Black Belt Testing

Last Friday was the black belt test, we had four students from our school test.  One was our grandson Brandon.  They had all worked very hard for this and of course nerves were in play.


We spend the night in Billings because on Saturday it is the tournament.  It is more convenient to spend the night.  Otherwise we would have left the test at 9:30 pm, get home sleep for a bit then have to wake up early and leave town just to get to Billings again by 8:0 am.


I took the afternoon off so that we could relax before heading over to the test, which was at 6:00 pm.  Jennifer took Friday & Saturday off so she could be at the test and help with tournament.  She was my photographer Friday night.  Even though she is a 2nd degree black belt, not high enough rank to sit on the testing board.


Since we were in Billings early, we ate lunch at Applebee's.  This is Jennifer's favorite place and we always take her here for her birthday dinner.  Since it stormed on her birthday she got to eat at her all time favorite place now.  We had plenty of time to check into the hotel and just relax before test.


We thought we would be smart and get to the school an hour before the test so that we could get a good parking space, so much for thinking.  The lot was full, we ended up parking across the street, I asked permission from the building before parking.  Even though it was Friday and well after 5:00 pm, the business before did not want anyone parking in his lot after hours.  This one said it was no problem as long as it was after hours.


The test went well, our students were very nervous when they saw how many black belts were on the testing board, they were glad that there were more testing than just them.  They were the only ones for the pre-test.  We assured them that they had this, the pre-test was harder because that determined if you would test.  This would be a breeze.  They were happy when it came time to line up that they were all in the back.  It was a very proud moment when Brandon received his black belt.  After the test, we went out and ate with his family to celebrate.


My friend Paulette tested for her 4th degree black belt, I was happy for her.  We have tested together since our 2nd degree test.  Grand Master Park wouldn't let her test last year with me for some reason, not sure what it was.  We agreed that when we test for our master in 5 years, I will wait for her and we test together.  She and I are now the highest ranking women in the federation.  Makes me proud that I was the first.  One of the master's even mentioned it.


Gary and Jennifer were both told by Grand Master Park that they will be testing in October.  Gary will be testing for his 5th degree which will make him a master and Jennifer for 3rd degree.  When Jennifer was eligible to test, she decided to go on the Korean trip instead.  She couldn't afford to do both.  She made a good decision.


Grand Master Park had met another grand master in Cody a few weeks ago and invited him to come to the test and tournament.  Master Park wants the new one to join our federation.  The new one has a school in Star Valley Wyoming, which is in Etna.  I had to look it up on the map, it is just south of Alpine Wyoming.  He has two schools, one in Etna and the other in Thayne.  I hope that he does join our federation.


The Grand Master from Star Valley was surprised to see so many masters, but was shocked to find out that 4th degrees are not masters in our federation.  In most tae kwon do and other martial art federations, 4th degrees are masters.  Hmmm.