For August we shall be mostly focusing on syllabus work for the upcoming grading on 26th August. Most people like to grade although they are often nervous and perhaps a little apprehensive about doing so. What to expect? What to remember? How will you perform?

These are all good questions. Gradings are an important part of your development. If you don’t grade, your progression will be limited to your practise on the day. In Bushin, there are 10 grades to black belt, with gradings roughly every 3 months. The syllabus is structured and progressive, so if you keep the momentum going, you learn a lot and level up your skill set quickly. Beginner grades tend to focus on basic movements and techniques, while more advanced grades throw in weapons work, grappling and other good stuff.

Grading forces you to learn and improve your techniques and, more importantly, test them under pressure. Its very important to move out of your comfort zone and see how well you fare when trying your best, with the added element of nerves. Like competition sparring, its as close as you can get to real self defence. Get it right in a grading and you’ve got a good chance of getting it right on the street.
Gradings consist of going through your basics, techniques, forms and sparring, performing them to the best of your ability with your maximum effort. They are demanding physically and mentally. You have to study and practise hard in the lead up to the grading. Don’t leave it to the last minute and try and wing it. The more you prepare, the better you will perform so make sure you know it all backwards. However, you will not fail for imperfect technique, nor for not remembering the Japanese names. Bushin is a self defence art and application is infinitely more important than theory. Here are some simple rules for the day:

Focus

Relax and breathe

Best effort

Make the techniques work

There are no mistakes

If you follow these then you should be able to get through. You have to remind yourself of these simple rules constantly, trying your best and dusting yourself when you invariably make a mistake. Defeat your demons and fight in the moment as though your life depends on it. Do this and you are sure to pass.

n.b. make sure you bring all your kit for the grading as you may need it. There will be an open training session for those that aren’t grading so you are welcome to come along and practise or watch. Don’t forget we are all going for a meal afterwards…