Wednesday, December 29, 2010

A Taste of Testing

Here are a few moments of our Black Belt test. You can tell we were really tired!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Black

Three years ago I started martial arts along with Miss Munchkin.  Mostly I wanted her to learn self-defense skills and she agreed to the lessons as long as I took them with her!  Along the way, I’ve learned some valuable techniques, become physically stronger and made some wonderful new friendships.

Miss Munchkin and I have been testing for our Black Belt over the past six weeks.  Last week was our final test.  It was 2 hours long!  Before class started, we had to complete 100 situps, 75 pushups and 25 laps around the dojo.  Then, for the first 30 minutes of the test, we were pushed to our limit physically with strenuous drills and exercises.  After we were good and tired, we were asked to demonstrate all of the techniques we’d learned over the past 3 years.  Kicks and punches, escapes from various chokes and bear hugs, throws and grappling on the ground. Then we sparred.

At the end of class, we learned that we’d passed!  The following night we received our Black Belts in an official graduation ceremony.  We also read a 3 page paper that we’d written about our “journey though martial arts”. 

I’m so glad testing is over.  It is one of the harder things I’ve ever had to do.  I’m really proud of Miss Munchkin for hanging in there though it all and of myself, for doing this at age 40!

PMA DecGrad5
Reading my paper
PMA DecGrad21
Miss Munchkin graduating
PMA DecGrad24
Getting my new belt
PMA DecGrad35
The graduating class (we’re on the right)

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Pictures You Won’t See

On our Christmas card this year:

Smile! 302947

Yes, I know you’re cold.  Just a few more minutes…299247

Get down Trooper!301447

Now put your heads together, closer, closer…. too close!  Ouch.304747 

The Lick309147 

Perfect (if you ignore the galloping dog in the background)306147

Friday, December 03, 2010

Linkey Love



Miss Munchkin and I are halfway though our 6 week intensive black-belt boot camp!  It's pretty tough and we are really sore. Don't make either of us laugh.  Ow. :)








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