Feeling a little blue?

Well I’m not really feeling blue, but my Tae Kwon Do belt is turning that colour!  I made it five straight ‘A’ Grades in a row this week with a stirling pass at my ‘Blue Tag’.  I was a bit surprised to get an ‘A’ this time, as I did actually make a couple of minor errors on the test, including getting one of my Korean terms slightly wrong in the theory section.  I must have done enough, though, so that’s what counts. 

 I’m now officially half way to getting my black belt.  The second half will take a lot longer, though, as after my next grading (which I hope to take in May) I will have to wait 6 months between taking the tests.  I’m still enjoying it immensely.  Jackson White is a fantastic teacher.  Anyone in the Daventry area who is considering taking up a martial art would do well to consider trying out one of his classes.  The first lesson is free, so you could always come and give it a go.  You can find out more at Jackson’s website.

In order to get my blue belt, I will have to learn Ibo Matsoki (two step sparring) and Yul-Gok tul, the longest pattern of movements prior to reaching Black Belt. YUL-GOK is the pseudonym of the great philosopher and scholar Yi l (1536-1584) nicknamed the “Confucius of Korea”. The 38 movements of this pattern represent his birthplace on 38 latitude. Although this pattern is longer than the one I learned for my last grading (only 28 moves) it actually looks easier. I reserve the right to change my mind on this once I’ve had a go at trying to learn it, though!

My good lady wife also traded in her belt this week for a new one. She is now a full blue belt. This moves her into the advanced class, and means that in theory I should bow to her each time I meet her whilst dressed in a dobok (Tae Kwon Do suit). Why do I get the feeling she’s not going to let me forget that?