This summer, I will be testing for my 6th dahn in Taekwon Do, as well as my 3rd dahn in Hapkido. It will mark my 32 years involved in the martial arts. 6th Dahn will give me the title of Senior master. I don’t like to refer to myself as master, it is a title that my instructor bestowed on me after my 5th dahn test in 2005. My 5th dahn test was brutal. This one will be even tougher. I will be testing under a panel of 9th dahn Grand masters who will be coming from all over the world to sit in on this testing. There will also be my fellow students and seniors testing. There are two others going for 6th dahn with me. One going for 7th dahn and one going for 8th dahn. Due to the enormity of this test, we have been told to expect and train for the most brutal of tests. My instructor (Grandmaster Rudy Timmerman) believes in old school training. This means that the training and testing he does resemble what was done back in the 60’s and 70’s It was a lot different then. My training regimen right now consists of about 4 hours per day, 6 days per week. I will amp that up at the 6 month mark (end of February). To give you an idea as to what I have to do:
An outdoor military style obstacle course
An hour long warm up with the most brutal of exercises
33 empty hand forms, each one done 4 times
11 weapons forms
417 different self defense techniques
Multiple board breaks
My 5th dahn test lasted from 10 am until 1am with a couple of breaks in between. This one will most definitely be longer.
We have over 30 students from Sidekicks coming up that weekend to watch, witness and take part in the festivities.
Now you must be wondering, why I choose to do this. I am not the young man I used to be, I have a family, a very successful and busy business. Why do this.
It is about stepping outside of your comfort zone. Plain and simple. I thrive on challenge and adversity. Being able to step outside your comfort zone and succeed is what reminds me of what life is about. Try it sometime. It is exhilarating!
These are my ramblings…
Dusty
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I am looking forward to witnessing this monumental challenge as it will inspire me all the more to face my own challenges, work more diligently, and grow in respect for all who have walked this path before.
ReplyDeleteWell that is good to hear. It is nice knowing that the support is there. And dont worry, when your third comes, i will be there to support you and to make sure that you step waaay out of your comfort zone. :)
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