How did you feel about your test?

[karatekid1975]

niel0092, good luck on your test. I may be testing in November for my prob. BB so I won't be far behind

We also make up our own self defense stuff during the BB test. I can't wait for that. Because I am also going to take stuff from the other arts I studied That will be fun hehehehe

[niel0092]

Good luck to you too!

I got to help out at a BB test last weekend for one canidate and 2 guys going for second Dan. It was a very good test but it was sooo hot! I think it was about 95F outside and almost as hot inside. I really felt for the testers and promptly deceided to wait until it cools down a bit before I test! I mean, the floor under them was wet from all the sweat when I went out to spar, do one steps, and hold boards for them. That's just too hot for me.

[karatekid1975]

I did a tourny last weekend and it was way hot in there, too. So I know how ya feel.

[karatekid1975]

I found out the "result" of my test today. I had a chat with my instructor. I have to re-test in November. He didn't use the word "fail." He just told me (amoung other things we chatted about) to retest.

I actually don't feel "bad" about it. It was more of a sigh of "relief." It's weird, but I agree with his decision. I'm totally cool with it.

[shotochem]

Hi Laurie,

That is the right attitude. Just keep enjoying and getting the most out of your training. I recently did not have a good experience with my BB grading and I still have not decided if I ever want to retest. I feel much more relaxed and am trying to enjoy myself again.

Before the grading I was miserable and pressured. It felt like being at work. If I want a second job I'll get one this is supposed to be for fun. Don't get too hung up on belts and rankings (I know you won't). Take my humble advice, test when YOU are ready not when others tell you you should. I wish I had listened to myself. For me it's just not the same as it was. I may just start a new art all over again. It really is the journey not the destination for you may find as I did that where you end up may not be where you want to be.

Marc

[karatekid1975]

Thanks shotochem. I can kind of see your point. I few months ago, I was asked to test. But I didn't know any of my red belt requirements (even though I was a red belt for sometime), except my empty hand form. I kind of "forced" my brain to learn this stuff. It kind of felt like I was under some pressure to learn this stuff (I didn't realize it till I read your post and thought about it for a few minutes).

Now that I know I didn't pass, I'm like "Ah, whatever. Maybe next time." It's like a weight was lifted off of me I can take my time now and, like you said, just enjoy training. I'll work on my stuff, but at my own pace

And you're right, I'm not hung up on rank. My attitude is that I have been a red belt (in November will be a year as a red belt in this dojang) forever. Ah so what *shrugs* I rather be a great 2nd gup/kyu than a "half-baked" black belt

[shotochem]

I have said many times it is better to be a really good brown belt than a crappy BB. I practice what I preach.

[karatekid1975]

I feel the same way