- There is very little--to no--food (I think they get one energy bar a day).
- The black-belt candidates wear ONE karate uniform for the entire four days, and are not allowed to bring a change of clothes (not even an extra pair of underwear). The only article of clothing they are allowed to bring is one extra pair of socks.
- At least one part of the test involves swimming.
- At least one part of the test involves crawling around in the dark (they were required to pack a head-lamp).
- If they bring anything that isn't on the approved list, it gets thrown in the trash.
- They will be sleeping on the ground. A "pillow" is NOT on the list.
- Last year's black belts came back from the test blindfolded, filthy, and exhausted.
On my end, having Clint gone for four days is nothing out of the ordinary, but the fact that we can't communicate the entire time is something new. He's not allowed to bring his cell-phone, so I will be left in complete mystery as to how he is holding up.
On Sunday, at 6:00 p.m., Clint and the other guys will arrive back to the dojo for the Black Belt Promotion Ceremony (and no, they do not get to shower first). At this time, all of the candidates who passed the test officially receive their black belt, and then they are required to take a punch in the stomach from every sensei in the dojo, which can range anywhere from a dozen to twenty. The ceremony concludes with family and friends enjoying a potluck.
I told Clint this morning that "Today is your day. Anything you want to do, we'll do it." He's laughing because he says I'm treating him like he's about to die. At any rate, "Clinton's Special Day" includes World of Warcraft, Chinese food, and ice-cream, so I better get my butt moving.
Sounds like a hazing festival... Don't they have laws against that?
ReplyDeleteHmmm...now that you mention it, the twelve-to-twenty punches does seem like a type of hazing. Oh, and I forgot to mention that this test is costing us $650, so we're actually paying top-dollar for the poor guy to get "hazed." Can you believe that? I have to seriously try to NOT choke on my own spit as I type that number down. Or cry. Lol
ReplyDeleteHoly snikies! That's redonkulous! Since they are sworn to secrecy do you think that they actually camp out there the four days or perhaps they stay else where ($650) and are told not to tell anyone? Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteHaha! Funny that you bring that up, because when I dropped Clint off today, I told him, "Watch you guys end up staying at some luxurious spa for a weekend, and on the way home Sensei Brandon says, 'Quick, roll in the mud and throw on these blindfolds. Come on people, we got to make this look authentic! And remember, mums the word.'"
ReplyDeleteI'm sure Clint will do well, he seems like the type who could survive anything. My money's on him to make it through this and look casual about it. Still, $650 so he can be put through the ringer sounds sort of crazy, but I'm sure when he comes back you'll feel like it's all been worth it!
ReplyDeleteI hope so!
ReplyDeleteDamn,I would have been willing to put Clinton through hell for only $300 (family discount). He really should shop around next time.
ReplyDeleteWow, that's incredibly thoughtful, Sho. I'll certainly keep that in mind for the next black belt test.
ReplyDelete