Belt Test

We all became anxious and excited when Taika Oyata announced that the belt test would be held on Sunday. Belt tests were normally held on Sundays and rotated from dojo to dojo. This particular Sunday we were to travel to Koza City to Shian Toma's Dojo just outside Kadena Air Base.

Master Toma's dojo was located just off the main road that led to the Kadena Air Base gate. The two-story structure had the dojo downstairs and living quarters upstairs. It was fairly modern and nicely constructed. Wooden  floors, ample lighting and dressing rooms all added to the convenience. Although the dojo was small compared to American standards, it was well suited to the type of instruction that was offered. Arriving early, we all met at Taika Oyata's dojo and traveled together to Koza.

We were all a little nervous about the test, but even more so when we arrived. Besides Taika Oyata and Master Toma, Grandmaster Seikichi Uehara (10th Dan) was also in attendance. This increased the anxiety and  nervousness about 10 fold. (At the time Taika Oyata and Master Toma were 7th Dan, so to meet a 10th Dan was an exceptional honor.)

We were all called to attention by one of Master Toma's black belts as the three masters enter the room. After bowing we were told to sit quietly against the far wall until it was our turn to test.

Kata was to be tested first. Either Taika Oyata or Master Toma called one of their students forward and requested them to perform a particular kata. Nothing was ever said as the three watched the kata through their steely eyes, never changing expressions. After performing the kata, the three would nod for the student to be seated and the next student was called.

The kata testing was perhaps the hardest because everyone in the dojo had their eyes on you and you began by looking directly into the eyes of Grandmaster Uehara, who seemed look right through you. Not only were you being tested for the next rank, it seemed as if you were representing your dojo and if you failed, not only was it personal, but you would have let down the honor of the dojo as well.

After kata was complete, bogu kumite took place. Students from each school were paired with each other according to rank with the lower belts fighting first. Usually, no points were called; however, one of the black belts controlled the match. The students were allowed to fight for 2 or 3 minutes and the three Masters just sat and watched the proceedings.

Kumite was not as trying as kata, because once the fight started everyone in the room disappeared and only the opponent seemed visible; however, the honor of the dojo was at stake and you felt as though you must prove that you and your dojo were the best.

Taika Oyata, Master Toma and Grandmaster Uehara signed the certificates of the Ryukyu Karate-do League. Half of the certificate was written in Japanese characters and the other half was English. After the belt tests were complete, no one was told if they had passed or not. The three Masters went upstairs to discuss each student's performance and to fill out the certificates.

Before the masters left the Dojo, we all stood and bowed and Taika Oyata called for me to follow them. My heart jumped into my throat for I thought that I must have made a terrible mistake and that they were going to "rake me over the coals".

Following the gentlemen upstairs, we all sat on the tatami mats and were served green tea by Master Toma's wife. I was still very concerned about being called upstairs until Taika Oyata explained that they wanted me to fill in  the English portion of the certificates and help with the pronunciation of the English names. I was relieved and very honored to be in the company of these great gentlemen and to perform this small task.

I would like to interject my first experience at drinking green tea and Japanese etiquette. Never having drank green tea before, I found it difficult to swallow at first for two reasons. One, it was very hot and second, it looked as if it were "dirty" water. The taste was not like tea at all but slightly bitter. Not wanting to hurt any feelings or make Taika Oyata look bad, I drank all of my tea.

Master Toma's wife began to fill the cup again and I tried, in a polite manner, to refuse a second portion. I found out later, that if you leave some of the tea in the cup, they would assume that you have had enough and will not refill  your cup unless you request; however, if you empty the cup, they are bligated to give you more.

Returning downstairs, I took my place among the students as we lined up for the presentation of the certificates. Taika Oyata read the certificates in Japanese as each named was called and Grandmaster Uehara presented them. Grandmaster Uehara's stature was small compared to most of the American's present; however, his strength is immense. As I reached forward to shake Grandmaster Uehara's hand, his strength was so overwhelming, my body jerked forward each time he pulled my hand downward.

Proud that we all had passed our tests and made a good showing, Taika Oyata was smiling. I left feeling good that I had passed my test, but feeling more honored that I had sat with these three great men and drank tea with them.

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