Kendo Academy hosts its grading

The RKC Kyu hosted its quarterly grading event in Rivonia for the RKC Dojo members.

The grading event is where the members take an exam in their respective arts and move a step closer to their first-dan grading.

According to head Sensei Warren Ho of the RKC Dojo, the first dan or shodan is the equivalent of a first-level back belt.

“It should be noted that in the arts of kendo, iaido, or jodo, even though there are dan grades, there is no outward showing of one grade, such as a black belt.”

Several Kendo students obtained their third, second, and first Kyu’s during this grading.

This implies that most of the students would be eligible for their shodan between the next three and twelve months.

“One of the RKC Kendo Kids, Caden Howell (12), was part of the group that obtained their third Kyu and will be eligible to go for his shodan when he turns 13.”
He explained that 13 years is the minimum age to obtain a first dan in kendo or iaido.

“Charles Sun was our successful 1st Kyu candidate who has aspirations to obtain his shodan before the end of the year; he is also a member of the Junior National Kendo team that recently represented South Africa at the 32nd European Kendo Championships (EKC) in Beauvais, France.”

Ho, said, “As someone who has failed various grades several times, I have learned that failing is an opportunity to study more and train harder. If one did not fail, we would never be able to experience both the ups and downs of success and less successful events.”

He adds that failure teaches one to be resilient, to get back up, and to carry on trying with great effort and conviction. Over the years he has learned to strive to cultivate within their Dojo environment, his motto is to unlock potential and unleash warriors.

Related Article:

https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/330653/first-ever-kendo-kids-in-bogu-in-south-africa/

https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/315059/kendo-championship-a-success/