             | Preparing for Karate Testing 101
Karate tests are scheduled at regular intervals and are set up to mark the progress of all students. It is the manner in which students advance from white through to black belt ratings. The following suggestions are designed to help each student get organized --- both mentally and physically, to get prepared to take each test. These suggestions are provided to help insure that all tests are successfully executed and each experience leaves every student with the personal knowledge of having accomplished something positive.
1) Set up a Martial Art Folder, use your computer or Notebook so that a record can be kept of progress made and goals and objectives met. Records should be maintained of training schedules and classes attended. As each new technique is learned, a note should be made of the date the lessons or the technique was started and when the technique was learned. This helps you follow your progress over time. (Younger children should do this with the assistance of their parents.) 2) Be sure that you know everything that will be required for each exam. A list of the requirements for all exams are available at:http://tombloommartialarts.com/karate-belt-requirements.html, or from Professor Bloom. 3) Once you have the requirements list for your next exam, make notes on the sheet next to: a) those things you want to focus on improving, b) other parts of the test that you may want to highlight when you perform that requirement on the exam, c) those things you must keep in mind when performing, e.g., When preparing your Form or Kata for your exam- You may want to improve your- -- Ke-i’s, by being Stronger and louder -- Stances by Keeping low -- Focus and concentration by keeping your eyes forward and not moving when in the ready position, You may want to highlight- -- Your speed and precision by snapping your punch just below the nose, -- Your power by making strong, powerful folds, And you may want to remind yourself to- -- Define each strike, -- Keep your thumb tucked on knife hand, -- Keep your wrist straight on punches. 4) Be sure of the date, time and place of your scheduled martial arts test. Keep the day of the test as clear as possible and clear the night before. Be sure you get plenty of sleep the night before the test. 5) Practice, Practice, Practice Often beginning Karate or Martial Art students get lost in the weakness of self-doubt and waste an awful amount of time and energy pondering self-sabotaging questions. This habit is self-defeating and should be discouraged in the strongest terms. Positive thoughts and an hour of devoted practice will make the self-doubts disappear. This is the key to practice and to success in any endeavor. 6) Get a friend or classmate with whom you can practice. 7) If any test forms or sign up sheets are required to be returned before the day of the test, be sure they are returned in time. 8) If boards are required for breaking, or special dress, such as trim on lapels, are required, they should be prepared on the day before the test, or sooner. 9) On the day of the test get to the test location early and be mentally and physically ready. You should be dressed in a clean uniform with proper patches in place. Finger and toe nails should be trimmed and clean and hair should be clean and out of your eyes. Allow time to stretch before the test begins so you will be loose when it does. 10) Once the testing begins, focus on the first task you will be asked to perform. Do not, for example, think about your jump kicks when the first task you will be asked to do is your kata (form). Keep thinking about your next task as you move through the sequence of required actions. 11) Always show your best martial arts etiquette throughout the testing period. Good etiquette should be practiced at all times but should be particularly obvious during the test time. Be sure to bow properly and when appropriate, hustle, sit up tall. Be sure to say “Yes Sir or Mam”, stay alert and be ready always. 12) If you are required to be a partner, be sure to be a great partner. Keep your energy level up and be passionate and enthusiastic especially when it is your partner's turn and not yours. 13) Don’t rush into your moves, but each time think about what you are about to do and then act with deliberate and precise pace. Apply speed and power where necessary. The judges on your panel are on your side and are hoping you will do well enough to pass, with room to spare. With proper preparation and attitude, you will. |
 Play MP3 Now | “Clarity”
For the student who is preparing for his or her Martial Art exam or test. I am excited to share this one! – Back in the day when I was competing in fighting, just after I received my black belt, we were preparing for the Long Beach International Karate Championships and felt I needed an extra edge. I remember when I was really pursuing baseball, my father talking to me about a famous hypnotist Pat Collins “The Hip Hypnotist” and that she was working with many of the professional athletes of that time on a technique called self – hypnosis (you have to remember this was the 70's and I had never heard about anything like it before) - My father explained that our sub-conscience mind controlled the emotion-thought-and focus of any given situation and if we were able to pre-program these thoughts and responses for success, it would ultimately produce better results. So in 1981 just before winning the middle weight division in the International Karate Championships, I made myself anaudio tape of positive affirmations’-feelings-responses-recall-and strategy for my matches. – It worked. Check it out and see if it will work for you. Professor Bloom
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              | PUTTING THE KARATE TEST INTO PERSPECTIVE
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