Prepared?

Today’s kids class was all about preparation.  Specifically, it was about the verbal intro you give at a tournament before demonstrating a form.  Physically, the student salutes into the ring and takes a horse stance (though I’m told it used to be a normal stance).  Verbally, the student gives their name, their teacher’s name, their school name, the name of the form their doing and then asks permission to begin.

Emotionally, the student presents confidence – a well delivered preamble to their performance.

Why?  The easy answer is “because that’s what you do”.  The harder answer is “because it’s difficult”.  It’s difficult to stand in front of a panel of black belts, give a speech then execute a series of martial moves that they too have memorized.

Being a school that believes in tackling the difficult things in a supportive, learning environment – we believe that forms competitions are worth while.  Hope to see everyone next week at the tournament.