6/26/2022 Recollections from the Small Circle Jujitsu Shodan Camp and Test Day

5:30 AM

Woke up and went for a full-body stretching routine for 30 minutes. I packed and prepared my meals for the day. I had a simple breakfast of an egg, a slice of bread, and a cup of coffee at 7:00 AM. This mix of macronutrients was meant to sustain me for another 3-4 hours. 


8:00 AM

I rode with Lacey who is an excellent training partner, and fellow Shodan tester. I remember talking about many topics ranging from kids, education, testing nerves, etc.  


8:45 AM 

We arrived on time, ready for more training before the test. 


11:00 AM

My brain and body screamed for sustenance. I took a break for my meal of the day which included a Power smoothie*, a medium-sized Japanese sweet potato, a banana, and an Olyra Dark Chocolate biscuit. This mix of macronutrients will fuel my brain and body for the rest of the day, including the test, which I guess was going to be about 3 hours away. I continued training, but it was mainly a blur of events. I remember getting autographs from the chapter authors of the new SCJ book, and chatting with Profs Castoldi, Jay, Quinonez, Maynard, Higginbotham, and Rhodes.  


1:30 PM

I was searching for calm and quiet. Quite amazed that Lacey did not have much food, and I was wondering how she was going to get through this without fuel. I led her through a series of stretches, and breathing techniques, readying for the test. My goal is to not injure, not get injured, be in the zone, and enjoy the moment.


2:00 PM

Throws after throws. Transitional Flow. Empty hand attacks. Weapon attacks. It was a blur, I can't see clearly. Breathing was geting heavy with my KN95 on, but I made it through. Overall, I was quite satisfied with how it all turned out. I let go and still had enough restraint to not injure anyone. 


3:30 PM 

Done with my test. I resumed being the Uke for the Nidan testers. I realized the pains that the Uke have to go through, taking in all the throws, locks, and strikes. 



4:00 PM The professors gave their evaluations and passed us.


 


4:30 PM

We received our certificates  





Time to head back after a couple of photos with Rhodes Sensei and Prof Jay. Then, it was a chill ride back with Lacey and she eventually realized that she was famished. I still wonder how she went through all that and did it. 



* Power Smoothie (overnight soak)

1 cup coconut/almond milk

1/2 cup greek yogurt

3 tbsp hemp hearts

2 tbsp flax seed

3 tbsp rolled oat

2 tbsp almond butter

½ tsp beet powder

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