I literally spent the last four days trying to put together a video that summed up the test. I was pretty proud of it, while it was still in my head. It turns out that I have neither the software or technical skills required to make the video I wanted. So, I put the video editor to the side and started doing what I do best.
I can now say that I finally understand why Teri was reluctant to write about (or even talk about) her test. No matter how hard you tried, or how well everyone says you did, you never really do as well as you wanted to. When all is said and done, if we actually got letter grades on Shodan tests, I probably would have pulled a C minus. Maybe, even a D plus. But, lucky for me, the test is kind of a pass-fail thing.
I have trouble remembering dates. My kids have learned that I will not wish them a happy birthday until I get my Google calendar reminder (or see it posted on Facebook). My husband has saved a fortune in anniversary presents because I can never remember it, myself. With that kind of memory, what chance do I have of remembering actual historical dates?
Sensei: When was Tatsuo Shimabuku born?
Me: September 19, 1918. [It was 1908.]
Sensei: When was Isshinryu founded?
Me: 1958. [1956.]
And, I have equal trouble remembering names. Lucky for me, Sensei gives partial credit.
Sensei: Who was Shimabuku’s very first teacher?
Me: . . .his uncle. [This is actually right, but the uncle’s name was Chioyu.]
The kata portion of the test was OK. At our school, when the test is over, we receive score sheets that include sensei’s comments about each of the kata. What’s frustrating is it’s the same comments I hear all the time. Here’s the thing, I practice a lot. But, when you keep making the same mistakes again and again, it makes you wonder why you spend some much time practicing. (Seriously, I could be working on the blog or napping or something.)
As for Sanchin…
It’s no secret that I struggle with the whole “mental arrow” of karate. I have a really short attention span and I’m easily distracted. I often record myself practicing and I can see where I lose my place, get confused or (my favorite) wander out of frame for several seconds before I rush back completely embarrassed. (That’s right, I totally forget what I’m doing and wander off to do something else.)
Sensei said I seriously need to work on my focus. (Duh.) Actually, I was probably more focused for my test than I have ever been when working Sanchin kata on my own. So, good thing he didn’t see any of my practice video. But, like Sensei Burrell said, “Sanchin is the only kata that’s totally different when you practice it by yourself.”
(And, yes, that is my underwear sticking up out of the back of my gi in the picture above. Luckily, I was completely unaware of this during testing.)
In general, I’m much better at remembering concepts, ideas and relationships. So, that’s why I think I did pretty well when explaining how to determine the proper fit for sai and bo. I think I even did reasonably well remembering the “official” kata times that came from the films of Shimabuku performing them.
And, I’m comfortable with my bunkai (practical application). I’m not ecstatic about the bunkai portion but I feel I did OK for Shodan. My bunkai wasn’t fancy. It wasn’t elegant. But, most of it was pretty solid and works. In fact, I was a little disappointed I didn’t get to show any bunkai for the weapons kata.
During the test, however, I did have one, horrible bunkai failure. It was a move I’ve tried in the past and worked with no problem. But, performing it for the test, the technique failed. My uke was holding onto my gi top and, after performing the break, she still had a tight grip on my top. I was like a bunny in headlights, just frozen and forcing my way through the planned application. (I SWEAR it worked before, even against different sized people/uke. I just couldn’t believe it was letting me down.)
If this ever happens to you during a test, act like you’re in a real fight. If you are really in a fight and you throw a technique that doesn’t work, you just move on. Hopefully, the next technique will work. Although, that’s kind of hard to remember in a testing situation.
So, once again, probably a C performance overall. But, like my sister-in-law says, “C still gets the degree.” And, best of all, I won’t test again for at least a year. (Woo-hoo!)
