senseirory

[senseirory]

Beyond Karate: Exploring New Martial Arts

As part of my 4th Dan Black Belt test, I need to continue my martial arts education by enrolling in Jiu-Jitsu classes and attending consistently, at least once per week. After exploring a few different schools in the Edmond area, I’ve chosen Redline Jiu-Jitsu Academy. The instructor, Ty Gay, is incredibly friendly and informative, creating a great environment for learning.

For those who don’t know, I hold a blue belt in Jiu-Jitsu from the Gracie school in Stillwater. While I’m proud of that accomplishment, I’m approaching this new experience with a white belt mindset—full of enthusiasm and readiness to learn. At the same time, I’m striving to maintain a black belt attitude when facing challenges.

Starting over can be tough, especially when you’ve already reached a certain skill level in something. But it’s crucial to remember that growth comes from being open to feedback and allowing others to point out our mistakes. That’s how we improve and become better martial artists. Even though I’m not starting from scratch with Jiu-Jitsu, beginning again at a new school can be challenging. However, I believe that the more you challenge yourself, the more opportunities you have to grow.

If you would like to learn more about Redline BJJ heres the link: https://redlinebjj.com/

[senseirory]

4th Dan black Belt Test!

Exciting news! I've just embarked on my 4th Dan Black Belt Test, the most challenging test yet. Traditionally, my black belt tests followed a set pattern: pass a pre-test, complete a workbook in three months (with differing challenges in the workbook each time), and showcase my skills on the final test day. This time, it's a year-long test with a list of tasks that I can organize and complete at my own pace as long as they're accomplished to the standards of my Instructor Master Alex Evers. I've included a list of the requirements I must accomplish to pass and receive my 4th degree (or Yodan if we're being super traditional). I will be doing my best to update at least once a week to let you all know how my progress is going!

Read the book "SAVOR" -Eat Mindfully

Organize Top 10 eating related Self-Defenses

Complete 900 rounds of Sparring (I've divided this evenly between standing sparring, Judo/Takedown sparring, Jiu-Jitsu sparring and Heavy Sparring)

Complete 100 rounds of blindfolded rolling (Jiu-Jitsu Sparring)

Help 5 people in my sphere of influence reach their goals

Do 3-5 show-offs to demonstrate on the day I receive my 4th dan black belt. Currently my plan is to do a super traditional Japanese or Okinawan karate form, a super modern XMA form and a break (Baseball bat or concrete)

Inform my students and those around me about my test (Hence the tumblr account)

Participate in 2 tournaments I've never done before and log my experience

Enroll in Martial Arts classes other then karate (Continuing my BJJ practice)

Go through the Satori Alliance Instructor program and document what I learned, liked, and disliked.

Have one of my students achieve the rank of Brown Belt

Be able to do the Full Middle Splits

Lose about 10 pounds (Personal goal that became part of the test)

Organize a community event where we do a cleanup event

Lower my screen time

Have a consistent sleep schedule waking up at 8:30AM everyday

Spend 24 hours camping solo without my phone

I've create my own workbook so to speak to log the progress I make and I'll be using it to share my progress as well.