Advice for Yellow Belts from Advanced Students
I recently asked some of our more advanced students & instructors what they do a month or two beforehand in order to prepare for their next rank test. Here’s what they had to say . . .
“The personal training I took before the test helped a lot!! I practice moves, stance, footwork while I’d be in my kitchen doing chores or at work when I would take breaks. It’s alway on my brain any way, but weeks leading up to a test, that’s all I can think about!!”
–Nathan Crews
“Before both of my tests, I got together with my partner or a group of people and worked through the curriculum. Just to make sure I knew all of the technique sand had someone to work with. I also try to work on my breathing leading up to the test so that I remember to breathe but also it helps with my nerves. I [also] use combos or techniques that I’m working on as my mantra to help me go to sleep. It sounds weird but if you repeat them in your mind, it kind of clears your head and helps you sleep. Or that’s what I have found. Also I practice defenses in the mirror when I get ready in the morning. So… Krav has taken over my life.” – Kara McManus

In the last test I took, I prepared by taking practicing A LOT with my partner in advance. We filmed ourselves and watched it in slow motion in order to pick apart our technique and improve (it’s a painful process, but it is truly invaluable). We also sent the videos to the instructor grading the test (Alan Predolin out in LA) so that he could pick our technique apart as well. I worked hard on fixing what was wrong.
Another thing that has helped me a lot in my training is a training notebook. I would take notes after class and refer back to them when I was studying at home. It’s proven that the sheer act of writing things down helps your memory even if you never look at the notes ever again. I highly recommend it.” – Katie Fryer

When you’re working moderate, make sure you feel every. single. checkpoint. and that all the body mechanics are working exactly as intended. Make contact and mark targets. Throw combatives that absolutely make sense.
But most importantly, even when working more moderately, never do so while stripping the intention of what you’re doing. You can still work at this pace, think about what you’re doing, and think about aggression/intent. Working moderately does NOT mean working lazily. In fact, if you’re really applying

For me the biggest piece of getting a technique down is body AND brain — understanding why each piece is there, then mentally checking it as your body learns to feel when it’s right and when it’s wrong. Take notes after class and take mental notes while working at different speeds. If something feels off, it probably is. Figure it out.

Go over the curriculum in your head. If you can’t visualize the steps of a technique, ask about it. Chances are, in the weeks leading up to a test, you’ll be hearing a lot of ‘Are there any questions?’ or ‘Are there any techniques you want to go over?’ Take advantage of that. If you have a question about something, chances are someone else does too, so it’s not like you’re interrupting the class or anything. Everyone benefits from each question that’s asked.” – Greg Fisher
“Here are 3 of my simple things…
1. Keep and maintain a training journal. Sometimes the simple things like footwork can be integrated into everyday life.
2. Ask relevant questions. If you’re thinking it, someone else probably is too.
3. Maximize efficiency with your time in the gym. For example, NEVER have lazy footwork when holding for your partner.
Hope this helps!” – Thomas Wilkerson

When I go to class I set my goal beyond passing a test. The ultimate goal is being able to defend yourself during a potential life or death confrontation. My training mindset is to learn how to adapt. When I feel a little pain, I learn how to perform the technique despite it. When I’m having an off day mentally or physically, I work harder to overcome the uncomfortable feelings. I do this while maintaining the fundamentals.
So……. No matter what…………………….FUNDAMENTALS!” – Javier Bustos
1. Like Eddy said, those instructor corrections are important. I remind myself of these corrections every time I’m in class and even work on some outside of class

3. FINISHING MODE. Train it! I see so many lower levelers do great moves and then half-hearted finishing.
4. I have the KMG videos and even though our curriculum has changed from those videos, they still have a lot of useful tips for when I’m training outside of class or reviewing.
4. EAT RIGHT. You can’t train well without proper protein, carbs, fats. Dial down the sugar, processed foods and alcohol and you’ll have more energy.” – Chris Roldan
Watch your partners do the technique in normal classes and note (to yourself, unless asked) the little things they’re doing that contribute to failure or success in the situations you’re training for. (i.e. What caused my partner


Practice with your test partner drilling through the curriculum – it’s a test so use the study guide.
I’ve always done a private session with one of the instructors to do a curriculum run through so I know what needs work. If I was testing in October I might do one now to identify problem areas and then another a week before the test to cement the things you’ve improved and what still needs tweaking. Splitting the private between to or four people makes it pretty cheap.
Also, I agree with everyone that said do the work in class, get the reps in!” – Paul Besterman