But some people teach for a living, and other live to teach.
I particularly get a kick out of it when he gives me an exercise, and I goof it up, and he quickly switches me through five or six other exercises designed to fix the same problem, until he's satisfied that he's made some progress, and we move on.
Sensei Koyama knows I hate exams (at least, when I'm wearing pajamas. When I'm wearing a tie, it's no big deal).
So he's been patiently working me through the exam drills during my private classes for the last several months, and last night he sat in a folding chair and watched me do the same drills I've been doing for months and he said I'd passed my 1st Kyu exam.
I was pleased, and it seemed to me that the way it worked was the way all such exams should work. Because the exam is just a confirmation that a student has reached a particular level of proficiency, and the result shouldn't depend on whether the student is particularly "on" that day.
And someday I'll get a different belt color.
But, as the smart folks say, a belt is just to keep your pants up.
Or if they're more literal minded, a belt is to keep your gi closed.
For my Shodan exam, Sensei Koyama indicated that a good venue would be the upcoming tournament.
To which I answered, whatever you think is a good idea, Sensei.
So if Sensei Koyama told you to jump off the roof, would you do that?
Well, don't be silly.
Of course!
After all, it's only one story.
