1. Training for Black Belt Certification
By Martin Raffol
You can accumulate many belts as a karate student, but the black belt requires mastery of numerous
forms and intense physical training, making it your most difficult test to date.
You can prepare for your black belt test by starting a training regimen three to four months in advance of
your test. Alternate weeks between aerobic and strength training exercises, such as crunches, running,
and free weights.
Begin each day of exercise with a warm-up period before beginning your moves. You can then run
through the forms and moves on which you expect to be tested. Some of your peers are likely preparing
for their black belt tests on or around your test date. Consider organizing training sessions where
participants can help each other learn difficult moves and engage in sparring sessions.
About the Author
For the past two years, Martin Raffol has served as the Area Director and Business Broker for Murphy
Business & Financial Corporation, one of North America's most successful brokerage firms. Mr. Raffol's
responsibilities entail partnering with business owners to increase their companies’ value in preparation to
sell. In his free time, Martin Raffol studies karate. He earned his black belt from Fred Villari's studio.