Dan Grading March 2026

Saturday 7th March was a milestone day for 5 Samurai students as they achieved their Shodan grades.

This achievement represents many years of dedicated training and learning. All the students have displayed a great sense of dedication, determination, discipline and focus. Resulting in great performances in the grading today.

Along with  testing technical content, understanding and applications of they have learnt, the grading also tested their character and desire. How far would they push themselves, how far could they be pushed. How hard would they fight for that Black Belt.

Well they left it all on the Dojo floor and gave everything that they could, surpassing their own expectations.

All 5 can be extremely proud of their achievements and the efforts that they have made to get here. There are no short cuts or favours at Samurai. They have supported and encouraged each other all along the process. Each one travelling their own journey and overcoming their own challenges.

The great thing is that they are all home grown Shodan’s, as they have been with Samurai from beginners. That is a great testament to their belief and trust in the school and Sensei. That is something that I am so proud of.

They were also supported by their training partners in class each. As it takes a whole Dojo to raise a Shodan.

Congratulations to you all you are a great credit to yourselves and to Samurai Karate School.

Your journey continues next week in the Dojo.