Even though I'm convinced I was not at my shaolin best last night, the sifu (boss guy) promoted me anyway. This was such a relief that I went home and promptly fell into a dead sleep for just over eight hours. Which is a long time for me.
As the exam approached, I couldn't understand or control my nervousness about the situation. True, it's all conducted in traditional fashion, complete with everyone sitting in what's called seiza position, as if you're participating in a Japanese tea ceremony. Basically you're sitting on your own feet, and your feet begin to complain pretty sharpish.
As predicted by my instructors, the sifu passed practically all junior-rank attendees, right down to the five-year olds. (He may have passed all of them; I didn't notice.) During the final belt presentation, I was dreadfully embarrassed to discover that both my feet were numb because of my sitting in seiza for over an hour. But he seemed to be amused at my limping towards him. At least I didn't forget to bow properly.
I only wish I'd been able to stay to watch the two who were taking the black belt examination, as they're my two of my favorite instructors. I hope they passed.