Hey, hi, hello! I'm Hades, and I'm a (former) martial artist with a 1st degree black belt.
While I stopped attending classes a couple years ago to get my adult life in order, I've got plenty of years of experience that I think would be fun to share. Ask me anything!
While I stopped attending classes a couple years ago to get my adult life in order, I've got plenty of years of experience that I think would be fun to share. Ask me anything!
Hiii Hades 
I don't know why/how I've never asked this before but... have you ever needed to use martial arts to defend yourself for real?
Also, are you aware that you're very cool and also awesome, and this is one of the many contributing factors?
I don't know why/how I've never asked this before but... have you ever needed to use martial arts to defend yourself for real?Also, are you aware that you're very cool and also awesome, and this is one of the many contributing factors?
Hiiii, honeybun!
Fortunately, no! I've never had to defend myself out in the wild from an aggressor, and I'd like to keep it that way. ^.^
We've done self-defense-oriented classes where we'd simulate situations like that, however. Usually, the instructors would teach us a new technique (or we'd brush up an old one), and then we'd get in lineups and go against them one-on-one to practice.
So the instructors would attack us, and we'd have to fight back, escape their grip, and get to the back of the line. Then the next person steps up, and repeat!
Rest assured, bite me and I'm prepared to bite back. And for your sake, Starry, I'll be cool and awesome while doing it.
Fortunately, no! I've never had to defend myself out in the wild from an aggressor, and I'd like to keep it that way. ^.^
We've done self-defense-oriented classes where we'd simulate situations like that, however. Usually, the instructors would teach us a new technique (or we'd brush up an old one), and then we'd get in lineups and go against them one-on-one to practice.
So the instructors would attack us, and we'd have to fight back, escape their grip, and get to the back of the line. Then the next person steps up, and repeat!
Rest assured, bite me and I'm prepared to bite back. And for your sake, Starry, I'll be cool and awesome while doing it.
Heh. What was your favourite part about getting to black belt level? Were there times where you just wanted to quit part way through?
I've never felt like I was ready to drop martial arts at any given moment, but there were times where I got reeeeaaallly frustrated and thought "I can't do this." This was mostly when I was younger and was at lower belt levels. Once you get in deep enough (like about a year or so), you start feeling more confident!
My favourite part of my journey to black was definitely participating in tournaments!
The dojo I was trained at operates at 6 different locations in my part of the world. Twice a year, we'd all get together at a large gymnasium and compete against students from other dojos!
I was always hyped for the tournaments. Not only were they fun to participate in, but also amazing to watch! They remained my favourite even once I finally got to black belt. It was harder at that point, but still just as exciting!
My favourite part of my journey to black was definitely participating in tournaments!
The dojo I was trained at operates at 6 different locations in my part of the world. Twice a year, we'd all get together at a large gymnasium and compete against students from other dojos!
I was always hyped for the tournaments. Not only were they fun to participate in, but also amazing to watch! They remained my favourite even once I finally got to black belt. It was harder at that point, but still just as exciting!
As a 2nd Degree myself - Congrats!
What was your final belt test like (If your dojo did that sort of thing), and what impact did it have on you?
What was your final belt test like (If your dojo did that sort of thing), and what impact did it have on you?
Oh, a 2nd Degree! Hi! 
Ohhh, we certainly did a test, alright. If memory serves me right, the whole thing took about 5 hours to complete.
It was intense yet so, so fulfilling. We'd perform for and be graded by the owners of the dojos, with the occasional break to hydrate or eat lunch. We covered the entire curriculum. It was the most fun I'd ever had at belt testing. It was a while ago, so there's a lot of things I don't remember about it, but I do remember being praised for my performance with weaponry (particularly nunchaku, those are my favourite and it showed!).
The first thing I did upon receiving my belt was cry. I was so happy.
Ohhh, we certainly did a test, alright. If memory serves me right, the whole thing took about 5 hours to complete.
It was intense yet so, so fulfilling. We'd perform for and be graded by the owners of the dojos, with the occasional break to hydrate or eat lunch. We covered the entire curriculum. It was the most fun I'd ever had at belt testing. It was a while ago, so there's a lot of things I don't remember about it, but I do remember being praised for my performance with weaponry (particularly nunchaku, those are my favourite and it showed!).
The first thing I did upon receiving my belt was cry. I was so happy.
You are on: Forums » Smalltalk » AMA: 1st Degree Black Belt
Moderators: Mina, Keke, Cass, Claine, Sanne, Dragonfire, Ilmarinen, Darth_Angelus