Belt Testing

Yesterday I participated in a Jiu Jitsu belt testing session.  While I'm not ready for a new belt, just possibly an additional stripe (incremental progress).    I figured I'd give it a shot.    The session lasted a grueling  2 hours.    And I can't remember the last time I was this sore.   

First, we were tested on specific maneuvers.   That wasn't too bad although I did draw a blank on one question.    Then we moved to more drill based testing followed by full speed sparring sessions.    Surviving a long sessions depends on solid technique as good technical Jiu Jitsu shouldn't be very demanding in terms of strength (otherwise it's wrestling).    My conditioning was probably middle of the road, and being at a distinct size disadvantage against most of the students didn't help.    Towards the end, my heavier partners were just as fatigued as I was, but I had to deal with them rolling around on my chest.   

We get the results tomorrow.   I don't know if I'll have passed.   Having gone through it, I don't think I was ready.   But our Professor didn't stop me from testing.     And he was disappointed with much of the session.   I figure I'm only learning by the example of senior students...