7amazingdays
a week, on a Sunday, I have had to train in Cambridge, as this is a special black belt lesson with Master Khan. To become a black belt, I had to learn all of my forms, steps and weapons from the very first lesson up to the last black belt techniques with weapons. I had to wait for a letter to confirm that I had passed my pre-grading before I could be entered for my black belt. So I actually had to do the grading twice. I also had to do a written test of approximately 130 questions, 95%of which I had to get correct. Luckily I got 100%. The questions are written in Korean as they are the commands and techniques of Tang Soo Do and I had to write the English version as the answers. As well as this I had to write an essay of 1000 words about what Tang Soo Do has taught me and what I have gained from it. On the day, you are also interviewed and asked some questions by the Masters at the end of the grading. Plus in front of everyone I had to break three roof tiles, stacked on top of each other, with my bare hand. 17 people, adults and children approximately my age, graded on that day. I was the only one from my Coventry club which made me even more nervous. However, I was determined to gain my black belt. I worked solidly for practically four hours, physically putting a lot of effort into it, so I was exhausted both mentally and physically at the end. During your grading you have to do a physical at the beginning, then do hand and foot techniques, forms, pad work, self defence, sparring (fighting) then break the roof tiles. I was judged and assessed by a panel of six Masters. The hall is also full of other black belts and Cho Dan Bos who are there to support you from the various clubs. Although exhausted, I felt very good about my black belt grading, as a lot of the black belts and even the Masters came up to me and told me how I stood out and what fantastic effort I had put in. It was a very proud day for me. I was even prouder when my mum said she had been told on the day I had passed, as we usually have to wait two weeks to see if we have passed. Fortunately I didn’t receive the fail letter so now I am the proud owner of my black belt. I am officially presented with it when the Black Belt Association meets in Cambridge and initiates me into their association. What a special day that will be!
82
the wheatleyan 2007/08
Day 4
Bablake vs KHVlll rugby Right from the whistle, you could feel the tension, the nerves and the overwhelming pride in every player standing on the pitch at the Butts Arena. With over 1000 fans and Bablake Old Boy Shane Geraghty (London Irish and England) watching, this would be the biggest crowd most of the players would ever entertain. The game started at an extremely fast pace, with everyone on the field wishing to impose their intentions on their opposite number in the first ten minutes. All nerves seemed to have evaporated as everyone knew what they were there for. The flow and tempo of the game were remarkable, however Bablake failed to convert their early pressure and possession, leaving the pitch at half time with only a three point penalty from Ollie Millerchip, as any proof of their hard work. Henrys, however, had tactfully managed to use the conditions in their favour and score both a try and a penalty. After inspirational talks by captain Andrew Hextall and coach Mr. Burdett, Bablake returned to the field, incensed at the scoreboard which read 8-3. We knew we had to keep up the pressure and dominate once more, only this time convert our possession into points. It was simple, fast, effective rugby which led to two unconverted tries by Hextall and Millerchip. Bablake was playing to its strengths, using the dominating forwards to secure the phases and the ball. When Henrys Number 8 was sent off, Bablake looked to be securing victory, however an electric, action-packed last 15 minutes saw Henrys gallantly fight back with 14 men and score a try in the corner to make the score 13-13. Bablake seemed to have run out of steam, and though we put up a valiant defence, we were camped within our own 22 and Henrys managed to slot a cunningly crafted drop goal. The cheers that echoed around the stadium and the Henrys team who had already begun celebrating what seemed to be an epic fightback, lit a spark in the tired legs of the Bablake XV. With seconds left on the clock, Bablake took a quick kick off and the forwards, playing with nothing but pride to fuel their last efforts, managed to turn over the ball. Time was running down. The backs were waiting patiently, wondering which one would try to bisect a gap and score? It was all on
this last phase of play on the opposing 10 metre line. The forwards pressed forward, constantly recycling possession. Still the back line waited for the pass. Who would buckle and drop the ball under pressure? Who would break the line and go for glory? Who would be caught in two minds and hesitate? The forwards piled through once more into a rolling maul from the 22 metre line. Clean ball here would surely be fizzed out to the backline. Yet the forwards gained momentum, wrestling the ball to the back of the maul. Cheers reverberated around the ground, as the previously disheartened Bablake crowd began to realise the opportunity that awaited. The blind side winger and fly half even abandoned their posts, it was all or nothing. If the maul went down, or the ball was dropped, all glory would be received by Henrys this year. As Andy Hextall took control from the back and steadied the wild rampage, the forwards crossed the 5 metre line. This was it, the last valiant effort to heave the maul over the line and secure a remarkable, gallant comeback. This was the last chance for many of the team on the pitch to beat their rivals and prove themselves to the 1000s watching. Andy crossed the line, securing his team’s victory and then proudly received the trophy from Shane Geraghty. What a game and being a part of that squad, playing in front of all my classmates, teachers and family, epitomized, for me, Bablake’s spirit and dedication.