Japanese Swordfighting Testing

[Samurai_Writer]

I tested to get my orange belt in American Hard Style Japanese Swordfighting on October 26, 2008. My classmates, Josh and Tim, also tested for their belts -- Josh for his yellow and orange belts, and Tim for his brown belt. I'm halfway through the belt system -- I have brown and black to go.

I still am recovering from damaging the cartilage in my knee, so I wasn't jumping or lunging as much as the other guys. I took the photos of Tim... the other photos were taken by my friend who attended the testing.

I only have one complaint -- they don't make these uniforms for women. Even though I had mine altered when I first got it 17 months ago, now it is huge and bulky on me (I've lost 35 pounds). It makes me look even bigger than I really am.

Getting Ready for Testing


Mary and Josh: Box Drill


Mary: Kata 3




Mary and Josh: Sparring


Josh: Original Kata




Tim: Dragon Kata