Friday was both PI day and test day for my Kenpo black belt. The test was not so much technically challenging as it was physically exhausting. Towards the end it was all I could do to stop myself from passing out cold and/or retching. I felt myself wishing to put more into it since most of my body had more to give. Unfortunately, the lack of water and food (test started before dinner and ended at 10:15) combined with the oppressive sink of 16 dead-tired people went right to my head.

The most notable challenge of the night was moving a giant truck tire end over end in World’s Strongest Man fashion. I swear it might have out weighed me by a factor of two. I feel accomplished in having flipped it twice.

As much as I do not see such ranks as having an appreciable value compared with pure experience, it is nice to have someone officially acknowledge the effort and time one has put into something. Depending on the art, style, and school, there can be quite a wide range of skill levels between people of the same rank. I have always believed belts are meant to hold up your pants more than designate your prowess. But, they are badges of membership of increasingly exclusive clubs. Therefore, I am quite happy to have come this far.

Thank you to all my teachers: Master Brian Hansen, Master Scott Packard, John Palmeri, and Christopher Glenn.

(Theoretically, there should soon also be a test given by Grand Master Tak for a similar rank in Kung-Fu. This last test made me realize I really need to train those horse stances.)