Topic: Nerves

[Andyeilio]

I know my current kata pretty well. We go through it so thoroughly and so regularly in class, and I do practice at home a fair amount.

So, why is when I perform it in class. as a small group 2-3 that I sometimes get it wrong?

The last time I got up Heian Nidan) I performed it as correctly as a beginner can, it went ok for me personally, but then when Gwyn came to watch a bit later, I got blocked by another group, and then when I tried again, I just lost it!

I know I can do it. as I said, so why the nerves.

Does anyone else suffer from this?

Is there anything that can help (legal only please)

Does anyone practice relaxation techniques before a grading?

Thanks

Andrew

[Moley]

Nerves... Ahhh I know this one very very well.
I can taste it, feel it... remember it..
after a while you get to know it...recognise it

oh and also it's brother which I also know very very well

FEAR

[Emma]

Everyones suffers from nerves it wouldn't be normal if you didn't feel like this.I've seen even the Dan grades getting up to do Kata and having a blank.It happens.

Does anyone practice relaxation techniques before a grading?

You wouldn't want to come near me in a grading,my head is seriously all over the place!
Tip=I've found that the best relaxation techniques before a grading is to go over Kihon,Kata and Kumite over and over again.You feel more relaxed if you're confident that you know your stuff.


 

[Azzy_Stealth]

Tip- Don't listen to Moley- The mischevious web alterego

Tip- Listen to Gwyn, understand & do

[Emma]

Tip- Don't listen to Moley- The mischevious web alterego

Tip- Listen to Gwyn, understand & do

Azzy,for once you might be right there.

[Hong Kong Cheungy]

i already texted you andy, have confidence of yourself, look up to show your confidence, so you cant see the people about

look mean when you are doing it

[JimmyTheHoover]

Practice practice practice.....

....you can always stil have "brain freeze" but at least you will know it's out of your control - and of course the less you have to think about remembering then the easier it will become.

At the end of the day it wouldn't necessarily make you fail - even in a competition provide you continue reasonably smoothly.

Jim

[siwan]

practise using imagery- so whenever you can - go over the  kihon/kata whatever over and over in your mind. See yourself doing it (whether it is in the grading/ class/comp/wherever) and try to feel how each technique feels like when you re doing it.

[gizmo]

I would echo what many have already said, that is to practice both physically and mentally. It is important to understand the stress response (nerves) that you describe. The first part is understanding that it is the body's way of preparing itself for situations, it is largely due to adrenaline being released into the system and this has several (beneficial) effects. Your breathing rate increases to provide much needed oxygen and your heart rate increases in order to circulate more oxygen rich blood blood. Your senses become sharper and your reactions speed up. The second stage is accepting that it is going to happen and to embrace it for the positive benefits because you will never perform at your best without it.

[Andyeilio]

Everyones suffers from nerves it wouldn't be normal if you didn't feel like this.I've seen even the Dan grades getting up to do Kata and having a blank.It happens.

Does anyone practice relaxation techniques before a grading?

You wouldn't want to come near me in a grading,my head is seriously all over the place!
Tip=I've found that the best relaxation techniques before a grading is to go over Kihon,Kata and Kumite over and over again.You feel more relaxed if you're confident that you know your stuff.


 

Thanks Emma,

indeed the best medicine is to know your stuff, and I do so regularly, most days in fact, couple of times, and then  a lot each weekend, one afternoon. Sunday was the day this weekend, went over it many times, I know it, I know I do, but its the flippin nerves I'm sure I will be "allright on the night"

[Andyeilio]

i already texted you andy, have confidence of yourself, look up to show your confidence, so you cant see the people about

look mean when you are doing it

Thats a good point Alex. I was watching senei's dvd again, its good to keep watching and examine each part, and I was concentrating on Kime.

If you look at Sensei's face, say when performing Shuto, then the determination, Kime is so evident, mean looking? perhaps. I practiced that, it does help, I guess this is the same as Gwyn's  ..... Ta Tang......Ta tang.........

[Andyeilio]

Thanks to all for your responses, really appreciate it. 

[Andyeilio]

I would echo what many have already said, that is to practice both physically and mentally. It is important to understand the stress response (nerves) that you describe. The first part is understanding that it is the body's way of preparing itself for situations, it is largely due to adrenaline being released into the system and this has several (beneficial) effects. Your breathing rate increases to provide much needed oxygen and your heart rate increases in order to circulate more oxygen rich blood blood. Your senses become sharper and your reactions speed up. The second stage is accepting that it is going to happen and to embrace it for the positive benefits because you will never perform at your best without it.

Thanks Gizmo, really useful, Feel it, and channel it = + result, I will brain train with this, (nerves are necessary, and a good thing)

[JimmyTheHoover]

I would echo what many have already said, that is to practice both physically and mentally. It is important to understand the stress response (nerves) that you describe. The first part is understanding that it is the body's way of preparing itself for situations, it is largely due to adrenaline being released into the system and this has several (beneficial) effects. Your breathing rate increases to provide much needed oxygen and your heart rate increases in order to circulate more oxygen rich blood blood. Your senses become sharper and your reactions speed up. The second stage is accepting that it is going to happen and to embrace it for the positive benefits because you will never perform at your best without it.

Thanks Gizmo, really useful, Feel it, and channel it = + result, I will brain train with this, (nerves are necessary, and a good thing)

You might want to read this Andy as it's best to also be aware of the other physiological resposnes to the adrenaline dump

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tachypsychia

Jim

[gizmo]

Nice one Jimmy - gotta love Wikipedia

Increased heart rate and blood pressure. It is average for a person's pulse to raise to between 200 and 300 beats per minute (bpm). Increased heart rate (above 250 bpm) can cause fainting, and the body may constrict itself into a fetal position in preparation for a coma.

I have got to the stage now that if my students cite Wikipedia on any piece of work, I ask them to check sources (politely of course).