Ok, so I made brown belt. But not without completely stuffing up my 'basics' (the grading is in three sections, and the first is where you do the 'basic' techniques of punching, blocking, kicking, etc. as a solo exercise). I was fairly relaxed (normally I get really stressed in preparation), but then I got up in front of the examiner and it was like I was transformed into an emotional jelly (I don't think I physically quivered...). How is it I can get up and lecture in front of hundreds of people, but I stand up in front of one very friendly (but exceedingly expert - 5th Dan) Karate examiner, and I go to pieces? In fairness, I did get through, and no doubt the examiner was being charitable, but I do know that away from the glare of the examiner's stare I can do the things I'm supposed to do. So probably I deserve the belt. But it would have been more satisfying to show my best on the night...
Anyhow, the main problem I have, apparently, is my hips... I need to be able to twist them like I was a hula dancer. I'll have to practice, although I'm not so sure about that whole grass skirt thing.
