30/11/2025
It was an honour to be part of a grading panel today to promote my Karate brother Daniel White Sensei to 5th Dan!
Dan passed his 4th Dan in 2012 and has always stated he wanted to take physical grading for 5th Dan, so it was important for us to find the right kind of physical grading and panel to match.
Therefore, there was no one I could think of better placed to head up that panel than Simon Staples Sensei (7th Dan), supported by another friend in Darren Jumnoodoo Sensei (7th Dan). It was made even more special to be surrounded by our friends from various different associations and the Kumite Kai crew (if you know you know!)
The grading took the format of an instructors class, with everyone training together but the three grading under the most focus and pressure. All three performed amazingly well and their grades really well earned! Well done to the other two, Chris (1st Dan) and Rik Rutherford Sensei to 4th Dan!
Dan and I have been friends and training partners for about 25 years and his influence on me and my Karate has been massive and our shared ethos on Karate is what Total Shotokan came to be. Therefore it was a pleasure to see him graded to Godan! Congratulations Dan, I'm proud of you and this grade was fully deserved!
One certificate designed and produced by the amazing Dojo Emporium and also honoured to have the grade recognised by the BCKA!