The requirements for this incredible, almost unbelievable goal are twofold:
- Mastery of the art of Kenpo
- Physical conditioning
As for the art itself, there are 128 techniques and 6 major forms. A technique is a self-defense scenario, where a form is a set of basics and/or techniques in isolation. I have to know them, not just know of them. As in: perform on command without hesitation or thought.
The physical conditioning is more hazy. There will probably be a requirement of 60 pushups, 100 crunches, or something like that, so I'm just going to aim for 100 pushups and 200 crunches. Also, I want to be un-phased by running my material. At the end of the test I should be tired, but not during it.
Sunday I woke up at 6am and practiced with a 4th degree black belt for 2 hours. No instruction, just as a workout buddy. Thirty minutes of forms, one hour of techniques, thirty minutes of bag work. The goal is to continue this every Sunday, so a 2 hour workout will feel normal.
The testing sequence starts in February, the final test is in May. I will earn my 3rd Degree Black Belt in May.
