The 3rd Degree Black Belt Test: Battle of the Mind

For the first time, I was actually afraid to take a belt test.  My belt tests at GA Tech were much harder.  In this test, there were many lessons learned.  I will not include all the examples that correlate to the lessons.  The lessons can be applied to life as well as the test. 

First lesson:  Share with as many people as possible that you are testing especially if you are nervous about doing it.  I emailed 200-300 people an invitation.  The night before, I wanted to back out, but didn't because I knew people would want to know.  I also didn't know how many people would come who did not RSVP.

I also became sick the morning of the test.  Normally, I would become 10 times more ill by engaging in physical activity.  I did not back out because so many people knew. 

Second lesson:  Playing the game is more important than whether or not I prevail.  There were many circumstances to overcome just to be able to test - being sick, time, learning some forms as little as two days beforehand, etc.

Third lesson:  Move to your own rythym if moving with the rythym of others does not work. 

Fourth lesson:  When the mind is quiet and still there is ease of movement.  There are no obstacles.  Without a quiet and still mind, there is pain and confusion.  Breaking boards was a great example.  Boards that are normally not a problem to break, were a problem when I was thinking.  Forms and kicking combinations were a problem when thinking.  When I did not think, a piece of one board flew across the room and sparring was easy.   

Fifth lesson:  When you practice anything for six months it becomes a part of who you are.