Testing for my First Dan

[Karate_John]

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.

[Wastelander]

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

[Karate_John]

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

[DWx]

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!

[Nidan Melbourne]

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

[sensei8]

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

[Patrick]

Good luck, Karate_John.

[Zaine]

Good luck! Just relax and you will do great!

[jaypo]

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.

[Karate_John]

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