I wanted to congratulate everyone who attempted grading on Saturday, and am very proud to announce that all candidates were successful. We will now have much more colour in the keiko-jo, with Calum, Jono and Sean successful challenging 6KYU and obtaining the right to wear a blue belt, and Daen upgrading his blue to a brown belt by meeting the requirements for 3KYU. I also wish to commend the efforts of Heather and Matthew C who in spite of only training with us a few months, and both having had no previous martial arts background, were easily able to make their 9KYU requirements. Well done all!

I would especially like to thank Jason Griffiths sensei for making the trip up to sit on a grading panel with me and wave the ITSK flag. I have always held that it is very important that candidates can have confidence that their grades have validity and hold to external scrutiny. Jason also provided a 20 minute mini master class, providing us with some key insights into our current practice and ideas to integrate into our regular classes. Thanks too Brady, who in spite of particularly flared up knees did the honours as dojo steward.

So now onwards to redouble our efforts and continue to fashion, shape, plane and sharpen our practice in the weeks to come!