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Shodan Test at KarateCenter
June 29 - July 1, 2001
Austin and I were awarded our black belts on Sunday afternoon after the final three hours (or so) of our test.
In martial arts, your belt means more than your rank - your belt holds your knowledge and your spirit. We don't wash our belts, as that would wash away our knowledge. We treat belts with respect - we never throw them on the floor, or handle someone else's belt without their permission.
The week before our test, Sensei Doest wore our belts for at least one training session. This was done to infuse her spirit and knowledge into our belt and is symbolic of the continuation of the lineage. The presentation of a black belt is a very solemn ceremony.
Click on any picture to see a larger version.
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| Sensei Doest first removes my old belt. She then knots it and sets it aside |
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| Sensei then places the black belt around my waist |
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| And ties it for me |
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| Sensei then says, "I hereby promote you to the rank of shodan." She bows to me and I return the bow |
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