So, that was February then.
29 runs at a 6th Dan practice exam, and 2 passes. My 2-Turn Lighthouse is getting there, finally, but Bird/Valley have just got the hex over me. I think it has now become psychological. I've got a month to kickstart my technique or my mind, or there's no hope in Japan. Oh well, at least I won't have any nasty surprise about how bloody hard it is.....