5 Tips for Your Next Belt Test
Some of my students are currently preparing for their upcoming belt tests. They are coming in to class early and diligently preparing so they’ll do their best when the time comes.
Here are a few tips for when you do your next belt test:
1) Breathe. When people get nervous, their muscles often tighten up. This includes the muscles that control breathing. As a result, they end up taking shorter breaths, causing them to fatigue more quickly. Try to concentrate on taking longer, smoother breaths.
2) Don’t think, react. If you’ve properly prepared for your test, your body should already know what to do. Like with multiple choice, your first instinct is likely the correct one.
3) Control your speed and power. You don’t need to go a million miles an hour and clobber your uke to show you know what you’re doing. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. You should be able to show quick, but fluid and controlled movements that cause an appropriate amount of discomfort to your uke without injuring them or causing excessive amounts of pain.
4) If you don’t make it, fake it. If for some reason you do the wrong technique for an attack, don’t stop mid-technique or comment on it. Follow it through confidently as if it was exactly what you meant to do. If the examiner asks you to do it again, make the necessary adjustments, but if they don’t comment on the mistake, don’t bring attention to it.
5) Relax! This is by far the most important tip. It’s natural to be a little nervous, and that minor nervousness can even add to your performance, driving you to step up to the plate. But try to relax, stay calm and focused. This will improve every aspect of your performance.
Good luck to all those of you who are getting ready for an upcoming belt test!
We're proud to announce that Lori O'Connell Sensei's new book, When the Fight Goes to the Ground: Jiu-jitsu Strategies & Tactics for Self-Defense, published through international martial arts publisher Tuttle Publishing, is now available in major book stores and online. More about it & where to buy it.
Good points! I seem to be always telling the students to “Breathe” and “Relax”. Students usually are well prepared for testing. I remind them that they should “Enjoy” the journey.