Rank test for next belt (yellow)

[a_ninja]

Well im about to have a rank test to see if i can go to yellow belt. We have to do 1 kata and also go over the basics. I know that if i yell real loud it will impress them, but what else will? suggestions pleeeeeeeeease!!!

[Sohan]

Stay relaxed and have fun. Don't try too hard to impress, but rather seek to perform your kata and other materials as crisply as you can. Your sensei has already watched you in practice, so he/she obviously has the confidence in you to perform well. Test with that confidence in mind and you'll do fine.

First belt tests are a special experience, and should be enjoyed to the fullest, as they only come around once per style.

With respect,

Sohan

[bushido_man96]

After 13 years, I still get nervous at testings.

Just practice hard, and lots. You will do fine. As far as the yelling loud being impressive....I don't know. I don't concern myself too much with it.

[Shotokan-kez]

Well Sohan and Brian said it all really. Go up, have fun and just do your best! Good luck with that and let us know how you get on.

[Havoc88]

Well, I know I was nervous last monday during my yellow belt test!

As long as you can still concentrate to the fullest, I think it is good to be a bit nervous. It keeps you sharp.

Tom

[cathal]

I sometimes feel some tension when waiting for my turn to test, but when it starts I am having no problems.

[patusai]

Try to relax. You'll do just fine. Good luck

[Muki]

I still have butterflies in my stomach and adrenaline rushes before every testing, but with time I learned to use them in my favour. First tests were the hardest, but I kept telling myself to breathe, focus and perform the required techniques like it was an oridinary day in the gym.

Once I asked a buddy who was very calm before every exam - How can you do it? Funny, it turned out he was more nervous before everyday training than on exams! He knew that testing was just icing on the cake. And no super duper icing could change the taste of a crappy cake. What he tried to say was that the most important work was done in past months of training. If you train hard, it will give you the confidence you need to perform well. Don't let the fear of failing consume you.

Try to do your best, pay attention to the stances, don't forget the kiai in the katas, remember the tips and pointers your sensei gave you. Our sensei keeps telling us he never flunked a student who couldn't perform an advanced technique learned a month ago. But he also never promoted one to a higher belt, if he messed stuff like heiwa shodan or if his tsuki sucked. So don't forget to keep your basics sharp and clean.

Relax and good luck!

[bushido_man96]

Once I asked a buddy who was very calm before every exam - How can you do it? Funny, it turned out he was more nervous before everyday training than on exams! He knew that testing was just icing on the cake. And no super duper icing could change the taste of a crappy cake. What he tried to say was that the most important work was done in past months of training. If you train hard, it will give you the confidence you need to perform well. Don't let the fear of failing consume you.

This is a very good point. If you have worked hard up to the point of the testing, then you really have nothing else to worry about. The real work is done at class.

[Havoc88]

Try to do your best, pay attention to the stances, don't forget the kiai in the katas, remember the tips and pointers your sensei gave you. Our sensei keeps telling us he never flunked a student who couldn't perform an advanced technique learned a month ago. But he also never promoted one to a higher belt, if he messed stuff like heiwa shodan or if his tsuki sucked. So don't forget to keep your basics sharp and clean.

Relax and good luck!

That's some pretty solid advice. The basics is what will be most important every grading. Know the previous belt moves. The new stuf will probably not be as important.

Tom