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Last Internal ZDK grading Levin Dojo

Tue, 08/12/2009 - 23:19 — RikiMitchell

The Levin Zen Do Kai Rapid Arnis club held there last and final internal Zen Do Kai grading tonight at there Levin Dojo.As of 2010 all gradings will be done at a Dau Draig family grading or Senjo.We had 3 students attempting there next grade 2 juniors and a senior.I am glad to report all 3 achieved there next rank.
CONGRATULATIONS to the following:
Juniors:
Waikawa Cook achieving Yellow
Manaki Cook achieving Blue
Senior
Cliff Renning achieving Blue

Sensei Doug ran the grading with help from Dai Sempai Nathan demonstrating techiniques and drills for the students.
With Sensei Doug's suggestion we did something different with the grading panel.
As we only had 3 students grading,we also had 3 blackbelts (sensei Riki,Dai Sempai Kevin and sempai Dylan) available with a handfull of coloured belts free.
Sensei Doug designated a few students to help partner up with the students grading and the rest were split up evenly with the blacbelts.
For example sensei Riki had a group of 3 coloured belts with him grading One student(the other black belts also had a group),the 3 coloured belts would watch the student being graded and when ready to mark they would discuss with sensei (or there blackbelt)what mark and why they should give this student a A,B or C.when grading was finished the group of 3 coloured belts was told to point out a weakness first and a strength last and congratulate the student achieving there grade.
This aproach was a great learning experience for the coloured belts and they enjoyd being part of the grading panel.
It was a very enjoyable night and I think apart from the achievements of those graded. I think the highlight of the night was seeing Cliff come out when it was time for sparring wearing his white headband( It was one of those things you had to be there to apreciate).
A big thanks to everyone at The Levin Dojo for your help on the night..

Cheers

Sensei Riki

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