Hi all,

Geekboy has been graded to Sho-dan!

The grading was taken placed in the Manukau Dojo at Auckland, New Zealand on Sunday 16th May 2005. Other than myself, 6 other have been graded to Sho-dan (Ho) and three other have been graded to Sho-dan.

As you all know, that wasn't an easy night.

This grading replaced the usual tournament training so some of us, including myself, were just attending that as a "harder than usual" training - I did not expect to be graded.

The grading started at 6pm-ish. Right from the beginning it was pointed out by the RM that he was looking for stamina, focus and great techniques, and he would not have anything important to do on the next day, so it would take us the entire night, if necessary, to show him the above things - and he wasn't kidding.

The grading started with the basics, then the basics were repeated with a fast pace, then we switched to continuous punching in sumo stance (man, that was hard).

Then we did some katas altogether.

We then padded up and did a bit of partner work, on-step sparring etc.

Then we had our pads off and time for more katas. This time each grade group did their own corresponding grade katas.

After all the hard work, it was time to spar. First off everyone had some light rounds. Then the lower grades stepped aside for the brown belts to face off the black belts.

And finally some of us faced the RM himself. Don't ask me how long I fought because I don't remember. I do remember how much it hurt because it still hurts.

By the time we stopped it was 9:10pm, so the whole thing was 3hrs long.

Then time for the RM to hand out the grading certificates. First off he told us what he saw and felt from the grading and said in advance that some people have missed out. From there a few got their brown belts (2nd kyu, 1st kyu etc.).

Then here comes the black belts! Six black belts were in the hands of the RM. From there 3 instructors and 3 students were graded Sho-dan (Ho)! (I remember this number by heart so please forgive if incorrect)

Black belts were handed to them right away and they put it up in a way faster then their fastest strikes.

Then the RM was empty-handed and I thought that was it, but there was more - From there comes the new Sho-Dans! And I was one of them!

Then the new Sho-Dans were standing in front of the class along with the new black belts, receiving praises from the entire class and the spectators. What a night!

Aftermaths:

1) Adrenaline was still pumping throughout the entire night. I was staying up all night icing the bumps, bruises and cuts because I couldn't sleep.

2) I couldn't go to work the next day as I was too tired and sore. But the effort worth!

The point of me to write this is simply to share my senior grading experience and to let everyone know that it can be done by a 5 feet 9, 165lbs average Joe with a geeky job, meaning it can be done by you too if you have the dedication.

Stay strong,

Geek boy

Correction: The date should be Sunday 15th May 2005.

Geek boy

Congratulations Geek Boy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Are you trying to scare us wanna-be BB's off with your account?

It sounds like an amazing experience... Well done!

Yeouch! When you can move again, what you planning to do to celebrate?

Congratsy anyway!

Scare? If I let you know the details it will be even scarier!

Just kidding . As I said in my message, I am just trying to share my experience, so the higher grades (that includes you Goyle) would have a good idea what to expect from your next grading.



It sure was an wonderfull experience.

P.S. My hat down to the forum for providing a channel to allow me to share my experience.

Stay strong,

Geek boy

I already celebrated (well, if you count this) - yesterday I have had my first ice-cream since January

Geek boy

Congrats Geekboy, I saw a Shodan grading a few weeks ago - and thought "I will never, ever get there - but I remember thinking that about 6th and 5th kyu gradings!"
And about the bruises ....... I suppose there is "no pain, no gain" especially at your level
Well done

Well done GB.

Others who read/hear/see what's involved in gradings should note that they're not really that hard when you're prepared for it. When you think "yikes I couldn't do that, glad it's not me", bear in mind that when you get there you will be able to do that and you'll probably be glad it is you (even if not until after).


Mick

Many congratulations mate!!! Awesome achievement and thanks for sharing with us

Thanks again for your wonderful account, Geek boy. I suppose when you think about it, my BB is only 5 gradings away.. Eeeeeek!

Of course all the preperation is worth it - but when you think of your current standard, and where you currently stand, it's a little daunting!



Deffinetely after, I reckon! B)

Thanks Sionnagh, and I agree with you somehow - it wasn't easy, but not impossible. If it's your turn for grading, go check out what would happen and go prepare yourself mentally and physically.

Stay Strong,

Geek boy

Congrats on the Shodan grading! I just graded to 1st Kyu not long ago, and that was hard enough... >>

Congratulations Brodius!!

Wow, the whole forum will be black soon....

any news ??

stunning geekboy well done congrats from a lowly orange belt some day i wish i may go through it!! well done

Hey! Congrats Geekboy. Well done.

He'd be halfway to Nidan now..

(Check the date of the origional post.)

oops - sorry guys.
Was just checking out what the google bots were looking at and this thread was one of them... wanted to give Brodius a kick up the bum

Well, I haven't graded to Sho-Dan yet, man. Too many injuries as of late. I sense June. June will be the time. =O

Congrats. I just did my first ever grading and am now 9th kyu. I have a long way to go.