(pictures courtesy of Diane Purdie)
It has been a long road for a black belt for Jamie and I - over 5 years now since we started in a crowded dance studio at the top of a long narrow set of stairs in a high school outside Ottawa. While we have been active in tournaments - and Jamie has surely had his successes there - and have moved down to the GTA 4 years ago now (and have studied in Woodbridge since then) the goal has been to become more proficient and Jamie is now dedicated to being able to teach as soon as permitted.
The following is a running summary of what went on - but is can hardly convey what happens in almost 8 hours of concentration.
John Shaw (July 2nd 2001).
First comes the nervous chit - chat - what is not seen is 4 unusually intent kids checking out the booklet on the meaning of the patterns.
Then comes the first move of the first fundamental movement. This is the four directional punch (Saju Jirugi) - Wilbur, Chris, John and Thomas prepare to make a front punch as the first movement.
Then the 9 patterns (Tul) - this is a left L-stance (Ninja Sogi) finger tip thrust: which is the sixth movement in the pattern Do San as demonstrated by Joseph, Jamie, and Lemoyne.
Then the step sparing (Sambo Matsogi)- this is number two which starts with a slowly measured front snap kick by Jamie demonstrates balance and control.
Now the gloves and helmets go on for multiple rounds of one on one sparing (Jayu Matsogi). The action was a lot more furious then these pictures capture - such is the fate of a sports photographer with a slow shutter. In these pictures Jamie is facing Joseph in his first round.
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Now for 2 on 1 sparing. In this photo Jamie has been backed into the side by Cassandra and Joseph and was just about to push kick his way out. There was a technical glitch on this picture, will be fixed someday ;-)
Then comes the self - defence (Hosin-Sul). In this case John has been attacked from behind by Ray, nothing that an elbow to the ribs and then a hip throw will not take care of.
Not shown is the technical section.
Here is the group photo of a tired and in some cases bruised group of 13 new black belts and 3 higher Dan black belts. The people seated are the testing committee. The man in the suit is Mr. Cariati (6th Dan at the time - now 7th) who is our instructor and the head instructor of Woodbridge TaeKwon-do.
Link to 2nd Degree Test