Nervousness during promotions

[KatieJo]

I was wondering how others control their nervousness during promotions. I'm getting better at using breathing to maintain my focus, but what else could I do?

[Rev. Brian Henderson]

Please allow me to share with you the advice I have always given my students: Your test has been happening for some time now.  All of your instructors have been teaching you and evaluating your learning through the whole process.  You have already proven to us that you have mastered the material, now we are testing your heart and your spirit.  How bad do you want this?  If you want it badly it will show; if you don't want it badly then just go home now.  No one will think less of you, we will simply know that your heart isn't ready.  When you are ready for us to test your hearrt, let us know and we will try again.

I hope this helps...

[KatieJo]

Rev. Henderson,

Thank you! I've heard these same words in the past from my Sifu, but I needed to hear them again.

Respectfully,
Kathy

[Manuel "Mani" Esquivel]

Greetings: in regards to your question. I feel one gets MORE nervous because we either have not trained enough and are not fully confident and subconsiouly we are thinking I hope the instructor does not call on me to perform this or that  (when I test my students they do not know what I will call on them to perform). Secondly I think it is natural to have some kind of nervousnes because different factors are involved, adrenaline, joy, (personal emotions), perfroming in front of a large group/audience, and of course your breathing. Prior post have explained this already as to controlling your oxygen. I have been involved for many years and still get a little nervous so you are not alone.
Peace

[Dean Goldade]

Seriously,
Train all your required material to the best of your ability... Expect the unexpected, even if that only means being ready to do what you had not planned on.. And go in it with the spirit that whatever is thrown your way, you will do your best... And be prepared physically, emotionally, and spiritual for one of youe biggest challenges... But do your best, don't quit, and fight thru the pain.... Prove you are ready to be one of the Elite!

I know this is an older post... So if you made it great.. If not keep on trying.

With respect
Dean

[Eugene Sedeno]

I feel you will always be a little nervous when you test.  It really is natural.  What you do with that nervousness is the important thing.  Focus on the job at hand and give it your all.

As a teacher I would never ask someone to test until I new they were ready and that they could pass.  Now it is up to my student, as stated earlier, to show heart and stamina.  You still have to pass the test!

Eugene

[KatieJo]

I really appreciate everyones advice. Thank You!

My schools next promotions are to be at the end of October and providing my name is on the list, I will be testing for Brown. Not beginning this journey until I was 51 I started out by comparing myself with the younger students and trying to match them. I now know that it is better to keep my eyes on my own path, work hard on my material and trust my instructors.

I would be lying if I said that I wasn't a little nervous about my next promotion, but at the same time I look forward to the expected and unexpected challenges I know that I will face.

Kathy

[Greg Hoyt]

It sounds like you have a good attitude, and that you train hard.  Those are key.  To be nervous is natural.  It shows you care what happens.  Hang in, no matter what happens, and never stop training.  The path never ends. 

[Danjo]

I feel you will always be a little nervous when you test.  It really is natural.  What you do with that nervousness is the important thing.  Focus on the job at hand and give it your all.

As a teacher I would never ask someone to test until I new they were ready and that they could pass.  Now it is up to my student, as stated earlier, to show heart and stamina.  You still have to pass the test!

Eugene

GM Sedeno, I believe your words to me were, "If I get bored during your test, you fail." LOL.

[Rick Kingi]

  Train every class like it's a test and when test time comes around there will be no worries, train strong and finish strong, good luck and have faith...

[Sojourner]

There is a lot of good advice given in this thread. I think that a little nervousness is good, but don't let it get to you or detract you from focusing on the task at hand. And by the way, good luck on your upcoming belt test.

[GM ALAN M. REYES]

In Kajukenbo, a Student trains to better him or herself, with the knowledge gained from their Instructor. The nervousness comes from an attitude of pleasing themselves personally and in the performance of their new found knowledge. Within the countless hours of training to attain a rank, a student grows in confidence with the perfection of said knowledge. So if your Instructor has asked you to participate in testing, then Your Instructor has confidence “in you” of how you will perform. They see in you a person able to pass. Do not let yourself or your instructor down with a bad showing. You are Kajukenbo, train hard, perform to you fullest capabilities, Breathe, Show them it was not confidence misplaced, but confidence earned. Step up to the task and say I am Kajukenbo. And show them why.
Wether it’s now or a belated testing,,,it’s the skill of Kajukenbo that  you were taught and will now perform. The Best of the Best.
All of us has been there, do well. Greatness will follow .
With all due respect,
GMReyes

[KatieJo]

"Thank You" for your encouragement and words of advice. Yesterday I test for and received my Brown sash. Although I was still somewhat nervous, I was able to remain focused even when things didn't always go as expected.

Kathy

[Greg Hoyt]

Congratulations. 

[Danjo]

Nice job!