My 1st Dan Grading June 1997

"Just a Small Part of The Stableford Martial Arts Resource Site"

My Black Belt Grading This page is to celebrate my grading for 1st Dan. This was in June 1997. Our school has a tradition of rather exacting standards of Black Belt. First, having attained the rank of red belt with black stripe and matured in rank for typically 8 to 12 months, you must qualify for your power belt. This officially designates you as a Black Belt Candidiate. Special (read extra) training then and academic requirements must be met in a pre-set course, usually covering 8-12 weeks. This culminates in the power weekend. This is the actual grading. It usually lasts from 7:00 Friday until noon on Sunday. We emerge bedraggled but exalted. A week later we put on a show for the rest of the dojo. An exhibition, demonstration and celebration. Here we get our actual belts. Our certificates are issued after training in rank for 6 more months.	My Grading Group with KJN
The Grading involves the direct supervision by senior black belts, in our case Connie and Marvin, who tortured us, encouraged us, took care of us and harrassed us. KJN, the Master. Special guests such as Court Elliott III, the other bearded gentleman, who holds an 8th Dan in his art of Ninpo.	The Grading Team
As you can tell, we had a wide range of candidates. Fred Middleton, the distinguished gentleman of 'a certain age' and myself were 47. We calculated that our combined ages exceeded the combined ages of the other 6 candidates by 13 years. Fred, by far the more gifted athlete, was a great support to myself and the rest of the crew. Our schedules have diverged now, and, although both continue to train, its not at the same time, or sometimes the same end of the country. We miss him.	My Collegue Fred Middleton
One of the highlights of the celebration are the special skits or themes we get to put on. Opposite is the text that was read. This moved on to a routine done to 'The Man of La Mancha'. Schmaltsy, yes. On the other hand, I wrote it, so I can't complain.	Celebration! Welcome to our celebration! If you're not involved in the martial arts the first question on your mind is probably, "Why do they do this?". What possible reason to train for years and years, through pulled muscles, torn ligaments, bumps, bruises and carpet burn? An of course the answer will be different for each artist. There's no doubt that physical activity is good for you and the martial arts provides plenty of that. For some of us, the prospect of greater safety and security in some of life's uglier situations is important. For some, learning and challenge are the most important aspects. Unlike jogging, were one mile is much like the last or the next, there are a truly intimidating number of skill sets to mastered. It is always interesting. There are always new challenges. But the martial arts goes to places where nothing else travels. To the border of lands between the mystical and the magical, carrying with it a chivalric code of conduct and honour that is unique. It takes us to that place of work or school or friendship or relationship or life where we, each and all of us, through guidance, assistance, or example, can be heroes!
Special Effects were not discouraged!	Special Effects!
And lastly, this is me.	Yours Truly!

E-mail me anytime! Your comments are always welcome!

And a big thank-you to Charles Nelson for kindly doing the scans and jpg generation.