Health and Testing

[frightmaster]

Ok here is my issue....I was informed that my Black Belt test for 1st Dan is Feb 17th. I am excited and scared. I am only scared because I have not been training hard due to extreme Asthma conditions which are uncontrolled. My Master informs me not to worry. My breathing is so bad that I am doubled over just going up 1 flight of stairs. Does anyone have any advise I can do to mentally get this out of my head? I really do want to test as I was to last Feb and was passed over due to school politics.

[bushido_man96]

I would talk to a doctor, and find out what exactly the problem is. You don't want to test unhealthy, and end up failing just because your body isn't up to it.

Best of luck to you. I hope you get better soon. There will always be another testing.

[frightmaster]

The problem is I know I have a virul infection in my small air vessals in my lungs. Most likely due to a mold exposure. It will take a long time to pass if it does at all. The medical name is Obstructive Bronceolitis. Spelling is not correct.

[pegasi]

I would seek the advice of your lung specialist and see if using a respriatory medication may help you to be able to handle physical exertion better. (I know of some meds, but can't say any names as I'm not a physician, ask your dr or do research)

Talk to your sensei, perhaps you can be given special accomodations, such as breaking up the required activities with several short breaks. If there are others testing, perhaps they can have you do forms, have someone else test, then have you do self defense, then have someone else test, etc. Unusual way to do testing, but it would allow you time to recover in between sections of the testing, and testing in sections in between others would also avoid something like doing part of the test one time, and finishing it another, which seems even more unlikely than allowing you more rest periods than normal.

I know that my instructor is accomodating of my physical disability, in that there are some techniques which I can understand how to do them, but I cannot physically accomplish them without harming myself. I also have heard of martial arts programs for the wheelchair bound, so I dont think it would be that difficult for your sensei to make some reasonable accomodation for you to test, given the infrequent opportunities to do so.

Good luck, hope you get to take the test!

[cathal]

Honestly I'd do some meditating. Some people feel it's corny and others swear by it. Me, I know that I can tend to be a little bit of a hypchonriac so the power of suggestion is a strong one in my case. Basically, the idea is to just focus on doing well and concentrating on endurance.

[frightmaster]

Well my update.....I spoke to my master and he has assured me not to worry. HE knows my limitation and assured me I will walk out a Black Belt. He told me I basically achieved it already because of demostrated abilities and attitude towards helping others. I am still going through with the test and will push myself as I would normally.

Cathal, I do meditate already and am a positive person. I do believe in the power of the mind and I will demonstrate Indombinable Spirit and perserverence (to early to spell). Thanks for the help.

[Rateh]

I also have breathing trouble and was worried for my black belt test. My sensei assured me as well but i was still very worried. He let me get drink breaks all throughout the test (because sipping water seems to help me). Let me stop after every kata. Let me stop whenever i needed during sparring (which was around every thirty seconds) and i only had to run down the shopping mall block and back till i got winded, instead of the usual 5 miles.

[frightmaster]

Woth my breathing issue I get extremely exhausted with about a flight of stairs. When I say extreme, I look like I ran a marathon. My muscles are achy and joints are sore. Taking the breaks will help but not for long. I will do what I can but my health is my worry. If I were to go to far then what gets damaged? That is my only worry.

[frightmaster]

Well I made it. I receivd my Black Belt this past weekend. Was a toung test and the masters took is a little easy on me. One commented that I passed prior to testing for all I have done (assistin with teaching and such). I felt good about the test and am a very happy person for my decision to go through with the test.

[hammer]

Congratulations!!