Dawn of dan

It was challenging, but four Northern Shotokan Karate Club students passed their shodan examinations with flying colours.

In addition to black belts, kyu levels from white to brown belts were also tested and 36 students passed examinations held at J.R. Smallwood Middle School, June 25-27.

According to Frank Saville, Northern Shotokan Karate Club owner and chief instructor, eight students was the largest group he's seen in the past 12 years to go for shodan testing.

He said that four students came close, but didn't pass their examinations, lacking speed and power, which he thinks might have been due their relatively young age ranging from 11-12 years.

However, 11-year-old Jack Avery overcame his inexperience and got a black belt along with Adam Batson, Jonah Mullen, and Jeff Cole.

Saville explained that guest examiner Sensei Takamichi Maeshima, fifth dan instructor from International Shotokan Karate Federation headquarters in Philadelphia, wanted to see that students had mastered all the basics including low stance, connection between the hips and body, posture, balance, flexibility, different techniques, and sparring.

He added that the Sensei Maeshima is very good at what he does and asked the students to perform some advanced techniques that they've never performed before in order to see how they took up the challenge.

The shodan examinations, expressed Saville, consisted of three elements: mastering the basic techniques, performing kata set of movements, and sparring.

He said the students did really well and those who didn't pass were invited to take a re-examination within three months, which he thinks they'll have no problem passing.

Adam Batson was invited for a re-examination and chose to train for a year before he passed his exam, Saville added, giving him time to mature.

This year the club offered an extra class for shodan candidates, he explained, which he thinks really paid off.

Saville pointed out that 107 Northern Shotokan Karate Club students have achieved black belts in the past 24 years, which he estimates makes the club one of the highest ranked in the country.

Most people, he went on to say, get into karate to achieve a black belt, but a lot of them drop out because they find training too hard.

He said that this year's group of shodan candidates were dedicated and didn't miss a class.

Another important skill they had, he explained, was an iron spirit, which counts a lot in a sport where the mind plays an important role.

He also said that although many students focus on examinations, real karate happens during daily training.

As for those who didn't pass, he expressed, life goes on and students should take solace that they did their best and move on.

Saville said he's happy to have received a letter this spring inviting him to fifth dan testing which he will consider taking down the road.Jack Avery, youngest student at 11 years old to pass the shodan exam, demonstrated his skills in free sparing (jiyu kumite) with Alexander Cranford while Thomas Cote refereed.