Kyokushin karate as a metaphor for learning a foreign language Kyokushin karate is a vile, brutal, full-contact style. I knew that before bying my first "dogi" outfit and watching YouTube videos called "How to tie a karate belt". But modern Russian reality of my small hometown with 20,000 people gives little choice for women to stay fit. Especially, in the autumn. So, I was sure karate is more "girly" than boxing and rowing. Kyokushin even has some modest philosophy behind it, The word means "the ultimate truth" or "absolute reality" (I don't know Japanese). My first lesson this week was like a religious experience. 1 hour and 15 minutes 13-year girl with orange belt was beating me constangly with her legs. Mikivara (defence pillow, so to speak) didn't help that much. Then our sempai (2nd dan) came to her and showed low kick. On my leg, of course. Thanks to my bicycle legs, somehow I didn't fall. Although there were stars in my eyes and I've asked that little girl to hit on my right leg only. I came back home bitten but inspired. And I thought about the whole experience of full-contact karate compared to IELTS exam. You can be prepared for Listening, Reading and Writing. But there's always a possibility IELTS Speaking knocks you down. During my karate experience I was "saved" by months of ballet dancing and bike riding preparaion. Maybe my PHP and Delphi will come to rescue me during Speaking in a manner of Chip and Dale? BTW, I highly doubt it, but who knows...