One step closer to being a true Ninja

Last night I had my 7th Kyu test for Jujutsu. It wasn't my normal night, but Sensei had said to show up, because he isn't going to be around for our normal class on Thursday.

Keith and I got there (we both tested), and immediately saw our friend David, who ALSO tested for the same level. There were also five other guys who I know and like. So we're talking eight people, which is about typical for a class.

Apparently it was also newbie night, because we had FIVE new people who were there as well. Figures. I'm about to test, and now there are TONS of eyes on me. Oh yay.

But as it turns out, my nerves vanished almost immediately after class began. I sort of took on the whole attitude of, "You've spent five months working on this Kyu. If you know it, it will show tonight. If you don't know it, you'll find out what you need to work on."

When the test actually started I was excited, but not exactly nervous. My kiais were strong, and I really brought out the power and focus. Sensei even said as much when the test was over. Even though the techniques were the same ones I've been working on for the past five months, I put so much energy into them during the test that I was actually sweating and panting at the end of the test.

The end result? A 99 out of 100. That's the highest score you can get in a martial arts test. Otherwise, why are you there if you can do everything perfectly?

Keith scored a 97 and did very well as my uke, and David also turned out a 99. David and I were each going at the same time, so I didn't really get a chance to see how he did.

On to 6th Kyu. Which means LOTS of throws. Poor Keith. I'm one of the shortest people in the dojo, which means it's harder for whoever has to throw me. Mwahahaha. But as Sensei said, if you can't throw them, punch them.

I'm getting a new bokken for my birthday/Christmas from John!! *squee* It's from Kingfisher Woodworks.

Keith thinks I should get the inscription (in Kanji, of course) "kankei", which means strength in spite of smallness.

Keith's looking to get smacked. However, I admittedly did also see that one and like it, even before he mentioned that it made him think of me.