4. I have been practicing the art of tenshi goju kai for about 10 years. I am planning to test for my black belt in December. Do you think I should train more in the mental or physical aspect of my style to prepare myself? Bobby - USA

... This is not a question of either/or. Seek to unite the mental and the physical by working on the spiritual. Your training by now should have brought you to a state of technical preparation. What will ensure your "Success" in the grading is if you are prepared to fully accept that you do not yet know everything. You will be faced with many areas where improvement is needed and in fact one of the purposes of the Black Belt testing is to push you to a point where you will want to give up. How you react to these types of challenges is the true test here. Remember that traditionally the Shodan level is just a beginning again on a path of much learning and self awareness. You must be prepared to lay down pride and arrogance or it will become an impossible burden when you train wearing the Black Belt.
... Try doing some reading and meditation about the steps you are about to take. Becoming a Black Belt is a great responsibility not a reward for your hard work.
... You may find our book "Martial Arts Mind & Body" helpful. Also try some traditional texts of the founder of Goju and the first generation of students. Ask your teacher for recommendations.