I had informed my coworkers that I was to test on that Friday night, so many of the days; leading up to Friday I answered questions about what was to happen during the testing. No, I did not have to break boards. Yes, I will have to “fight� someone that night. No, I did not have to take on everyone else in the class to pass my test. Yes, I did have to fight the Master Instructor.

The Friday of the test, I did my best to concentrate on my work rather than on the test. This was only slightly successful. The anxiety of the test would creep into my mind on several occasions throughout the day. Yet, I reminded myself that if the Instructors did not think me ready to test, then I would not have received the test form with Green Belt written on it. This helped to an extent, but the thought of going up against the instructors was intimidating.

After work, I went home to dress for the Testing. I arrived an hour early for the test and used the time to mentally review the material I was responsible for knowing. This included the combos, or forms to those in other Martial Arts programs, grappling moves and self-defense material. I had to remind myself constantly that I knew the material and that all things would work out to good.

One of the things that I find refreshing in the Martial Arts program is that the majority of the students are willing to help you better yourself as a fighter. One of the biggest things they offer is encouragement. During the moments preceding the test, one of my friends constantly reminded me that I knew the material and would be successful. I trusted his advice.

The test was approximately 2 hours long. It consisted of a warm up session and then a dividing of the students. The Master Instructor divided the students into 3 categories: No Belts, Gold to Orange belts and Green Belts and higher. Each of the groups had at least one Black Belt who would monitor the students testing. The test was similar to the one I had six months earlier. I teamed up with a fellow student whom I would work with during the test. We each demonstrated the fighting combos, grappling and self-defense moves. After we completed each section, the Black Belt in charge gave us some pointers to improve each of the areas. The manner of instruction was calm and blunt. He respected us as individuals and wanted to see us progress in the program. He not only gave verbal instruction, but also demonstrated the moves so we could see how to apply the hold or properly move during the combos.

This time everyone had to spar. I sparred 3 or 4 of my fellow students, 1 of the black belt students and finally the Master Instructor himself. While the Instructor intimidates me, it is reassuring to know that he has complete control and will not retaliate with an adrenaline battery of punches. He gave me some pointers as he punched and kicked me before sending me back to the other students.

We did not find out if we passed the night of the test. The Master Instructor stated he would review the notes the other instructors and black belts took during the testing and they would discuss each student’s performance. After careful review, the final decision would be made regarding our belt progression and we would be notified at a banquet in a couple of weeks.

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