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About The Following Blog

The following blog has been written purely for those wanting a first hand knowledge of what it is like to step into the dojo for the first time as a complete beginner as a Martial Artist. Through practising a Martial Art, you will gain many things such as self-confidence, self-respect and life-long and good friends. I hope this helps you to see into an amazing world of which you have never seen before and that I have had the privilege of belonging to and knowing.
Although I have not put my name or any name to this blog, it does deserve a dedication- a dedication to those who help people to train, who teach, reassure and most important of all- those who never give up, no matter how many times they hit the ground or a mental brick wall, with themselves or others. But above all- those who are ready to begin their own journey, it begins with one step….

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Wednesday 6 April 2011

Chapter 57: How long should you wait to grade? Are you ever truly 'ready'?

I found myself asking this question a few weeks ago when re-newing my PI (Personal Insurance) for the coming year. On the application, it asked me to fill in what grade I was currently at, where and when I graded. I got a bit of a shock when I realised that it was 2008 since I last graded- more or less two years ago.

Eep! That seems a long time ago, and the truth of the matter is I've not entered for the last two gradings because I felt it was too soon, I've moved clubs, changed styles-I just felt I wasn't good enough for 1st Kyu (Brown).

In the last few months, I've felt that I really should bite the bullet, the people I graded with are now one or even two belts higher than me now.
So, how does this make me feel you may ask? Strangely enough, I don't mind people becoming higher belts than me, I just feel that perhaps I'm trying to 'duck' out if you will, like a form of grading procrastination. Oh- and did I also mention that I hate exams/tests?

Or is putting off gradings a form of 'grading procrastination'? Surely if I don't feel ready, then I'm not ready for that next grade? Am I just comparing myself to others too much?

Hmmm-not sure on this point. If I'm honest, probably a mixture of all three! Still, I think in another six months or so I should feel that I'm ready for that next stage. Guess I'll have to wait and see.