Kickin' Ass!!!!

Today ROCKED!!! I decided to take an earlier class because Monday's class was such a disaster. I thought that maybe I was cut out to hang with the other white belts instead of hanging with the higher belts. I attended the 4:30pm White/Yellow/Orange belt class. It was a great workout, however, not at all challenging, as far as stretching my physical and mental abilities. My instructor questioned why I attended the class and I was honest with him. I told him that I needed a confidence booster and that I felt like I completely sucked. I also told him that I was leaving in tears - out of sheer frustration - on Monday and Wednesday nights. He asked me if I was coming back to night class. I didn't even know that I could attend more than twice per week.

I went to have my nail repaired (In Monday's class, some guy round kicked me and shattered my sculptured nail in 2 places - cool!), and my salon just happens to be across the street from the dojang. As I was sitting there, I realized that I was giving up and not doing my best. In the Tae Kwon Do code that I recite before and after each class, I promise to do my best and live with perseverance. By attending an easier class, I am completely going against both of those ideals.

I decided to attend the 8:15pm advanced class, as well. I am so glad that I did! First of all, my instructor took notice, although he didn't say anything. He was teaching the black belt class. As I geared up, I socialized with my class mates - really great and cool people who are becoming more than acquaintances. Class was incredible! We punched, kicked, and performed numerous hook kick variations. Hook kicks kick my ass. They are truly artful when executed with precision, but very difficult to master. My instructor believes that the hook kick is the basic kicking element that sets Tae Kwon Do apart from other martial arts. The spinning hook kick is what threw me off my game last Monday night. In tonight's class, however, I was able to really grasp the elements of the hook kick and I'm truly getting it.

Surprise! My Partner was Miss Perfect Blonde again. She is really trying and advancing, too. As we worked together, I decided that she and I could truly form a friendship. I need to be easier on her and appreciate the girlie girl in her. She was very supportive and complimentary of the progress that I made since Monday's class. I can tell that her attitude is changing each class to that of a serious student. Tonight I asked what size she is - SIZE 4. WHATEVER - I don't think that I was even born a size 4.

I broke my first board with a round kick! I broke it on the first try - too easy. Next time I'm going to ask for the hardest board.

At the end of class, I was told that on April 25th, I'm testing for my orange belt. I am so excited! I have my form down - Songahm 2 - and just need to work on self-defense and weapons to perfect those skills. It will be an exciting night for me, as my family will be there to watch me. I want to show them the impact that Tae Kwon Do has had in my life.

I ordered a new dobak and hope that it'll be ready for my testing. I had to order a new size, because I've lost 10 pounds AND inches!!!

Tonight I can definitely Kihap!

Kihap!!!

Dedie