Towards Shodan

Wayne brought a brand new, high-grade silk black belt from the Kodokan when the NZ Masters were in Japan. Because he is only a brown belt (1st Kyu) he asked Sensei Rick, before buying it, if it was bad etiquette and/or whether there were any karmic repercussions for buying it before it had been formally earned and awarded. Sensei Rick just laughed and said “go for it!”

After buying the belt, Wayne said that he’d put it on the mantle piece and then he and his son Luke, who is also a brown belt, would have a race to see who can earn it first. The winner takes the goods.

As it stands the contest is shaping up to be an epic struggle. At the last club contest the victory went to Luke (which may well have been because his Dad made the choice not to monster him on the ground where he has a decided edge). But Wayne (46 yrs) and Luke (16 yrs) have quite different requirements to fulfil according to the NZJF rules and regulations for getting to black belt. Luke, being young and fit, needs to earn far more contest points. Wayne, by contrast, can take advantage of his age and supplement his contest points with other things.

To make the race, which will undoubtedly be sorted out this year, more interesting there are 11 other brown belts training regularly at the club who will be joining in: Max, Jack, Vivek, Jacky, John, Dennis, Maren, Andrew, Aaron, Alex, and Mario. If Barney is back (which he intends to be) the number will be 12. And if Khan continues going the way he is going it will be 13. The sum total then will be 15 registered and affiliated members of Auckland University Judo that will be looking to gain the required points and perform their kata this year. Needless to say it looks like it will be a fun year at the club. Let the race begin…I think a box of beer to two ought to be wagered? Any takers?
[NZJF requirements for shodan are coming soon]