Hey everyone, I desperately need some advice. I have been competing for about four years now and have done extremely well at most tournaments. However, about 15 months ago I was graded to my Shodan Black Belt, and ever since then I've been terribly nervous when competing. I'll find that I'll be up all night in bed, unable to get to sleep. When I get up in the morning I'll either still be very nervous or just dead tired, sometimes both. I also know that it's good to have a big breakfast before competing, as it has to get you through the day, but when I'm nervous I just can't eat anything. I've asked my Sensei for advice, and he always says that at a tournament it's all about me. I'm competing against myself, not the other competitors. Which is great advice, but doesn't help calm my nerves at all. The worst part about the whole situation is that I feel that I should win my divisions (Traditional Kata and Traditional Bo). I've always placed either 3rd or 2nd in both divisions after attaining my Black Belt. I've seen videos of me competing and videos of me performing my tournament katas at the club, and I'm far, far cleaner, sharper etc... when I'm at the club. I know that I can win if I conquer my nervousness, but I just can't. I'd really appreciate advice from anyone willing to help.
