So today I did Part 2 of my tests, this time on the technical side.

No epic story this time, although I did get a scrape under my collarbone.

I think it went well, and I felt pretty competent and confident, but the results are currently pending, so I won't celebrate too hard right now.

is it bad

First of all, I forgot to mention that this is the first of two tests.
Secondly:
MASSIVE PLEASURE
As I said two days ago (at the time of me writing this), this test was a test of endurance and spirit. First, I had a pretty intense fitness test beforehand. Then in about 3-ish hours, I pushed through a whole wack of basics and "kata", which, trust me, it gets really exhausting. In wasn't awful, but I pushed through it all.

But then there was the 12-minutes of continuous sparring. Now, 12 minutes may not seem that long, but consider:
- the previous 3 hours
- my exhaustion
- being surrounded by a gang of other karate-ka who were ready to push me to my limits
It's scary af.

Nevertheless, I volunteered to go first, because I thought, "Let's get it over with."

The round began. I felt strange, and not in a good way. The fatigue was starting to get to me. After barely 3 minutes, I started to get sick, and vomited (not a lot though). My instructor was concerned about me, so he let me take a breather.

So you know me. I'm not the most positive guy. I started feeling sorry for myself, I wanted to quit, I didn't think I deserved to be in the position I was in, much to the chagrin of my parents. After my colleague finished his 12-minutes, my instructor gave me a choice. I could either quit now, and everything would've still been fine, or I could continue.

I was so close to quitting. But then, I thought about my family, and my friends, IRL, and of course, you guys. And I thought about myself.

"I just can't take the easy way out," I thought.

I accepted. My instructor had to start my time at 0:00 again.

The time started. And I started. I fought through my fatigue. I had to prove to everyone, and myself especially that I am not a quitter.

...

...

And before I knew it, 12 minutes was up. I did it. From having to sit out from being ill, to persevering like I never persevered before.

The following will sound like a really shitty and fake Tumblr story, so it's up to you if I lose credibility.

I started crying tears of joy (even my older brother was crying!). I never thought I had it in me. And everyone in the room was cheering me on.

After the test was over, my instructor told me (in front of everyone) that I was the very first person in the academy to have to stop because of sickness, but then proceed to finish the damn thing afterwards. A kid afterwards even told me that my whole ordeal made him tear up with how inspiring it all was.

I feel so damn good about myself. I just might be a changed man...

So, I don't think I ever mentioned this to anyone here (I think only Toxikyle is aware of this), but I have been practicing karate for at least more than 10 years (12?). On June 1st, I will be tested for to earn the rank of black belt. The test will be minimum three hours long, and my physical abilities will be pushed to their absolute limits. Contrary to how I normally feel about stuff, I actually feel fairly confident in this. Just thought you guys would like to know. Wish me luck.