Given the ongoing uncertainties with the COVID situation, and the cancellation of the July QKR seminar and grading, I am very pleased to announce that the QKR executive has supported our proposal to hold a grading opportunity in Toowoomba for Saturday 18 September.

The grading will be for open to those challenging up to 1KYU across each of the three disciplines. To be eligible, you must be currently registered with the AKR as a financial member, and met your minimum time in grade requirements.

The opportunity is extended to all current QKR/AKR members who are eligible, so we are hoping to see folk come from outside Toowoomba to grade along side BBRD members.

Recent changes to the grading rules have made it possible for Kendo kyu-graded practitioners to attempt grading every three months, which is now consistent with Iaido and Jodo. This means that those grading in September will still be able to attempt another grading in December, when we hope to hold the State seminar.

If you intend to grade, you will need to make sure all of your membership obligations are in order and have me sign off on your application no later than 31 August.

We will be finalising some details this week, as we will need to ensure that all grading panels are appropriately formed. And this event, like all others at the moment, is subject to the ongoing public health orders and may be cancelled at short notice. However, we shall continue to keep our fingers crossed and keep working towards our training goals regardless!