A few months ago, I received possibly the most exciting email I have ever had: notification that I can begin testing for 5th degree master. This is a position that I never in my wildest dreams thought that I would get to so I am really pleased.
In Kuk Sool, 5th degree is a very important rank and for quite a long time I have been wrestling with the notion of whether I am ready for this. Being a 'master' is quite a statement, do I feel like I am a 'master of martial arts'? I feel I have still have an infinite amount to learn but I think it's probably something that you grow in to and assume the role.
I recently had my first test in Norwich, the first time I have tested in years and I enjoyed it very much (even though it was very tough). JDKJN John Ives and KJN Philip Hinchliffe took a great testing and we only just managed to fit everything in to 4 hours. Now I have started testing, I have to test every 3 months until I promote. The next one will be in November in front of Kuk Sa Nim, that's when it really starts! Better go train...