How do you feel about getting your next grade/level/belt in martial arts?

I think the worst tests are your 1st belt (white) and your black belt. If your instructor has asked that you test, it is because you are ready for the next belt. Both my children will be testing this Saturday 3/15/08 for the 1st part of their black belt test and I can understand the nervousness. Like all tests, the true measure of your "martial art ability" will be determined more by your mental resolve and your spirit. I'm sure you will pass with flying colors. Good Luck to you!

Good luck, Foxy. I am sure you will pass with flying colours. Just think you are bashing the hell out me;)

Did you see Jonathon Ross at the weekend? He had Michele Ryan on who is the new Bionic Woman, which starts tomorrow night on tv. She has been learning Krav Maga for her part in the program. JR said he would attack her and asked her to fend him off. He put a stocking over his head and then turned swiftly around and she screamed and put her hands up lol. Of course I thought of you;) You would have had him crippled in two moves, I know. Actually she had a second attempt and managed to get disable him pretty well.

Again good luck. I'll be waiting at the bridge, aye:)

i feel really satisfied after a grading, earning that new belt just gives you that great feeling of accomplishment.
plus i enjoy martial arts too

When I did Shotokan Karate, I was very nervous. We always had a memper of JKA (Japanese Karate Association) come from Japan to watch us test. That way the tests were standardized throughout the world. So you are doing the test in front of a stranger. But I would do the best I could and deal with the results. I passed one test, failed another test, passed two tests, and then had retest in two months on a skill by my instructor and if that skill was OK, then pass (it's listed as conditional pass-usually when a person almost has something, if in two months, you have it, then you can be passed to the next level). Then I had to choose between Martial Arts or Elementary Teaching. So I had to leave Martial Arts.

In my style of T'ai Chi, they have no tests in a way, but you're always being tested in a way. My instructor would show me a move, then I had to go home, practice it for a week and come back. I would show him the move I had practiced and he would straighten out the move and teach me another one. I would practice that for a week. Then I would come back and show him both moves, he would straighten them out and show me the next move, etc. So we didn't have formal tests for grade/level/belts, but we had to try to make each individual move better every week. So it was sort of informal continual testing.

So have you had your next grading? How did you do?

I would get nervous until I got up and did it. Then I would be alot more calm but I would still be wondering if I passed or not. I enjoy reaching the next kyu because it is proof of my accomplishment. Unfortunately my family's funds became strained and that was the first thing to go.

Because i get to learn more things, and get more respect from the lower grades i enjoy it because u have to learn more and you are the image that represent all persons that are behind you.