How to stop being so nervous?

Nervousness is natural it’s only human, I have studied martial arts for over 20 years, and still get a bit nervous when black-belt(Dan)gradings come around, although I’m now at a point where my physical gradings are over…I was still nervous to go for my last one. But it was the ‘fear’ that actually helped keep me focused. Seasoned actors get it before a performance, no matter how long they’ve been in the business. It’s usually the crowd of people watching that brings it on, just pretend there is no-one there. Clear your mind before you grade, and know wholeheartedly that your going to give it your best shot…PASS or FAIL it’s all apart of your training & the path of BUDO. As captain said focus your mind & body on the task at hand, this alone is the biggest challenge…and don’t knock breathing exercises, not enough emphasis is placed on breathing. Your lungs are used to shallow breaths day in day out. Before the grading you know your physically ready, so sit somewhere quiet and breathe slowly into your nose & then slowly out of your mouth with a Haaa sound…this technique was taught to me by a Zen Buddhist monk, and it really helps me to calm my mind, body & spirit. Even Tigers get scared, but it’s that fear that keeps them alive…without it you become complacent. You’ll be fine…May the force be with you!!!