Get better at performing and competing. Create a smart plan to feel more confident and prepared for tournaments and belt tests.
We’ve all been waiting for this: Karate at the Olympics. Watching kata and kumite at Tokyo 2020 has been riveting. What we’ve seen on screen is an impressive display of athletic excellence. And as a martial artist and athlete, that lure is strong: to be THAT good? That would [...]
Have you ever had your butt kicked so badly in a sparring match that you wanted to quit? My first time sparring in a karate tournament was very nearly my last. I went into that tournament feeling pumped and ready to go. I was only a yellow belt, but [...]
I did it! I achieved the rank of Shodan—1st degree black belt—in Meibukan Goju-Ryu karate. I tested just over one month ago, on Saturday, March 27th, and I received my certificate and new belt last week, on Tuesday, April 27th. I’m feeling so incredibly satisfied and ecstatic and humbled right now. [...]
Consider a sparring division at a karate tournament. There are rules in place to protect the safety and well-being of the competitors. For example, at the tournaments I attend, if I’m going to do a head-level roundhouse kick, I can only do light contact. I have to exercise control, and retract my foot [...]
I have my black belt test in less than 2 weeks. It’s possible I’m feeling a little bit nervous. Good Stress vs Bad Stress My upcoming black belt test is really important to me, so it’s normal to feel nervous. And it’s not necessarily a bad thing: a reasonable [...]
I’ve been invited to test for my black belt in karate in two months. (COVID-19 pandemic permitting.) This is kind of a big deal. I Was Never an Athlete I’m 45. I’m no spring chicken. I was never athletic in my youth. I wasn’t exactly inactive; my family did [...]
Do you want a powerful tool to boost your confidence, improve your focus, and help manage performance anxiety? Check this out. When You’re Feeling Stressed or Anxious Picture these scenarios: you’re at your belt test, and you’re feeling super anxious. You really want to pass that test, but performing [...]
Sparring can be scary. And those nerves threaten to overwhelm me during a match if I’m not careful. What helps me? Acknowledging that fear, and using it to my advantage. The following is my dialogue with fear. I created this script and video as a reminder to myself that fear is normal. And [...]
You have a belt test coming up. Maybe this is your first test ever. Or maybe you've done this before and know what to expect. Either way, chances are, you're probably feeling nervous. The thought of performing in front of everyone is likely making your stomach flutter and your heart race and your [...]