Black Belt
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US $15.99
When training for your black belt Karate test the most obvious tip is to turn up for class. Of course, this holds true for Judo, Kung Fu, Tae Kwon Do or whatever style of martial arts you practice. Okay, so turning up is important but what follows are four tips to get the best from your time in class.
Basic Training
Going over the basics time and time again can appear to be wasted effort when preparing for your black belt test. Especially as this grading in particular is about showing how far you have developed from when these easy techniques were challenging.
While there is a ring of truth in that assumption, these basics must be honed to pass your test, so hone them! One method to get more from this practice is to image the effect on your opponent these techniques would have while you perform them.
You could image what a particular block could achieve against an opponent. For instance, you could grab his wrist turning it as you retract your arm, destroying his balance as you move to the next technique. By focussing outward you practice more than just the basic action of the technique itself.
Training with Lower Belts
Again, training with lower belts can appear to be a waste of time, when all you want to do is push yourself to the limits. To get the most from your training you need to handicap yourself so that you can improve a weaker area. This is not easy, you must FORCE yourself to do so.
Therefore, rather than pull out your favourite front leg roundhouse kick to pick off your weaker opponent use your poorer techniques and begin to hone them. Even if you do not get them to a level where you are comfortable using them against a higher grade they will improve and therefore so will your overall Karate.
Of course, this will mean you will not dominate the lower belts during training but this is the time to forget the ego and really begin to understand the meaning of the word training!
Training with Higher Belts
Okay so this is the fun bit. This is time to really test yourself, pull out the stops and try everything you have. This is your chance to test all your preparation training. You want to impress your Sensei (Instructor) and the other higher grades to show you are worthy of black belt.
Also you want to learn from your superiors, so observe, copy and ask questions. Never is the phrase 'there are no stupid questions' more useful than now. Ask questions and benefit from the answers, it will be too late in the grading!
Kata
Kata (forms or patterns) are extremely important in the majority of styles so you need to get these to the required level. Inevitably the detail of the required performance counts for a lot in your grading so again ask questions and get help from your Sensei and the seniors, then work on their suggestions, otherwise the advice is wasted.
By following these tips you will be able to make the most from the classes leading up to your black belt Karate test. To perform well on the day, it is hugely important you make the most of these classes.
Want more karate tips? Try the Epic Martial Arts blog where you can read how my Karate has progressed from regular Go Ju Ryu, drawing from other arts and sports science. Here you can search for and find tips on how to improve all manner of techniques ranging from your punches, kicks and all strikes. There are also posts about improving stance and movement skills. Come with an open mind, browse, learn and feel free to comment.
Dr. Jon Law is a sports scientist, martial arts instructor and blogger from Birmingham UK with almost 20 years experience. For more information and tips on all kinds of martial arts skills please visit: http://epicmartialartsblog.com
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