Training on Monday the 30th of March, I was feeling really good. We started our usual running around the hall to start off, followed by a few shuttle runs as well.
We then did something a little different where we all lay down in a straight line and the person at the end would jump over each of us in the line. As they were jumping, we would start doing push-ups until they were finished and were down with the rest of us. Then he next person would start jumping. 
Sort of like a really physical game of  'leap-frog'.

After this Chelsea came to train me in my pattern 'Four Directional Punch' , the same as 'Saju Jirugi' in ITF which teaches the basic middle section punch and low block. She helped me to focus on my punching technique and on turning my head in the direction of my next move before doing it. This was great and I really felt myself improving. 
Then she pulled out a focus pad and we practiced a few kicks, one of which was a side piercing kick that I had trouble with.
 As the lesson was ending Chelsea took me to the front of the hall to stretch my legs in the way they need to be for the side piercing kick. 

Let me say this.
I am NOT a flexible person and to have my leg in this position:

For any amount of time, was, so very painful. 
Not only holding the leg like this but having the back straight and shoulders square, I have to say I found it very difficult. Chelsea urged me to practice this stretch often and I would soon get used to it.

-

Wednesday night training started off as usual. We also had a new person join, who's son was already with us. 

I feel that there are days where my stamina and energy is up and there are days where it is not. Wednesday was one of those off days and I found the regular running harder than usual. I also pulled a muscle in my leg which made running more difficult, but pushed through it nonetheless.

We played a game of 'Bull-Rush' before heading into actual training where one of the senior black belts took myself, the new guy and one of the younger white belts off to the end of the hall.
For the sake of the new guy (who's name I should learn rather than calling him 'new guy'), we learnt forward stance and back stance, which was a good re-cap. Followed by kicking.

Have a guess at which kick we were learning.

SIDE PIERCING KICK!

YAY! It had only been one day and I hadn't improved at all which was frustrating. For the remainder of the lesson we practiced this kick and I just could NOT get it right. 
To execute this kick you need to first be in back stance, bring your back leg up straight as if to kick forward, extend it outwards before twisting the hips and anchor foot to the side to end up like this:

It is hard!
The lesson ended but I decided to stay back for the senior class. Which ended up with me being taken to the back of the hall again to practice this kick. Again and again.
It wasn't boring and I wasn't annoyed, in fact I was determined to get this kick right! But my lack of flexibility prevented me from being able to extend my leg out straight far enough to then be able to turn my hips to finish the technique. 

Before I left, my instructor asked me to perform the kick in front of the senior class (which was a little nerve wracking). Of course I wasn't able to execute it properly and my instructor explained the necessity to have the leg extended straight before turning the hips. 
He gave me a chocolate and said "Have a happy Easter" and as I was walking out of the door he said "If you're able to do the kick properly by next Wednesday, I'll grade you up to 9th grade."

Elated I went home and practiced the kick over and over. Blisters appeared on my feet from all of the turning and my hamstrings were begging for mercy. 

In ITF, you're meant to be training for at least three months and attend a grading event before being able to move up to the next level.
Regardless, I am grateful and I find this to be a rare opportunity. I will practice everyday until I get it right. 

To any martial artist reading this post, feel free to comment any tips. They would be very welcome.

-Kirstine