Very sorry to hear about your injury Rachel and I hope you heal very quickly. Take all the time you need and don't rush it. I admire your determination and dedication: still going to classes to watch and such.
In the middle of my second degree brown test, I blew out my right knee. I tightened the neoprene brace I was wearing and finished the test and passed!! Next day at a seminar, I had to strap on a friend's beater of a knee brace and stand there for my kick- I was shaking like crazy. A month later, I had my surgery and the doctor said I might have done some of the other damage to it by completing my test- I kept falling down which probably aided in tearing more tissues, etc. Ever since then, I have had to wear a form-fitted de-rotational knee brace when I practice.......especially if it is sparring or anything that requires a lot of pivoting, etc. So I tested for first brown and black with my knee brace on.
A good friend of mine (who tested for 2nd black when I tested for black) and I always laugh during spar nights cuz we sit down amongst the younger practitioners who are geared up and ready to go in no time and out come our ankle braces, knee braces, elbow braces in addition to all the padding, etc. We've decided they need to add a division in the tournaments for all of us with old injuries- both for sparring and kata.......some of us just can't physically drop into the low stances, bouncing our tender knees against the gym floors anymore!!
Anyway, take it easy, follow the exercise regimen they give you and keep your spirits up........let us know how you are doing- it sounds like mentally, if not physically, you are already in the black belt club to me.
:asian: :karate:
