This past Monday, the instructor who usually teaches was unable to make it to class on time because of car troubles and problems at work, and since I'm the only other black belt who can make it on Mondays, it was my responsibility to lead class until Mr. Banzhaf arrived!  Its not the first time I've done this, occasionally the black belts have me lead for a day while they observe the students closer and my leadership skills.  But, this is one of the first times that I've lead for nearly a full class without "backup", and it was a nice taste of what I have to look forward to after my black belt test!  The class itself was small, only 7 students, and that let me study watch each student closer, and correct technique.  There was also a new white belt, who's has about 2 weeks of experience, but is very young.  I had to pay special attention to him during the first class (6-7pm) before Banzhaf arrived around 640.  This was an interesting balance, having to watch the entire class and keep authority, while also helping this one student individually.  I feel like I am actively learning how to lead the class, and it feels good!

Next week Mr. Banzhaf's schedule is most likely going to be similar, so I'm also going to be leading then.  Even though this is good experience, with only 9 days until my test, I'm feeling the pressure, and kind of want to be a student again, at least for this week, where I want to be sure that I know everything I need to.  Maybe that'll be my next blog, what I need to know for black belt test: EVERYTHING. This brick is also beginning to look more and more intimidating. I've been hand toughening more and more recently, until I actually hurt my hand and took a break, but now I'm rolling back into it. A lot of it is mental, and I'll probably do a before/after blog on what the brick feels like.  Because right now, it feels scary. 

That seems like a good ending note!