Year: 2014

What a great day for new Shodans, Dave Austin, David Bryant, James Hallam, Thessa Van Der Kyup and new Sandans, Mark Cartlidge, Brian Massey and Dario Crispini. The dojo was packed with supporters. The Sandan grading started at 6.30 am under examiners Jun Shihans Roger Thyer-Jones and Brandt Letich, Kyoshi Mike Knight and observer, Kyoshi Stephen Fincham. The candidates all agreed that it was a most positive experience for them. [caption id="attachment_401" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Sandan Grading Group 2014[/caption] At 10.00 am the Shodan candidates started their grading under Kyoshi Matt Sherratt and Kyoshi Aaron Mackintosh finally completing their 40 fights at the end of the 3 hour promotion. Said Jun Shihan Roger, " I was really pleased with the standard of preparation, technique and spirit shown by all candidates on…

Wow! What an amazingly inspirational experience. I am filled with a sense of gratitude to my family, my friends, my husband, Seido and of course Jun Shihan Roger, without whom I would not have been a part of this. [caption id="attachment_487" align="alignleft" width="200"] Sensei Karen[/caption] I was nervous, but then I always am. I felt overwhelmed at times but I worked through it, and everyone was in the same boat. The grading is a marathon, a test of endurance. It is not about being the strongest or the fittest. It is designed so that you do battle with yourself. A time to reflect upon your strengths and weaknesses. By the time I returned home I had had had 4 hours sleep in 48 hours. Nidaime told us we would need…