My next karate test is in two weeks. I have to say that I'm not as tense as I was the last time but that doesn't mean I'm not putting in extra time getting ready. I was at the dojo Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday last week.
Only Monday and Wednesday are actual classes for me. The other days were spent working out on things I want to improve and helping others prepare for the test. My solo workout on Thursday consisted of the following:
200 skips of the jump rope at a fast pace
100 repetitions of a sai or bo basic
20 kicks, each leg, at the heavy bag
one of my katas (we have 8 empty hand and 2 weapon katas)
repeat until all 10 katas are done
The net result was 1.5 hours in the dojo, 2000 skips of the jump rope and all of my katas. I was tired, soaked with sweat, but felt good about what I accomplished. I drink lots of Gatorade when I'm working out but otherwise pretty much can't stand it.
My goal at the next workout is to do 250 each time and get up to 2500 skips. It seems daunting when I start out but I keep telling myself that I can do better than I think I can...and I'm right. One of the other things we say is "whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right". The mind is a powerful tool for success (play Kung Fu theme music).