5 Tips & Tricks to Keep Motivation Between Tests

“It’s not the belt that makes the martial artist—it’s the mindset between the belts.”

Progress in martial arts doesn’t always feel fast. There’s a burst of excitement when you start, and every new belt test brings another wave of motivation. But what happens in between? That long stretch after the last stripe and before the next belt? That’s where real growth happens—and where many students struggle.

If you or your child trains in Roswell, you’ve likely seen it. The energy dips. Focus wanders. Questions sneak in: “When’s the next test?” “Why am I not moving up faster?” The truth is, staying motivated between tests is part of the journey. It’s where students learn to show up not for the reward, but for the process. And that shift in mindset is exactly what creates black belts—not just in rank, but in spirit.

1. Reframe Progress Beyond the Belt

One of the best ways to stay motivated between belt tests is to expand your definition of progress. Too often, we tie motivation to external milestones—stripes, belts, or praise. But the most meaningful growth in martial arts is internal. It’s better balance. Sharper focus. More controlled breathing during sparring. A calmer response to frustration.

In our Roswell dojo, we encourage students to track these invisible wins. If you’re kicking higher than last month, that’s progress. If you’re remembering more of your kata without help, that’s growth. When you reframe success as daily improvement instead of just belt advancement, training becomes more rewarding on its own.

2. Set Micro-Goals to Stay Engaged

While belt promotions may be months apart, there’s no reason you can’t build smaller goals in the meantime. Want to master a difficult combo? Improve your flexibility? Hold a horse stance for two full minutes without shifting? These micro-goals create mini-wins that keep motivation alive.

And here’s the kicker: achieving these goals often accelerates your readiness for the next test. You’re not just staying busy—you’re sharpening your tools. In our classes here in Roswell, instructors regularly help students set and track these goals between tests to maintain focus and build confidence.

3. Teach What You Know

One of the best ways to reignite your passion for martial arts is to give it away. Whether you’re a junior student helping white belts or an advanced student mentoring new teens, teaching reinforces what you’ve learned. It gives you purpose—and responsibility. And that responsibility fuels motivation.

We’ve seen it happen time and again in our Roswell classes. A student hits a lull, starts to feel stuck—then begins assisting with beginners. Suddenly, their energy changes. They start paying closer attention. They sharpen their own technique because someone else is watching. That’s the magic of mentorship—it motivates both ways.

4. Shift from Outcome to Process

When you’re in the stretch between tests, it’s easy to focus on “what’s next.” But martial arts is about showing up, not just leveling up. It’s about learning to love the repetition. The drills. The sweat. The quiet improvement no one else sees.

This mindset shift—from chasing outcomes to embracing the process—is the mark of a serious martial artist. At Crabapple Martial Arts in Roswell, we often say: “Don’t train for the belt. Train like the belt is already yours.” That level of dedication creates consistency. And consistency creates results.

5. Celebrate the Journey—Even the Hard Parts

Progress isn’t always pretty. Some days you feel strong, others not so much. But every single class you attend between belt tests is a vote for the kind of martial artist you’re becoming. And that deserves recognition.

Whether it’s marking milestones on your calendar, reflecting in a training journal, or simply telling your instructor about a breakthrough moment, find ways to celebrate the grind. Because when the next belt comes—and it will—you’ll know you earned it. Not just on test day, but every day leading up to it.

Final Thoughts: Stay the Course

There’s a quiet strength that develops between tests. In the daily repetition. In the small breakthroughs. In the decision to show up, even when it would be easier not to. That’s the real heart of martial arts. And it’s something we see every week here in Roswell.

If you’re in a gap between ranks, remember: you’re not stuck. You’re growing. Even if it doesn’t feel like it right now. Set goals. Stay connected. Trust your path.

The belt is coming—but the black belt mindset is built long before the belt is earned.

Crabapplemartialarts.com and Crabapple Martial Arts Academy has been selected the nation’s #1 martial arts schools for SIX YEARS IN A ROW by the American Budokai International!

Founded in 2013 by Mr. C. Matthew White is a 5th-degree Black Belt in Karate and 6th-degree Black Belt in Jiu Jitsu, and Master Instructor. Crabapple Martial Arts Academy has Karate lessons for pre-school children to elementary kids ages 4 and up. These classes are designed to develop the critical building blocks kids need – specialized for each age group – for school excellence and later success in life.

Crabapple Martial Arts Adult Karate training is a complete adult fitness and conditioning program. This is for adults who want to lose weight, get (and stay) in shape, or learn self-defense in a supportive environment.

Instructors can answer questions or be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at of****@******************ts.com or call directly at 770-645-0930. You can also visit our website at CrabappleMartialArts.com.

About C. Matthew White, Shihan:  Matt is a fifth-degree black belt in a traditional Japanese and Okinawan Martial Arts – Shuri Ryu Karatedo. He is also a sixth-degree black belt in Japanese Jiu Jitsu – Shintoyoshin Kai Jiu Jitsu. He is a master instructor with the title of Shihan, which means teacher of teachers in Japanese.  Matt has a bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Physiology. He has been training and teaching martial arts for over 27 years. He has owned Crabapple Martial Arts Academy since 2013. Shihan White is a motivational speaker and educator, who teaches seminars in bullying, business, and martial arts training.

Crabapple Martial Arts Academy Headquarters is in Alpharetta, Georgia at 12315 Crabapple Road., Suite 124, Alpharetta GA 30004. You can locate the Chief Instructor, Sensei Robert Reed there or directly at (770) 645-0930.