Preparing for Martial Arts Rank Testing

As a Taekwondo enthusiast holding rank in a local dojang, I know what it is to practice your bum off in preparation for rank testings. Even though we all put in loads of work, we still manage to get the pre-test jitters! We all look for ways to add a little mojo to our up-coming ordeal: academics have a lucky pencil, some may have lucky underwear (let's hope that they're washed), but what do us martial artists have? I'll share some of my favorite ways to prepare for a belt testing and I hope that you all will share your ideas as well.

Crank the groovy tunes

Cranking the tunes is still the first thing I think to do. I don't care how outdated it is, I still think that Vincent Price in Michael Jackson's "Thriller" is groovy. In any case, I like to put on a playlist full of upbeat music.

While my method sounds juvenile, there's a method to my madness: the inevitable dancing that I'll be doing gets my blood gets pumping and my muscles start warming up. Let's face it: we're a little too nervous to get some pre-test stretches in. Personally, all I'm able to do in the dojang is pace around nervously. Plus, with all the blood pumping to my brain, my memory is sharper.

Pack a lunch/survival kit

In some schools, high belt testing is a day-long ordeal - the morning may be filled with a seminar with your Grandmaster and the afternoon may have the testing. In that case, pack a sandwich, banana, and some juice. Bananas are (supposed to) help with hydration - in musical endeavors, we ate them to prevent dry mouth and to stop the nervous shakes. Be sure to have some water, obviously. I also like to have a thermos of tea for relaxation, a compact to touch up make-up, and solution for dry contacts. I recommend some snacks as well - mainly, because I'm always hungry but also, it's a great way to make friends.

Eat a light breakfast

Never fill your belly right before a long day! A full stomach can lead to cramping and seems to cause people to move sluggishly. I typically grab a coffee, a small portion of fruit and a cup of yogurt. Sugary cereals are a no-no, as are a big stack of pancakes. Coffee should be a no-no as well - it dehydrates a person.

Night before: the Karate Kid

Okay, this is dorky, but I've loved this movie since I was eight years old. Daniel-san triumphs in the end, despite his physical limitations. Watching an uplifting movie such as this is a great way to get your mind in the right place. After all, our mental condition impacts our physical one! This movie also reminds me why I love the martial arts and that while the training may seem silly or too intense, if we obey our masters, we'll prevail. For me, it makes testing seem less daunting.

Divine intervention and positivity

I visualize myself succeeding and think positive thoughts about the upcoming test. I try to anticipate what's going to happen and then visualize my reaction. There's also something to be said about divine intervention (if one believes in these things). I pray to chosen deity - not for ultimate success, but that I try my very best.

I hope that some of my ideas can help you in your next testing. How do you all prepare for a test (beside months of hard work)?