I partnered and worked with different grades and different nationalities. I was offered lots of help by black belts and Kiyoko San deserves special mention, as her guidance was very calm and she didn't make me feel like I was rubbish and couldn't get it first time, they all praised me said I was a good learner and calm.
During the demo it was important for me to sit and stay still. It was very hot and I had to concentrate and keep my focus for the each part, Nakano sensei the Japanese master leading didn't speak English so there was translating from Japanese to English, Italian and a little French, for me English is my second language so it can be hard to process, but I enjoyed listening to all languages; Nakano San  knew one word in Italian, when he finished his demo he said " capire? " and everyone giggled Italians heckled which made Nakano giggle so even if you don't know the language you have to sit next to someone that does, and get them to translate. "We all may speak different languages but we all smile in one" beautiful.
I worked with two Japanese people black belt Junji san and white belt Ninomiya San, even though Junji didn't speak English I read his body language and could understand everything. We worked on "aura" and the three of us sat crossed legged on the beach, I had to block and vice versa; the aura from what Junji San mentioned, in my own words, meant how we need to anticipate the movement even before the attack moves, your hand moves before her hand. It really felt like I was being blessed having two Japanese people and watching them sharing knowledge and practising the technique, it felt like a karate kid moment. I have learnt lots and can't wait to get back and practise and be with other karate practitioners to continue a lifelong journey of this martial art and reminding myself to keep grounded, feet stretch towards the sand, head stretch towards the sun and keep the whole body in the centre, "no tension, just relax"
From here on out I've began my journey and the destination is somewhere in sight, out into the horizon and I can't wait to start this new chapter in my life (ciao Grazie) (origato go sai mez) (merci) thank you for this truly wonderful experience.

Chris - My Journey So Far!

My introduction into Karate came by chance, I was visiting one of my clients and as we do, we started talking about our interest.  I mentioned to him that as a 63-year-old I still try to keep active, playing squash and regularly going to the gym.  I also mentioned how boring gym work was, doing the same routines 2-3 times per week.  He mentioned his interest and explained he was a black belt in Karate; I was interested in talking to him about it as I thought it was all about breaking pieces of wood and shouting loudly!  After explaining what is was about I thought that I would be interested in trying it, but still had some concern due to my age and the demands that would be needed to actively participate.  Showing an interest my colleague Googled looking for venues near me and came across Zenshin Dojo.

Having the contact details, I emailed explaining my situation and concerns and had a reply from Rob stating that he thought it would be a good fit for me and that it offered in his opinion, a good blend of exercise for both body and mind. He also said it can be intellectually stimulating as well as physically challenging and presents a really good alternative to traditional “keep fit.”

I decided to give it a go and during a few taster sessions I decided to join the club.  The first couple of sessions seemed straight forward enough just a few stances and blocks, what could be easier.  However, a few weeks on I did start to find it difficult as there appeared to be no connection from my brain to my limbs, why was I going in a different direction to everyone else?  This became a very frustrating time, why could I not do what seemed to be the simplest moves and there was a time during Kihon when I was completely lost and at the end of the session felt very low.  

I guess if everything was easy we would all be doing everything and there would be no challenges, no mountains to climb, no journey to embark on.  I wasn’t finished yet, time to reappraise, could I do what was being asked of me? Of course I could, it just takes a little bit longer and lucky for me I am a patient person.  Time to step things up and although I still attended the gym I needed to mix things a bit more and try other classes and more practice; not just in the Dojo, the gym, living room and even the bedroom where all practice grounds. 

Cotham, sessions with Greg and messing with my head, doing things in reverse, then to Keynsham with Nick’s class, going giddy doing kicks in a circle, then to Warmley with Phil (why such early starts!), trying to exhaust everybody and that’s just the warm up!  Then the Friday morning session started and a good chance to grab two regular sessions a week and although the new class was mainly for beginners it was what I needed as I realised how I had not grasped some of the earlier concepts.  Staple Hill continues to be my regular practice venue as I continue to move on slowly.

I see Karate as being a jigsaw; I don’t know how many pieces there are or the picture I am building.  However, in order to build up a picture I need to first look for the straight edges and corner pieces, these are the blocks, strikes and stances (Kihon), as I start to build the puzzle I look for more matching pieces, these are the Kata’s.  Next, as the pictures builds I hope to add more pieces, the techniques and applications.  I still don’t know where my journey will end or what the picture will be, but when I see the blue edges of the puzzle pieces, I will know that the sky is the limit.

