This Sunday we had our first breakfast on the deck of our new "house" - first time in my life as all the places I lived at before didn't have the deck. Given that we're on top of the hill/highest point in the area, we also have a great view from there. It was great, sitting there under the sun and cool breeze... and a lot of work around the house patiently waiting for us.
On Saturday, our dojo held a "black belt test", which was for 1st kyu and up. Seven people were tested, and a lot of people from other dojos were there to help with the kumite portion. The test was over 3 hours, those testing for 1st kyu and 2nd dan had to fight 10 rounds, 1st dan - 15 rounds. I must say pretty much everyone has impressed me with what I saw. I was there partly to watch (first time), partly to try fighting in that different mode. I fought only 1 round - against a youngster for whom, I believe, it was his 9th round and he impressed me with how much strength he still had in his kicks at that point. Another older man (I think he's in his later 50's) was testing for the 2nd dan and he was quite done by the end of it - but kept fighting back all the way to the final 10th round - we all gave a lot of applause to him!
It was a great experience, although I'm not sure if it wouldn't be better for me to stay in the bliss of ignorance. :)
And yesterday night we started watching the old “Columbo” series, looks interesting.
