First, I don't like testing for a variety of reasons. But, the question is a good one for most practitioners so I will answer it the best I can with one caveat, it is my personal opinion - mine alone.
I have never in my entire thirty-six years witnessed a test failure. I believe that one who is, in a classical/traditional fashion, invited to test has already proven to sensei and the dojo they are capable and will pass. One reason is this and another for the more commercial versions is it is income. You pay for the test, you pay for the certificate, you pay for any accouterments like patches and you pay the governing organization.
Think of it this way, in most western training facilities if not the money then the money from enrollment and attendance. If you failed for some reason you could conceivably stop training and attending - lost income. Your friends and associates may follow your lead and stop training and attending - lost income.
This could be even worse if most followers felt you were an exceptional practitioner and you failed. Failure, especially if in front of the entire clan, can leave an impression of a lack of self-esteem, i.e. I am not going to go in front of these friends so they can see me fail.
You get the picture. If you are to test soon, go with it, have a solid and hard practice/training and let the chips fall where they may. Keep your mind in the moment and give no thought to anything other than what you going to do at that moment.
Now, I feel many of you may have guessed that I have actually skirted the question completely here so let me truly answer it now. Roadblocks are gift. When we encounter adversity we should look at it as an opportunity. A way to develop our character and stimulate ourselves to greater efforts. In the yin-yang holistic monism of the universe we would not exist if not for both adversity and prosperity where the ebb and flow of one and the other make us human.
A test failure is an opportunity for the individual to show what their hara is truly made of, their spirit and their intestinal fortitude.
"The Author, it must be remembered, writes from his own standpoint!"
My personal "Interpretive" Lens!
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"Read not to contradict and confute; nor to believe and take for granted; nor to find talk and discourse; but to weigh and consider..." - Francis Bacon
Warning, Caveat and Note: The postings on this blog are my interpretation of readings, studies and experiences therefore errors and omissions are mine and mine alone. The content surrounding the extracts of books, see bibliography on this blog site, are also mine and mine alone therefore errors and omissions are also mine and mine alone and therefore why I highly recommended one read, study, research and fact find the material for clarity. My effort here is self-clarity toward a fuller understanding of the subject matter. See the bibliography for information on the books.
Note: I will endevor to provide a bibliography and italicize any direct quotes from the materials I use for this blog. If there are mistakes, errors, and/or omissions, I take full responsibility for them as they are mine and mine alone. If you find any mistakes, errors, and/or omissions please comment and let me know along with the correct information and/or sources.
Nice article. I agree that if you've been invited to test then that means you have already proven you can pass.
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