Belts are not important. Gradings only give us a snapshot of where we are at any moment. Karate is about the journey, not the signposts. We can repeat these and many other mantras, but nothing can convince a karate student that the shodan grading isn’t a Big Thing.
Shodan Grading Dec 2007
Everyone has a camera.
The Paperazzi are here.
All doubt leaves the body via the facial muscles.
All is calm.
Some know what it’s like, some will never know.
Everyone is wishing the candidates luck.
There are Christmas cards to write.
The candidates are ready.
What is the difference...
...between the kata performed at 1st kyu...
...and the kata performed at shodan?
Perhaps it’s not visible...
...in any particular snapshot...
...or moment of stillness.
It may be that the difference...
...is in the sense of purpose...
...that can be seen...
...in all the faces...
...in all these photographs.
Shodan implies mastery of the basics...
...so the basics are tested.
Different shapes, similar actions...
...karate is about control of the body in motion.
Bunkai- the application of kata.
Candidates must show their bunkai ideas.
Trapping the arm.
Dropping the head and lifting the knee.
Catching a moving arm.
Practiced Ohyo Kumite techniques...
...performed by all candidates.
The bemused stage prior to unconsciousness.
Hokei Kumite are sequences derived...
...from Pinan kata.
The challenge is to show the kata...
...perform the techniques with real application...
... and where necesssary, bite your opponent.
Finishing techniques...
...must show clear incapacitation...
...of the opponent.
Finally, there is free sparring...
...when the established shodans...
...get to welcome the newcomers...
...in the time-honoured way.
Levitation is a valued skill.
There is an age limit.
13 years old before you can attempt the grading.
Power with control...
...after two days of grueling training.
Relief enters the body...
...through the facial muscles.
One of life’s unforgettable moments.
Applause breaks out like champagne bubbles.
Heartfelt thanks.
Stopping a new shodan...
...from tying their new belt around their waist...
...is like stopping a man alone with a tea cosy...
...from putting it on his head.
You’re next!
Arm stretching exercise.
After 4th dan, one tries to maintain some decorum.
Just another grading, yet something has changed.
