la_belle_laide | Kung Fu Joy!

I got my yellow belt today! Here's how it happened.

Today was forms, which it will be for the next two weeks. The school was packed and we all had to take turns. Lao Shir finished first form with me the last time she taught me, and on today, Sifu Gus basically made corrections on moves I'd been doing wrong (or had been taught differently--not taught wrong, just a different style I think,) the entire time. To my left, two yellow belts: Tracy (my friend's uncle I've mentioned, a really great guy,) and Nicolette, (young girl about Meghan's age, so precocious at Kung Fu she got into the adult's class); to my right, Rita the newest member. She's about 40ish I suppose, been with us for about three weeks. I was just so glad not to be the only white belt anymore.

So after class we were about to bow out when Sifu said for us to wait a minute. Then he came over to me and knelt on one knee and started to undo my belt. My first unspoken thought was "WTF?" followed by a horrible idea that he was going to finally get on me for wearing the belt the wrong way. I've always worn my belt criss-crossed over the hips like Squall's gunbelt, tied on the side like a pareu. Then he yanked the belt off and said "This is a teacher's priviledge," at which I had to fight back a giggle because of what that sounded like. He must have realized it, too, because he looked up quick and said, "I'm not undressing you!" Then he threw the belt over my shoulders and went out of the room. Nicolette said, "Psst! Hey, I think he's getting you your next belt!" To which I squealed, "REALLY?!" Rita said, "Of course he is! When I saw you do that snap kick I said to myself, 'this gil's no white belt.' Hey, you should celebrate, have a drink! Hell, let's have a few drinks!" And I said--rather loudly, I think--"Let's get wasted!" at which everyone laughed.

Sifu came back in with the belt, and then he tied it on me--the right way. ^_^ I asked him if I got to keep the white belt and he said, "Of course. It's got your sweat in it." I murmured something about mana, feeling very conspicuous and blushing like mad.

Gosh, and then everyone clapped, it was so embarassing. But still really sort of nice and encouraging.

Now I feel like I really have to prove that I deserve it, and do everything right. I can't wait till the next class.

At home, I went to my parents where Spencer and Meghan were waiting to watch a movie. We watched Shark Tale and ate ice cream. I had Karmel Sutra. Mmmm.

More thoughts to follow in a locked post.