Friday 27th February 2004.

In a special closed door session, Andy took a shot at his Shodan (1st Dan Blackbelt) grading. I am pleased to report that his performance was excellent and he did himself proud. (No photos or articles in the local newspaper, just a shake of the hand followed by a presentation of belt and certificate at the next training session.)
Well done Andy, good effort!!!!

Friday 12th March 2004
I was very pleased to present Mick with his 3rd Dan in recognition of his steadfast study of our system and the high standard of teaching he displays when he takes charge of the session.As one of my original students ,Mick has a great deal of experience, both on and off the mat, and I am proud to have him as my most senior member.
Congratulations Mick, you thoroughly deserve this award and recognition!!!!

Friday 10th June 2005                                                                                                                 

Another milestone in our clubs development was reached tonight when Phil endured the physical and psychological pressure involved in our Dan grading to achieve his 1st Dan.   Phil, a 4th Dan instructor of Shotokan Karate, donned the Whitebelt and began training with us several years ago, a move that not very many martial artists would be prepared to do after achieving high status in their original system. His example should be an inspiration to others and I am very pleased to have him in our senior ranks.  Well done Phil, a great effort and much deserved Blackbelt!!

Friday 24th June 2005

Tonight it was Richard's turn to face the extremes of pressure testing in the 1st Dan grading. Face them he did and when things got really tough and they did, when every instinct would say walk away or give it up, he did'nt and I'm delighted to say Richard is now another Blackbelt in our senior ranks. Congratulations Richard, another victory for the good guys!!!

Friday 3rd March 2006.

Tonight some of our members got the chance to show what they could do and this resulted in the following grades being awarded.   Jonathon gained his White belt, Chris and Nick both got Green belts and Adam achieved his Blue. True to form for many of my members, these lads have experience of other systems such as Wing Chun, Aikido, Judo, Kickboxing and Western Boxing and I feel honoured that they train so diligently in Goshindo Jujitsu.  My thanks to Phil for officiating on the night and assessing the standard of each performance.

Friday 12th May 2006.

Time flies and tonight it was Andy's technique assessment for his 2nd Dan. As well as unarmed close combat techniques, the assessment includes the demonstration of the use of expedient weapons. A range of weapons such as rolled up magazine, credit card, pen and keys was demonstrated along with an explanation of suitable body targets. The standard of this part of the assessment was very high, but was only part of the criteria for promotion to 2nd Dan! On three previous occasions, Andy was required to run the session on the club's training night. This he did and not only did he manage the sessions well, but also built into his lesson plan some original training concepts. The sessions were very well delivered and adhered to the principles of our approach to self protection and close quarter combat, whilst including innovation, originality and yet allowed Andy's enthusiasm an personality to shine through.  Well done Andy, a well deserved 2nd Dan!!!

 Friday 20th October 2006.

Our youngest member, Matthew, got his chance to demonstrate his ability and knowledge tonight. He demonstrated techniques of our White belt syllabus and also explained the rationale behind them. He was assessed by Andy who was very pleased to announce Matt's successful grading at the end of the session.             A great start to what we all hope will be a long association with our system, Well done Matt!!!

Friday 19th January 2007

Our first grading of the New Year featured another younger member of our club, Robert.   A keen Shotokan stylist, Robert, was introduced to the club by his karate instructor Phil, who is one of our senior members.  Robert performed with skill and spirit in his grading assessment and was awarded his White belt.    Good effort, congratulations Robert!!!

Friday 27th April 2007

Our two younger members, Robert and Matt, got the chance to show their potential tonight in a Yellow belt grading. The test was conducted at a "vigorous" pace and both lads performed really well.   Well done lads, you both thoroughly deserve your new grade!!    

Friday 26th October 2007

Steve proved his ability tonight by successfully coming through his Green Belt grading. The Green belt grading is the first real pressure test and all aspects of the syllabus are tested after the candidate has completed an exhausting bout of ground fighting against a number of opponents. In Steve's case, we put in five opponents in quick succession, allowing him no recovery time between opponents..........this is before the grading proper begins !  Steve gave a great performance and Phil, the grading officer, donned the focus mitts for the striking element of the grading and reported that Steve was still powering in the shots right up to the end of the grading !  Great performance Steve, well done!!!!