Coming up this weekend something very important is happening - I'm attending a grading for martial arts. I've been a black belt for four years now, & I am now attempting to grad to the next level. However I am VERY nervous about it.
I can spar, do my pattern & anything else required but my stomach drops when I have to do board breaking. Don't get me wrong, I can do it. Though not always on the first go.
I'm really nervous that I may not pass, which would be really embarressing to me.
Can anyone give me some hints on relaxing while I'm doing my gradding test (besides taking deep breaths etc) ?
Nervousness is natural it's only human, I have studied martial arts for over 20 years, and still get a bit nervous when black-belt(Dan)gradings come around, although I'm now at a point where my physical gradings are over...I was still nervous to go for my last one. But it was the 'fear' that actually helped keep me focused. Seasoned actors get it before a performance, no matter how long they've been in the business. It's usually the crowd of people watching that brings it on, just pretend there is no-one there. Clear your mind before you grade, and know wholeheartedly that your going to give it your best shot...PASS or FAIL it's all apart of your training & the path of BUDO. As captain said focus your mind & body on the task at hand, this alone is the biggest challenge...and don't knock breathing exercises, not enough emphasis is placed on breathing. Your lungs are used to shallow breaths day in day out. Before the grading you know your physically ready, so sit somewhere quiet and breathe slowly into your nose & then slowly out of your mouth with a Haaa sound...this technique was taught to me by a Zen Buddhist monk, and it really helps me to calm my mind, body & spirit. Even Tigers get scared, but it's that fear that keeps them alive...without it you become complacent. You'll be fine...May the force be with you!!!
If anything, there's a reason why meditation is often associated with martial arts, considering the stereotype in martial arts movies of people meditating under a waterfall and all. But did you know? Meditation can be applied during exercise too. Search mindfulness in daily life to get a day on this.
Basically, while exercising, you can try getting into the zone by trying to focus on the sensory environment around you. Take note of what you see, hear, touch, and smell.
Lastly, feel free to try some EFT if you have nothing else on you and want to release stress pretty fast. There's some articles online if you want.
Key fundamentals of martial arts, is focus of body and of mind.
Your nervousness indicates a lack of mental focus. Overcoming this is more challenging than any physical test of body. You KNOW you can overcome any physical obstacle; you've trained for years and have proven this. But your mind is always changing, doubting, fearing. Why? Because overcoming YOURSELF is the greatest test.
Thank's for advice. I was actually thinking about it while I was doing my gradding (: & I passed with flying colours ^_^
thank you (:
bows
