This evening a few of us tested for the next level.
Congratulations to
Joe and
Will for doing a great job and successfully obtaining the next level.
The tests were actually well structured because serveral concepts/principles were tested simultaneously (e.g., centerline, elbow on Im line, time/space, etc.).
I came prepared to test -- or so I thought. However, I was not prepared for the results. It's not that the results were necessarily bad, but I neglected a critical and fundemental element which should be second nature by now -- STRUCTURE. After the class tonight, I worked briefly with one of the senior students to understand and hopefully rectify the problem. On the way home, I tried to rationalize why I made such a gross error. But after tossing away what I considered excuses, I realized my concern was directed to trying to remember the more advanced concepts/techniques while I neglected to keep focused on the tried and tested basics. I hope to not make the same mistake(s) again.
BASICS. BASICS. BASICS.
It's humbling and humiliating at the same time. Regardless of how much I think I may be improving (e.g., relaxing, whipping, centerline, etc.), the ability to control an opponets time, space, and energy will never come to fruition unless I ensure the basic integrity of my structure is sound at all times.
So to help any of the students junior to me, please remember to stay focused on the basics as you make your way up through the system. It sounds like a no-brainer but don't get caught up worrying about the more advanced stuff. The advanced stuff will fail if your basics are only average -- and for those of you who were at class tonight, you know exactly what I mean.
Thank you to Su Hu Lin and Su Heng Hack for providing constructive feedback to all of us that tested.
Again,
CONGRATULATIONS JOE AND WILL