By Lennart Gabrielsen, Member until 2013

I have now trained in Shindenkan for approx. 7 years, and has gradually been to quite a few graduations. Greater demands are placed on the graduate, both physically and mentally, but in the course from the 10th kyu upwards, we are prepared and trained to be able to cope with the greater demands. For me, this process has meant that I have become stronger inside, both in Shindenkan, but also in my "real" life. It has given me physical and mental strength and greater profit. That's why I'll be training in Shindenkan.!

Regarding this graduation, there was something new compared to previous graduations in other systems. A theory test. I have spent several evenings sitting and poring over our curriculum handbook, which is approx. 80 pages.

I have dreamed of Japanese words at night, and tried to make memory sticks to better remember it all.

At our last brown/black belt training, we needed to know if we were still ready to graduate from Jens Kyoshi. In the middle of training, Claus and I were taken out, after which we were both informed by Jens Kyoshi that we had both been nominated for graduation.

12 June .Physical test.
We met in Nautilus Ballerup, everyone in a good mood and us graduates were of course excited.

I had trained with running and Shindekan circles, so I was sure that I was in good shape and could handle the demands that would be made.

I had made sure to run longer than the requirements, and was also sure that the circle could be completed within the 12 minutes.

Claus and I drove the circle together and it went super well, just under 8 minutes. Then a 6 minute break where it is important to get the pulse under control. I think I had full control over my heart rate when I was called to the treadmill!

It went fine out there, but about 6-7 minutes into the race my heart rate increased wildly and I had to slow down a bit from 13.5 km/h - 13 km/h for 1-2 min. After that I felt better and I sprinted to the finish line.

15 June. Work out.
In the evening when I came from training, I froze like a little dog! Fever, snot and no voice, I have to see how to get over it. I haven't been sick in a very very long time, of course you have to be hit now!!

18 June Syllabus test.
I showed up not feeling very well, still had a fever and sore throat, but thought I'll get through this. I was very nervous about the theoretical part regarding questions in the syllabus handbook, because it is one thing to be able to remember some of the things that are written when you are sitting at home, but to be asked when you are under pressure is something completely different...!!

We are called into the room and Kimu Sensei says he wants to see if we have the right attitude.

When we have run some different things from the syllabus, Kimu sensei suddenly says: Lennart; I think you should sit down and think about whether you want this or not. Slam!!! a big slap to me. I sat down and thought: why can't I get into gear. I'm sick, that's why! "BAD EXCUSE! GET YOURSELF TOGETHER” Lennart!

So I tried to do that. WE had to do 80 push-ups because we had not complied with Dojo-Kun. We felt afterwards that we had spent a lot of effort on nothing because of the push-ups - we needed everything we had in us for the syllabus test. Hereby an appeal to everyone to remember Dojo-Kun..!.

But at the same time, all those push-ups got us all on our toes - I wonder if that was the intention?. Kimu sensei asked many different questions from the syllabus handbook and it actually went well.

Then there was the kumite test with task fighting, and then 100% free kumite with takedowns as an extra bonus and of course floor fight.

With approx. 10 matches with everything from 3.kyu – 6.dan. in the end there was no more strength in me. I had to take a count because I was sure I would pass out if I continued. Yama! Line up.

Kimu Sensei asked if we wanted to know whether or not we passed as a group or individually. Group! I was the last man to get the message, the others had passed but what about me? Kimu Sensei was very doubtful if I would pass. But he said that, after consulting with Jens Kyohi (Honbus 3.kyu-1.dan instructor) and Søren Renshi (my local chief instructor), he had decided to give me the benefit of the doubt and let me pass as well the syllabus test. I passed the Ryugi and kumite test without a doubt.

I was happy beyond all limits, it has meant SO MUCH (hands over head) to me.

A big thank you to Jens Kyoshi, Søren Renshi, Kimu Sensei - and a pat on the back to myself.

19 June Summer meeting.
I had gone to bed early on Friday 18 June, I had no more energy!

Got up early and slept great, looking forward to the summer convention and feeling better. We got off to a good start with training and, as usual, there was a good atmosphere and full speed.

Then the time approached for those of us who were there for graduation 3rd kyu - 1st kyu to go on the floor and show kata, it went well - I think so!

Then it was time for the final stamina test on the cushions.

It was a laaaannnggg battle against the clock/ Kimu Sensei, and I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who stood and shouted at us, it means a lot to hear encouraging shouts.

I am glad that Kimu Sensei made the decision to let me go on. And I'm also happy about the hug I got from Jens Kyoshi afterwards - he said the graduation was fully deserved. Fantastic!

I am very happy to have passed my 1st kyu and I am happy to be in Shindenkan because it gives me an incredible amount in everyday life.

Sincerely.

Lennart Gabrielsen