Kung Fu Joy, pt. 2!

[la_belle_laide]

Yes, indeed, I got my orange sash tonight! And here's how it all happened. It was after warmups and during meditation, and all of a sudden someone's tugging on my belt. My first reaction to this is, "Who the hell is messing with my clothes?" And then when I open my eyes, there is Sifu with the orange sash in his hands.

My first stupid, pointless response was, "Oh my gosh ... are you kidding?" Well, duh, of course he's not kidding, why kid with something like that? And then (all whispered, because everyone else is still in meditation,) "Holy crap! I'm so happy!" And then, mentally, "I'm still not entering the blood and guts tournament!" ^_~

Then Sifu hugged me and I was so giddy I must have giggled and everyone looked up and clapped, just like last time. And of course I was grinning like an idiot, all aglow. I must act the total fool, like I just got crowned Miss America instead of getting the orange sash in Kung Fu. Though honestly, Kung Fu is much more awesome.

I reflected on the way home that it's actually sort of a blessing not to be some kind of really good-looking or hot girl, because I know some really pretty or gorgeous girls, and I know for a fact that a lot of them wonder if their other achievements really mean anything, or if they've just gotten ahead because of their looks. A handful of my good-looking friends ask me that a lot when it comes to their jobs and hobbies. "Do you think I got (whichever achievement) because of how I look?" I never have to question that. Well, first and foremost, I wouldn't question that in Kung Fu anyway, because it's all very honorable and sacred, like Hula in that way, and Sifu wouldn't do such a thing to begin with. You don't mess around with belts and give them out for frivolous reasons; in fact that's one thing that this academy is very strict about. There used to be a sign up on the wall there that read something to the effect of: "This is a serious Kung Fu academy, don't try to buy your way into your next belt." There's no way to get your belt except by earning it. But in this and in other things, it is sort of nice for me to know that there is no other way but by achieving what I'm supposed to achieve.

That's pretty flipping cool, I think.

Comments

[balyn.livejournal.com]

Congrats. :)

I can feel the glow of your happiness pouring right out of my monitor.

[la-belle-laide.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I'm feeling very effusive about it all. ^_^

I hope you're doing well!

[balyn.livejournal.com]

well, at least both comps are on line now.


...which explains just why I'm still up at 2:45.

and also just why I haven"t slit my wrists too.

[la-belle-laide.livejournal.com]

I'd go batty without the computer, too, I think. I'm glad you're back on. ^_^

[minrho.livejournal.com]

What? You're not hot or good looking? That makes no sense to me, because you are so obviously beautiful.

*sigh* I wish the martial arts studio I went to had the integrity that yours has. I haven't been back in months, but a friend who still goes there says that there's palpable tension and bickering among the grandmaster and some of the instructors.

*sigh* They're supposed to be the ones teaching *us* to be above bickering and pettyness. I know we're all human and we can't expect instructors to be perfect, but it still makes me sad.

congratulations on making orange! I want to see pics of it as you do a spectacularly sexy kick!

[la-belle-laide.livejournal.com]

As always, Min, thanks a billion.

*sigh* I wish the martial arts studio I went to had the integrity that yours has. I haven't been back in months, but a friend who still goes there says that there's palpable tension and bickering among the grandmaster and some of the instructors.

We've got our share of that, too, actually. But although I hear, once in a while, whispers of this person and that person said or did such and such, I try not to think about those aspects of that. It actually does bug me to hear those things though, because I really like everyone there.

I hope that you find a place where you can continue your martial arts. It seemed like you really excelled at it.

[minrho.livejournal.com]

But did your grandmaster storm off in a huffy tantrum right in the middle of a belt ceremony because he wasn't getting his way? ;)

I never witnessed that but I SOOO wish that I had.

And this bears repeating: pics of you in the new belt!

[la-belle-laide.livejournal.com]

Oh dude, that does suck. No, but Sifu does, apparently, have quite the temper. I've heard rumors that he takes part in honor challenges between schools. Usually when he gets all riled up like that, it's in the name of his school and his students. AFAIK. One person took him up, and Sifu literally tied him in knots--while he was talking on the phone to someone else. Actually, that's kind of cool.

If I can get pictures, you can bet I'll post them!

[lehorin.livejournal.com]

Congratulations! I wish I had the commitment to learn Kung Fu. Or any martial art if it came down to it. I was doing Jitsu for a bit, but an overload of work on my course meant I had to drop or flunk out of uni for not doing assignments.

And I've seen your pictures on GAFF. You are good-looking!

[la-belle-laide.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much!

Yeah, I put off doing Kung Fu for years, and now I wish I hadn't. But I'm still so glad I finally squeezed it in. Every moment is worth the time and effort.

I hope you can get into martial arts someday, again.