Sam gains 1st Dan
Many congratulations to Sensei Sam who gained her 1st Dan grading on Sunday the 13th of December 2009.
The 1st Dan is not a physically hard grading, but does require answering a lot of questions on teaching, technique, introducing new students and generally running a training session. Techniques have to be demonstrated as they would in a class to show how and why they are done, what to do with mixed classes, new students, unruly students, students with injuries and all the various things Sam has coped with over the years she has been on the mat.
Asking the tricky questions were Shihan Player (8th Dan), Sensei Tony (5th Dan) and Sensei Geoff (2nd Dan). Pretending to be a new senior student and also an 8 year old boy was Sensei Jason (1st Dan). Sensei Steve Sweetlove also attended to ask some law and order questions. All were extremely pleased with Sam's performance.
