So it's finally happening, I'm going to be tested for my black-belt in about two weeks, along with two other students. This is the first black-belt test in our Dojo in about 8 years; we even have some people flying in to observe.

Needless to say I'm both excited and nervous... Well more nervous.

Excited to be tested, nervous as I have no idea how this is going down, and I hope I’m over thinking a few things… But in the meantime I’m driving myself a wee bit crazy. So I wanted to put some of my thoughts down.

At this point I basically convinced myself that I 1: utterly suck (unlikely), 2: that I’m over thinking, or 3: I am being held to a higher standard than the other students.

I am hoping I'm over thinking, but there are a few little things bothering me that got me thinking. Such as having a Dan ranked Karateka (2ed Dan) for partner work, when the other two students wont. I mean it seems unfair to me, unless they expect me to have a higher standard then the others.

In any case I'll keep following up with my experience over the next few weeks.

My guess is that you are overthinking it--I was overthinking everything leading up to my shodan test, last year . Good luck!

Good to know that general panic and overthinking everything is normal leading up to a Shodan test. Thanks for the luck

Sounds a little bit like Imposter Syndrome: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impostor_syndrome

Most likely you're fine. don't worry too much and just do your best. Good luck!

that is totally normal for you to feel like that. But don't try and overthink it on the day.

Relax...have fun...and let the testing cycle take care of itself. You'll do just fine!!

Good luck, Karate_John.

Good luck! Just relax and you will do great!

I was actually more nervous for my brown belt test than my Shodan test. I felt that I knew everything that I could know up to that point. I put a lot of pressure on myself for Brown. I was determined to shine for Shodan. However, the night before, a few people were testing, and I hurt my knee while sparring with them. When I walked in for my test, I told myself that I was either making this rank or trying until my knee gave out! And I had my best performance ever. I think it was because I mentally told myself that I couldn't fail and that I was going to be perfect!

As for having a 2nd dan as a partner, I think that will give you an advantage. Their experience will help you- iron sharpens iron.

Thanks all for the well wishes. I just got just a few days left until the test. Working on the small written test tonight. Which I find kind of nice, as it's making me reflect on everything up to this point.

I'll report back after the test