12:th GRADE TODAY!

Went down to Sifu Riis gradingseminar in Roskilde today, to be tested for the 12:th studentgrade in Wing Tsun. I was scared and nervous, knowing that this would be a Rite de Passage. It is also why I chose to grade outside WT Center, where I know everybody and feel comfortable. I also wanted another Sifu than my own Sweetheart Sifu to test me. To increase fear. 

And ever since Summercamp 2005 when i went for my third grade have I been a bit scared and in awe of Sifu Riis. I can still remember how shaken I was after his classes back then, "Does he really mean we should hit eachother this hard?" and "How can he be so brutal?" was thoughts that went trough my head then, and I can't say I didn't think something similar today, three years later.

It went on for four hours something, and I had to preform Siu Nim Tao, Chum Kiu with application and explaining the theory behind it and also the first four parts of the Dummy form, do defense against weapons, environmental fighting on a long staircase, running up and down trying my best to defend myself against multiple opponents. I also did the helmet-fighting (big fear) and Chi-Sao sections 1-4. 

Pictures will be up as soon as I get them from Sifu Riis. And maybe the film from my fighting-test... 

It was a juicy and thorough test to say the least, but gradings is not something that should be easy, like something you can do on a coffee-break. I believe in real tests, in overcoming your fears, overcoming yourself. 

Now I'm heading full speed for 1:st Technichan. It will not be an easy task. But I'm not in this for discount-techniques and illusions about what I do. Im prepared to devote hard work and time. I want the real deal :-) :-)

Kung Fu means hard work - it is not meant to be easy and cosy all the time. 

Per Aspera Ad Astra.