Belt promotion – the fear, the rus
Belt Promotion is a step that has to be taken in martial arts. Sometimes it is a formal test, sometimes a master will review you and decide that you are ready. In the latter scenario, every day is a test. So it has always struck me as odd when newbies start and say that they do not want to test, or they are just here for a good workout and to learn some self-defense.
Please do not be this person. If your goal is just to work out, sign up for a kickboxing class, not a martial arts school. If you just want to learn some self-defense, sign up for a seminar. If you want to learn a piece of culture, improve your mind, body, and spirit. Then sign up for a martial arts school. Yes, you get a good workout, Yes you learn self-defense, but it is so much more than that. If the more is not what you want then go find less.
It is a school after all...
Testing is essential in martial arts. When you sign up for a martial arts school … it’s a school, there will be measurements of your progress, however, there is no rush, martial arts is a forever school, you will always be learning. However, without testing/belt promotion you are unable to truly grow and learn the next piece.
Testing/belt promotion is meant to make you nervous, it’s meant to create an environment that is stressful to see what you truly know. Has the knowledge truly sunk in? It’s one thing to do a technique in class, but to be able to execute it will the instructor and others watching you in a whole other story.
For people to start this journey and say they have no interest in testing, well okay, but you still will and have to otherwise you will continue constantly doing the same technique continuously until you test.
A trip down memory lane...
I remember my first testing at 14. I was in a shy high school, I hated being the center of attention and had a fear of public speaking. I was so nervous. I was the only white belt testing at that time too. So it was just me in the middle of the mat, face to face with my instructor. My heart raced, my legs shook, but you know what I did it and that feeling of accomplishment is great. As I continued testing, each time got a little less scary, and I got a little stronger. In life, I started to become more confident, more comfortable speaking and being in front. Even to this day, however, as a 30 year – old, I still get nervous at testing.
It’s natural, and a part of the process. If you start something and are not ready for the process, you may need to rethink starting. Starting is always the first step, but being able to see it through and be consistent is when you truly win.
Don’t let your fears stop you. Belt promotion is scary, but it’s also amazing. You also can go when you feel you are ready, but listen to your instructors too, if they say you are, the only person you need to convince to take the next step is you.
Be brave, Be scared, but do it anyway.
