I just want to share that last Monday and last Thursday, myself and my friend Jesse, after five long years of attending class, regularly, practicing, testing every 6 months at firs when we were beginners, then every three, and after countless hours of doing the same forms over and over, bruises from sparring , lots of sweat, frustration, lots of self doubt (at least on my part. I will be the first to admit I wanted to quit during my first two months of kung fu) we passed and received from our teacher Master Pham Phuouc the semi red sash (yes, half black, half red with Chinese calligraphy that reads "taoist student" in one end and "Spirit Fist" on the other).
First, I want to say, it was worth the time and effort.
Second, I cannot think of a nicer man to share that special honor than Jesse ash both him and his wife are two of the funniest, nicest people I have ever met.
Three, the fact that my two adopted boys were there to watch me test made it extra, extra special.
I am very proud of myself because I did not quit when it got hard, because I know I earned it by working hard, practicing 5 sometimes 6 times a week, and by waiting and following instructions (it takes so much humility to do so, something I cannot say enough but that is getting off topic). And a lot of sacrifice (how many times I skipped happy hours with my friends and went to school, how many parties I missed, how many times I forced myself to go to school and train when I was tired after work and I much rather spend the evening playing video games and bowling, or doing something else.
Since our semi red sash is our equivalent to a black belt in Karate, from now on I get to compete at black belt level in tournaments (Yes, Bladesaint, keep quite, I know I cheated at the first two tournaments this year competing as black belt but I figure since I was testing in three weeks anyway... I might as well start getting used to that level of competition).
For those wondering, I have to spar twice, do advance eagle form and five elements form and another one of my choosing, and twin broad swords and another weapon of my choosing (I did advance staff). But we passed, and I am happy. Seen how I belong to a traditional, no belts in between school, it is a big deal. But I cannot rest on my laurels as I have for more long years ahead if I want to try for the full red sash. I know it's not going to be easy, but I have already push myself beyond my own limits, I think I can push myself harder.
Two funny things, I don't feel any different than a week before; and it still feels so weird wearing the sash after wearing the plain black for so long. And my friend Jerry took pictures and as soon as I have them on a computer disk, I will try and post them here.
Who would have though a short, nerdy, middle age Puertorican from "the Badlands", one of the worst neighborhoods in Philadelphia, would ever wear the semi red?
