Grading Tips!!!

[Gini Psymouli]

Hi y'all

two days to go to the Grading folks!!! The time has finally arrived! We have all trained hard in the past months, it is now time to fight easy! 

Just a few tips/reminders for anyone who hasnt been on one of this before: 
The grading is a form of extended session. It will start with a (light) warm up, then breakfalling, then throws, arm/wrist locks...and then finish with a V.

• It will last at least a couple of hours, so focus on breathing (always good to keep breathing!). You will need a lot of that to delay fatigue.
• Whatever attack comes your way, MOVE!
• You are already yellow belts (+3 mons), just show it to the lead instructor ;-)
• Bow to the lead instructor. If she yells...run....don't linger on the mat.
• If the instructor yells, it aint always bad
• Don't eat or drink inside the Dojo (if a water break is given, go outside).
• It is not the end of the world if you make a mistake, we are judged by a number of things (and confidence is one of them). Just don't stare like a deer at the headlights.

Tips:

•  Wash and iron your gi, cut your nails, wear underwear (!)
• Sew the badge on (no other tabs/tags even if they look japanese)
•  Keep hydrated. Drink lots of water the day before & on Saturday just sip water - you do not want to excuse yourself for the loo whilst you're being graded!-/
• The night before, load up on carbohydrates (pasta, rice, etc), on Sat morning (8 am) have a good breakfast
• Snack on some fruit and nuts on the way to the grading & have some glucose snacks with you to keep your energy stores up (jaffa cakes, banana, etc)

To all that are grading on Saturday- ENJOY YOURSELF and GOOD LUCK!

Here is something to get you all in the mood:

- Watch Sensei Eric Lau's V (its on FB) & listen to a little  motivational song (courtesy of Stefan) http://youtu.be/O0M5D5OA-d4

xx Gini