MAY 2022 DAN GRADING //
Shodan, Nidan & Sandan pass //
On 11th May 2021 twelve students gathered at the SKR Hombu in Stansted Mountfitchet with three students attempting Dan gradings. The examination was Chaired by Sensei Michael Ring (6th Dan) with Sensei Donna Ring (5th Dan) and Sensei Stuart Trow (4th Dan) in support bringing 70 years combined experience to the panel. The SKR Honbu has been home to SKR for nearly 20 years and has witnessed countless Dan gradings since Sensei Michael’s began teaching classes there in 1997. This grading proved to be one of the most challenging. The atmosphere in the dojo from the start was extremely tense with Sempai Laura Herrod, Seery Moses and Amy Thorpe preparing to attempt 3rd Dan, 2nd Dan and 1st Dan respectively. Nine other Karate-ka who will attempt Dan gradings in October were also present to get a taste of what is to come.
Over the course of the next one and a half hours the Dan candidates and Karate-ka were put through a vigorous and exhausting examination of the knowledge and skill in Kihon (basic techniques), Kata (formal Exercises) and Kumite (Sparring). Senpai Laura was also given an oral examination on her understanding of Karate techniques and terminology as part of her 3rd Dan assessment.
Following the examination the panel considered the performance of each candidate and awarded: Laura Herrod 3rd Dan becoming the 11th SKR student to pass the landmark grade, Seery Moses joins 32 other SKR students in passing 2nd Dan while Amy Thorpe became the 133rd SKR student to pass 1st Dan.
Sensei Michael commented: “The performance of the Dan grade candidates stood out in what was one of the most challenging and demanding Dan gradings the Hombu has witnessed. Panel members commented that not only were the Dan grade candidates subjected to a merciless grading, but that they rose to the occasion and far exceeded expectations. Amy Thorpe as a 1st Dan pass stood out as an exemplar for the student who will attempt their own 1st Dan grading in October. Amy’s black belt was very well deserved and her parents should be very proud of her achievement.”
“The performance of the Dan grade candidates stood out in what was one of the most challenging and demanding Dan gradings the Hombu has witnessed. Panel members commented that not only were the Dan grade candidates subjected to a merciless grading, but that they rose to the occasion and far exceeded expectations. Amy Thorpe as a 1st Dan pass stood out as an exemplar for the student who will attempt their own 1st Dan grading in October. Amy’s black belt was very well deserved and her parents should be very proud of her achievement.””
