Red/Black Belt Test

[Rateh]

Today I tested for my red/black belt (this is the rank right before black). I already have a black belt in a previous style. I was told afterward that I need more power, and that I messed up the end of the bassai form. The test was around 3.5 hours long, and consisted of basics, weapons, forms, sparring, self defense, and board breaks. I also had to create and perform a demonstration.

I would be interested to know peoples opinions and suggestions on how I can improve in the future.

A video of my demonstration (I'm the one in white)

A video of one of my sparring matches (I'm the one in the pony tail)

And one of my board breaks

Again any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[tallgeese]

Not coming out of your style it's hard to be specific or understand what you're expected to do.

That being said, one thing I always like to see when I'm on a board is follow up control after a takedown. You do it once very nice by kicking the uke once he's down. I'd do more control stuff if you could. Not meaning to jump down with him into a ground fight or anything, but perform a shoulder pin, or an armbar from your standing position, wrist manip., something to make sure he can't get back up and start swinging again.

Just a thought. Nice work on the test.

[tori]

One way to have power in technique is to land your stance before blocking, striking..., which you do. The other is using reverse power in your upper extremities. When doing a punch with your right hand, pull your left gaurd or block or strike that is already extended, the exact same time you extend your opposite side. This will make strikes/blocks faster and with more power.

[DWx]

Watching your form I would say more acceleration and definition on the techniques. Its not bad at all but just that little bit more would help a lot. I second tallgeese on the control after the takedown. Even if its just a simple wrist lock, it would be better than nothing.

[bushido_man96]

As far as the form goes, your technique is good. Now, you should work to make it faster. Speed brings power. This will make a good from, excellent. You know the techniques, now you need to make them pop.

The sparring looked fairly controlled between the two of you. One thing I would mention is not to head hunt for the sake of head hunting. Punches to the body are good, too. I would also try to put a bit more zip on the sparring techniques, too.

The board break techniques looked good, technically, too. Again, I would emphasize focusing on speed.

[Rateh]

Thanks for the replies.

I have to do another demonstration for my black belt test in september, and I'm allowed to do the same one. My plan is to improve apon what I have and your advice will all be VERY helpful in this. Many of these things I had not considered.

Thanks again