Thread: Passed my 10th and 9th kyu ninpo test today

I worked hard for well over half a year (8 months), and today I finally got to do my first exam(s). 10th and 9th kyu exam is always done at the same time within Genbukan.

I knew that I knew my stuff, but I was still nervous the whole morning. Then -through coincedence- I ended up talking with someone who had REAL problems, and I figured that getting worked up about a MA exam is pointless.

Anyway I still was a bit nervous, but once the exam got started, I calmed right down. I didn't think, didn't hesitate, and didn't screw up. I also can't remember everything I did. It was over in a very short time, in my memory. In the end, sensei said I did very good, so I finally get to lay off that white belt, and wear green for the next 10 years or so (in genbukan, all kyu grades are green belt).

More hard work ahead, but the first step has been taken. Well, the first step was when I started, but you know what I mean. Now for a shot of something strong and then a good nights sleep.

Congratulations Bruno.

Congrat, I got there too, but had to stop, transportation problems

Keep going, Ninpo is a great Martial Art.

I haven't seen many styles that only do the one color "Kyu" belts, that does tell me that it is a rather strict, and traditional school though...

Bet the test was tuff too... that first step is always a rather high one...


Good job...

Thanks Glen.

You are right that the first one is the biggest. I think this is done on purpose, and one of the reasons that the first 2 tests are combined into one big test.

We are indeed pretty strict and traditional. As traditional as you can get outside of the classical sword arts. The strictness is not so much a military approach, as well the idea that you are there to train hard, with intent, and focused. There is no idle chatting or goofing around in class.

The physical side of the test was not too bad. The mental aspect was tough. We have to know the japanese names of everything (which is a lot: target areas, protocol, techniques, ...) and master quite a bit of etiquette like several ways of bowing and greeting.

We had to demonstrate all our techniques, and the sensei would tell us to do things in a different order, or tell us to do something and then ask one of us to explain what we just did. The idea is to keep you off-balance and see if you are able to stay calm and really know what you are doing.

Congratulations!

Congratulations Bruno! I'm not sure exactly what you did, but it sounds pretty darned hard. Well done!

Congratulations Bruno!
The past half decade has seen me step away from the traditional martial arts, but I remember my time spent studying them fondly.
That is indeed a big first step, and I hope you relish the pride AND take advantage of the intensity and clarity of purpose that such success instills!

Congrats!

Congratulations Bruno!

I'm impressed - it seems just recently you said you were getting back into martial arts and now you are a single digit kyu