Steel Fist, Silk Glove

Steel fist in a silk glove

I joined Zenshin Dojo around a year and a half ago with no previous martial arts experience. I didn’t really know what to expect, but in my head I imagined that alongside the physical training there would be a lot of nonsensical proverbs delivered by an ancient sensei. Imagine my disappointment then when for the first few months the not so ancient Rob taught Karate in a very practical and understandable way. I was starting to think Hollywood had made up this stereotypical teaching by riddle method until one cold Tuesday evening Rob dropped the following gem on us:

“You want to have a steel fist in a silk glove”

It was just what I had been waiting for. The paradox is clear, and it left a number of us scratching our heads at the time. However the meaning soon became clear after some more explanation and practice. The steel fist is the power behind the technique, but the silk glove took a bit more time to understand, and much more time to implement. It refers to the way we perform a technique, blending our movement with an opponent’s rather than just being a steel fist crashing into them. 

It’s all about finesse and control while remaining relaxed. It explains how a smaller practitioner can throw all 6’3 of me around with ease if I take the Jeremy Clarkson approach of “POWER”!!!

Once I understood this I had a light bulb moment, and realised this is transferable to almost any sport. I immediately saw the parallels with swimming, which I have taught and coached for almost 10 years. You can only go so far with pure power (steel fist) before you plateau. You also need to be able to relax into the stroke (silk glove), placing your hand in the water in the perfect position to deliver the power.

Although I now understand what Rob meant, it will take many more hours of training and practise before I master the skill. Until then I will keep working away, eagerly waiting for the next time Rob shares some of his wisdom in a riddle.

In Conversation with Iain Abernethy

Recently Iain Abernethy led a successful seminar in Bristol hosted by Zenshin dojo.  During a 20 minute break Zenshin member Justin Richards seized an opportunity to ask Iain questions.  In part one of the interview Iain provides an honest and personal  account of his karate journey so far and his thoughts on karate as an Olympic sport.

What do you find more satisfying, teaching or practising and why?
I enjoy both, but in terms of my practice is just for me, whereas my teaching is for others, and obviously others will outlast me, so I would have to say that I probably find teaching more satisfying as in that will have the longest influence, whereas my own personal practice that obviously dies with me, but my teaching hopefully doesn’t.


 What has been your biggest karate challenge so far?

Probably early on getting used to the discipline of regular training, when I wasn’t a child that would do that, but when I realised I can train consistently and get results from that, that was something of a revelation to me, so I would say that it was probably those early days once I got that habit it’s just never stopped and since then things have been pretty easy karate wise because I enjoy it greatly, there’s a few bumps along the road injuries, you have to overcome and stuff, but that would be it originally, disciplining myself to train regularly.

What has been your biggest success (or what are you most proud of)?

Probably my first book, simply because that was my first attempt to communicate the ideas I had with a wider audience, so although I don’t think it was my best book, and it certainly not my most popular book, it was the one I was most proud of because that was the point where I put my head above the parapet and said I think I’ve got something I want to say, so my first book is probably the one I’m most proud of today.

Were you affected by the 2005 or 2016 floods?

Not directly no, my house is on the edge of the town but obviously the town was badly affected and therefore people I either know or my family, my father lost a car in it, Fred who people might know through the books and DVD’s, his house was flooded out, so people we know, were, and obviously the town I live in was, but personally I was very lucky and got away with no damage to my personal property or anything like that.

What are your thoughts regarding Karate as an Olympic sport?

I’m indifferent to it. I’m happy for the athletes because I know how hard they work and the people around them the referees, the political organisations and I know the amount of effort that people have put in to wanting that to happen, so I’m pleased for them. But for me it’s an irrelevance it’s not what I do, it’s not what I practice, I don’t think it will have a big influence on karate generally as well, because at most we’ll be talking about 30 seconds of highlight footage, once every 4 years, so I don’t think, as some people do, that it will have a big influence on the way that karate is perceived, I don’t think it will. We’ll just turn up at the dojo and do what we’ve always done. So I’m pleased for them but it makes no difference to me.