Wow!

Last night we held our November Grading. We had 16 people grading; from yellow up to brown with two stripes. And I have to say...I was very nervous. And judging by the level of energy in the club from about 5:30 to 6pm, I would say I was not the only one. You could feel, without a doubt, the nervousness, anticipation and excitement.

Working with almost every student individually over the last month, I was pretty much positive that I knew what they would do well at and where their weaknesses were. But last night I was blown away. When the grading started at 6pm and the drills were being called hard and fast, everyone moved as one. The concentration and focus were clearly visible. We could see their hard work and preparation paying off.

Going through a grading takes courage. It is definitely a nerve-wracking experience. It's never easy to get up in front of everyone and have your skills and knowledge put to the test. Not to mention that the Senseis, who are normally so free with their words of encouragement and smiles, are up at the front with serious expressions and clipboards with grading papers, watching your every move. We know how hard gradings are. We've all been through them. And we also know, that unless we push you until you start to push back, you will never feel as though you truly earned your belt. That feeling of accomplishment will not come unless you know in your heart that you did your best. It's our job to help you do that.

It was a long and intense grading and we were pleased to see that everyone was up to the challenge. There were no belts or stripes simply just handed out last night, they were all earned. Everyone should feel extremely proud of themselves today as we are all very proud of you! We can't wait to see all of the new colours out on the floor.

A quote that I always felt was especially applicable to gradings says "Do it trembling if you must, but do it." We might have seen a little bit of trembling last night, but you guys definitely did it. Good job!