Dragon Tang Soo Do

Dan Grading - September 2008

To all our new Black Belts:
William Mccombe; Bill Youell; Anne Fisher & Rhys Davies: It’s a pleasure to welcome you to the Black Belt Club, and all that it entails. With Special Congratulations to Wayne Gilvear; Alison Harding; Kristie Evans on obtaining their 3rd Dans!

It was great to see the number Black Belts and Cho Dan Bo’s who turned up to help out at the grading, and show their support.
I’m sure they will all agree, without undermining any of the gradings that have gone before, this had to be one of the hardest gradings we’ve seen in a very long time, but you all rose to the challenge and some!
Most of us were glad we were just watching! The pace was unbelievable, it really was non stop….but your concentration and focus did not seem to waiver throughout, or your sense of humour.
It was great to see Master Ward up front demonstrating the combinations – even Master Ward had “a bit of a blip” remembering a couple of the combinations given, so that’s saying something.

Just when we thought the panel should be running out of new ideas, yet again they surprised us! You really don’t know what they’re going to come up with next -
I won’t list everything you guys had to do it would take nearly as long as the grading….Suggest to others coming up for their next Dan Testing that you learn everything you know backwards, forwards, and inside out- ‘Cos you just don’t know!

Bill managed to bruise his foot rather badly about an 1 ½ hours into the grading but kept going – Wicked colour Bill, don’t try matching the colour at B & Q!
It’s not every day you get to kick a Master - so fair play to Kristie!- admittedly she was blindfolded at the time, so she’s got an excuse - so don’t try it at home folks!
Ali lost the plot at one stage and went Ga-Ga doing “Zippy” Impressions –as she tried to refocus and remember where she was – I think she was trying to forget! Go Girlie you did Great!
Sah Bum Nim Wayner (bit of respect please!) became a fashion icon, and was asked to do a twirl to show off his dobohk. The “Wurzel Gummidge” look may not catch on, but at least it showed he worked hard on the focus mits.

A very solid grading from Rhys and Anne – you’ve been Cho Dan Bo’s for a while – so about time! It was a very emotional time for every one, especially for Anne, as Dave couldn’t be there to see her grading. She had the support from the rest of us, but it’s not quite the same.
Last but not least - Will, who as the youngest was a bit of a “whirling dervish”, and was told to slow it down.

A fantastic Grading- well done to each and every one of you!
With your hard work and dedication I hope you achieve your dreams, but most of all continue to enjoy DTSD.
RESPECT!

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