dreadedmonkeygod . net

I've been holding off talking about this because I hadn't heard anything official, but the unofficial word got around tonight, so I think it's safe to say I'm not going to jinx anything at this point.

Saturday marked a milestone I've been working for for a while now: I tested for my yellow belt in Krav Maga. (Equivalent to a Practitioner 1 & 2 in schools that prefer not to award belts.)

The day consisted of a 2½ hr. review of the entire test curriculum, followed by a 1 hr. test. I can honestly say that I have never physically worked so hard in my life. The instructors wanted all-out effort on each technique, and follow-through with aggressive attacks.

I was tired but feeling strong after an hour. I had a little gas left in the tank at the end of the workshop. But by the end of the test, I was jelly. I was glad I had a few minutes to down the last of my water and collect myself a bit before driving home.

So, what did I get out of this? I now know just how hard I can push myself and still come through. I know I can train for something like this and be successful. I know I can get knocked down and still keep my head. I've got the beginnings of a good stiff jab and a heavy right hand. I know that with more training, I'll be able to break your nose with my left hand and knock you out with my right. I'll be unusually light on my feet for a guy my size.

I also know I'm nothing next to the other guys in my class, and I'm barely worthy of being in the presence of the instructors, who throw me around like a rag doll.

I know the value of a solid training partner. And I'm getting better at being coachable. It's a great feeling to have a hard-ass instructor standing over my shoulder, watching me, saying nothing.

These are all great feelings. It's just a yellow belt. It's the lowest belt awarded in Krav Maga, but it's a tremendous feeling of accomplishment for me. And, as usual, on the way to whatever goals I strive for, I end up learning a lot of things I didn't know I needed to learn.

I'll be keeping up my twice-a-week schedule at least through July, and returning after my backpacking trip to start working on my orange belt.