Carrie’s third grading – An article by Carrianne Hausdoerfer

Yesterday, 17th April 2011, I achieved something I didn’t think was possible. In the morning I passed my third grading and in the evening I learnt my fourth pattern in one hour. I was excited to learn my pattern and made every effort to learn it and keep practising it.
The patterns get a bit harder every time to see you progress and use different techniques.
At the beginning of the Lewes class a new instructor of the club, Kami Newton was recognised by being given a black sash, which only instructors wear. This indicates that the club is growing and we wish Kami every success for the future. Congratulations!
My third grading I found a little bit easier, I now know what to expect and the effect of doing kungfu for over a year meant that I knew more techniques. This didn’t mean I found it any less nerve-racking, as I didn’t want to let myself down or my instructor.
The lesson beforehand was very helpful, you can practice combinations and it is a time when all the instructors are there to answer questions or queries. The main point of the lesson is to go over your patterns and get you ready for the grading. This was a great help and everybody who is grading should attend it.
Before this lesson there was the lion dance lesson, it is amazing and I am fascinated each time I watch a lion dance. Every time you notice something new and the people involved seem to really enjoy it.
I do want to thank my instructor and the other instructors, assistant instructors and more senior students who have spent time and patience on me, helping me perform at my best and improve all the time.

Carrianne Hausdoerfer
Eastbourne Student