Temple Testing

Monday's Test

For those who pay attention to my Instagram; you'll know that many posts have been about Monday's test. Training leading up to the test has been exhausting. Constant drilling of basics. Endless repetitions of the few forms that I was being tested on. Corrections of so many moves. The students of Er Zu Temple would get out of class physically and mentally tired.

How is testing different than normal practice?

This was a question that popped into my head often. Classmates and Shifu have all seen me do my form before. In fact, we all did a few "rehearsal tests" before the actual test. There are two elements that go into testing: the level of scrutiny that Shifu grades your form on and showing your understanding of the forms.

So, there is no grade?

Shifu told us after our test was finished. Testing and practice are both for finding out what places you need to improve on. During practice, you shouldn't just do your form from beginning to end. You should work on the sections that you're bad at. Testing is used to show your full skill. We were all given time to warm up, review, and prep ourselves. To do the movements correctly, at full effort. The additional pressure of "testing", Shifu's increased scrutiny, and the full attention of the other students should be minor obstacles to those that are prepared well.

How do you know if you did well? Passed or Failed?

There isn't a pass or fail with this kind of test. If you feel good about the performance that you gave, then I guess you can say you "passed". After everyone tests, Shifu had everyone line up. Standing attentively, we all listened to the feedback that he gave each of us. It is expected that we use this feedback in order to improve our forms. Shifu watches every small detail with a lot of scrutiny. Not only is he watching to see if students do the form correctly. He is also paying attention to the students' attitude towards the test, training, and his teachings.

In Short

The test for students is an opportunity to:

• Display their Understanding of what they've been taught

• Put their full skill on display for Shifu and Students

• See what their strengths/weaknesses are.

The test for Shifu is an opportunity to:

• See the students' attitude towards training and his teachings

• See what the students need to improve on

• See if the students are ready to progress to "the next step"

I'm glad that I was able to test after my short time here. Walking off the stage, I felt like I did great. When I recieved my feedback from Shifu, I wasn't surprised. As I walked off the stage thinking the same things.

Now, my next challenge will be learning Shaolin's famous "Eagle Claw". All while trying to improve the forms I just tested over.

📿Johnny

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