The Free Cycle

This is the last five week cycle of the year. For the black belts, it doesn't really integrate into our promotion cycle, so it's 'free.' We won't be tested on the material, so we can do some crazy wild extra stuff, and I'm wicked excited about what Mr. Mackenzie chose for material for this cycle: Mass attack and the Staff set.

I never really picked up the staff set, so having it for five weeks will be the repetition I need to really burn it in and keep it. It's a fun set to have and practice. Everyone likes to swing a big stick!

Mass attack, defense from multiple attackers, is practically my favorite thing ever. You have to stay efficient: block, evade, or roll off attacks and counter effectively, while keeping mind of the other attackers. Use the closest member as a shield from the others while you strike, strangle, break, or maul him. Never stop moving, do not put your back to the other attackers. Throw the last attacker into the next. You must be ferociously efficient with your strikes, footwork, and motion. It feels like being a small black hole where planets are flying at you. If you stay in one place too long, they all converge at the same time and get pulverized.

Woohoo!

Last Extension Techniques

We finished the list, some were so good they didn't warrant corrections! Yay!

Clutching Feathers - Outward Extended
Locked Wing - BK insert. 1 backnuckle: collar, 2 claws, pin sweep chin, stomp neck
Striking S. Head - step w/elbow
Thrusting Salute - =)
Shielding Hammer - claw
Grip of Death - =)
Scraping Hoof - rear crossover right rear stomp
-- back kick, drop kneel, front kick to chin. (spin version)
5 Swords - index eye slice
Glancing Salute - slices
Lone Kimono - out extended
L. Horns - =)
Gift Destruction - rebound
-skipped Dance of Death
Triggered Salute - =)

also, spar wars was amazing!

Pass

I passed my step exam! Yay! I was told the test for third degree black belt is "soon." Awesome.

Step Exam

Tonight I'm practicing for my step exam. The test is tomorrow and I have every confidence that I will pass, given practice.

I practiced on Saturday, also.