Nidan test
On February 28th, 2010, I took the test to become a second-degree black belt.
Here is a summary of what I had to do, besides the calisthenics:
- All my empty-hand forms, opposite side. There are eight of them. This meant that if the first step was with the left foot, I had to do it with the right foot. I suppose you could also call that ‘mirror’. The names are : seisan, seiuchin, naihanchi, wonsu, chinto, kusanku, sunsu, and sanchin. I admit we did not do sanchin opposite side, but that’s not too surprising. It’s not a complex form, but there’s nothing to be gained from being able to do it regular and opposite side.
- My first weapon form, opposite side. This is a bo (long staff) form. The name is tokumine no kun.
- My third weapon form. This is a bo form. The name is urashi bo (sometimes called urashi no kun).
- My fourth weapon form. This is a sai form. the name is chatan yara no sai.
- The fifth weapon form. Note that I said “The” and not “My” … Because I hadn’t learned it. I was told to stay with the group and keep up. I did. That is my proud moment.
It is a tonfa form. The name is hamahiga no tonfa. - Self-defense, including bunkai (analysis) from the various empty-hand forms.
- Knife defenses
- Sparring. This was actually rather fun, about thirty people in line and we (everyone testing for nidan) fought them one after another.
It was tough, but it was mostly a mind exercise. I must admit not remembering any thoughts or feelings during the test; I heard the instructions and executed them, and waited for the next instructions.
I passed.
Phew.
Alright, let’s work towards the next steps.
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Mirrored from Seven steps.