2005 Workout #40: Basics and Kata…

Our Saturday workout this week was extremely useful, as always. We did the test basics (intensively in some cases) followed by an idea that I came up with: our kata (Empi) in sets with the other three black belt kata. I think it helped out to get used to to the pacing of having to switch between katas in close order. It also seemed to help mentally to “get into the fight” for each of the katas in turn with quick turn around.

After class we had a relatively long conversation in the parking lot about the state of the dojo… some of the topics discussed were whether or not purple belts should take it on themselves to teach the lower ranks, the chatty pair of mothers that have been disrupting class lately, and the apparent lack of Hair On Fire intent in the middle range belts.

Usually, it’s either or myself stressing about these issues and it was very interesting to me that apparently I am not the only one. This time I didn’t bring up either issue, but I did happen into the conversation and provide my input. To be honest, matters of the dojo are taking somewhat of a back seat to test preparation in my mind right now so I’m not overly worried about any of it.

Besides, the only one that really bothers me are the pair of mothers, and I figure that will work itself out sooner than later anyway. My only gripe about purple belts helping out the lower ranks is when their bad habits start to rub off which is problematic for the black belts that have to fix them. The middle ranks always get more serious when they’re staring rabid brown and black belts in the face, so I figure that will take care of itself as well.

My training plan for this week is: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Thursday is my birthday, but Tasha has to work. So I’m going to expect a birthday beating!