Reaching Shodan
The bunkai set up was the first five candidates in position, with the rest of us lined up. We were to do the bunkai for Pinan Shodan, Pinan Sandan and Pinan Yodan. As each person finished, they rotated to the back of the line and the next one stepped into the rotation. I did fairly well, nothing omitted or forgotten, the falls all looked good as each uke dropped on contact to make everyone look as good as possible. Upon finishing the twenty-two sets of three, I was hoping we were done. I was sure that the carillon on campus had already struck noon, and the test was supposed to be done at 11.
But no rest, we lined up and were directed to perform the bunkai for Itosu Passai. I was not happy, as I know it is one of my weaker bunkai. I flubbed the first attackers position, missing a high low combination, but the person in the center adjusted well and we finished the sequence without looking too awkward. It was my biggest concern as we finished up.
After bowing to the judges we were dismissed with a "We'll let you know!"
There was a half hour before the formal Seminar was to begin. I was tired, but feeling fairly good. After a long afternoon of training, we checked into our hotel and grabbed a quick dinner before heading back to the training center. After another hour or so, my daughter and I realized that we were much too tired to safely continue. I was packing up and one of my instructors 'strongly advised' me that we needed to hang around.
We joined everyone for the final closing bow of the evening, only before the bow they made the announcement of the testing results. Those that passed were called up front. When my name was called I went forward to a chorus of cheers from throughout the gymnasium. Bowing to the Grand Master, I was directed to take off my obi, and my Sensei proceeded to tie a black belt around my waist.
It was a real thrill to walk down the
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