Today I was lucky enough to be graded in Karate again. Since the club I attend is small, grading sessions haven’t in the past happened as regularly as might be expected. From a personal point of view this isn’t such a bad thing since I’m not really interested in collecting the belts, but more interested in the general fitness, agility and the art form of Karate, although the ability to defend one’s self might also be handy to know. Anyway, it is nice from time to time to know that you are improving and so when grading sessions do occur it’s always worth comparing yourself to how you were when you achieved your current grading.
Last time I managed to “double grade” which is to jump a level in the kyu system from 9th to 7th. This time I was aiming for 6th kyu, but was informed that I hadn’t managed this. After a short pause my sensei informed me that actually I managed to double grade again and achieved the standard for 5th kyu, a little shocked to say the least. I should explain the whole process of grading, it isn’t like normal tests. It’s not a case of turn up on the day and pass a set of predefined tests. Grading is actually a constant process in which you are constantly being watched, your performance and progress continuously being evaluated throughout all training sessions. This means you should be performing at the desired level way before you even attending a grading session. From my understanding the grading session itself is used to add a little bit of pressure to see how well you can perform certain techniques and just to confirm your instructions view that you are ready to move up. Furthermore it provides a formal place to recognize people’s achievement and progression within the club. I’m happy to also state that everyone else managed to grade at least to the grade and one other member also double graded.
So I would like to say thank you to sensei Chris for all his time and instruction in these session. I know your job is particular demanding making attending the sessions sometimes difficult, but we all really appreciate your time and teachings. Also congratulation to everyone else that attended the grading session on their new grade.
