Congratulations to the Griffith Aikido club for a fantastic show at the
Dan gradings this weekend gone. I can't speak for my own grading but I did
have the pleasure of watching & taking part in the three other commendable
displays from our club. From my point of view Ben Tan's Shodan was the
stand out for his category, finished off with a series of weapons kata
that I would have been pleased to have done myself. Being uke for others
grading didn't allow me to see all of Sensei Aron grading but that fact
the he was the only person out all those who graded (22) to receive an
ovation for his individual taninzugake (yoningake) speaks volumes for his
performance. Sensei Rod's entire grading was done with such stealth,
smoothness & calmness that to the untrained eye it would seem he was just
doing a warm-up exercise.

A Special congratulations to Sensei Danny James who was awarded a 5th dan
(Godan) & Sensei Tonya Jasper awarded 4th dan (Yondan). Other notable
gradings were of the regular visiting instructors to our club, Sensei
Andrew Sunter from Syd & Sensei Catherine Schnell from Melb. both awarded
5th dan.

Special thanks to all who came down to Byron to watch & take part, it
means a tremendous amount to have your support in person for such a big
event.

Thanks

Simon Russell