The course and grading was conducted by a Sensei Les Hart who was a senior instructor in Wales. He had practiced both Aikido and Judo out in Japan. The tuition was very physical as was the examination. I remember trying to dive into and under the legs of one of the candidates for San Dan in a randori prior to the exams and he slid back and brought a shomen strike down on the back of my neck. I felt rather foolish and overawed as I was the only candidate for Shodan exam the others were for Ni Dan and San Dan and I was now feeling a little bit out of my depth.

When it was my turn for examination I had to focus on the time and effort I had put in to get this far and the people who were supporting and relying on me. I wasn't going to let any one down so up I got and concentrated on being positive, I don't know about being relaxed but by golly I was positive. Nobody gave or asked for any favours. After what seemed like forever I was sat down to await my fate. I must have done ok as I was promoted to Shodan. And then the learning began!

Shane Riley: As I stated in an earlier question people put to much emphasis on the 'Black belt grading' (shodan exam) personally I don't think a student should be driven towards this rank. It is important that when taking this grade it is for the right reasons. It should come through hours of practice and the understanding of that practice not just the hours done. The student will then show how his progression is going by being on the mat diligently getting on with it. If a student has shown me enough character and commitment then he would be invited to take the exam. In our association you get invited to take Yudansha gradings it is not a "well I might have a go" type of situation.

When I have been a guest at other associations I have seen students just turn up with little preparation and have run out of steam half way through the exam.

Age is also an important factor; I would not keep a sixty year old going as long as a twenty year old. I would be looking for a different Aikido from them at the two ages.

MI: Is the pass rate high?

Shane Riley: Because students are invited to take the exam when we feel they are ready rather then just having a go, the pass rate is fairly good. It is not a forgone conclusion once they have been put forward that they will be successful. It is very hard work to pass the test. Only last year we had two students taking shodan, both very good prospects but the nerves got to them both and they were unsuccessful. One re graded three months later and was successful the other licked his wounds for a year then began training again.

MI: How many shodan have you successfully passed? Shane Riley: Now that takes some thinking about. If you mean personally graded or have taught to shodan then that is different. I think I have personally trained 99% of our Yudansha to shodan. I have also three Go Dan and six Yon Dan that I have personally trained so it doesn't stop at shodan the journey should keep going for all of us. As for numbers then over the years I must have trained to Shodan around fifty or more. The ones I have graded and are still practicing is around thirty. MI: Do you think some students place too much emphasis on reaching black belt and slack off a touch once passed? Shane Riley: I cannot comment on other associations but as I have said all along in our association it is a progression of their practice not the end goal. It is stressed to the students once shodan is attained then they begin to learn in earnest. The first few weeks after they have been successful the seniors work the student hard as sensei's uke and, as a reward for being successful. Laugh! I have only ever had one student that attained shodan and then quit. His wife said "right now you have got your ruddy black belt you can pack it in" which he did. He was a very talented and dedicated student and gave no indication of doing this; he even travelled to Hong Kong to practice. But you cannot argue with a good woman. MI: Would you say the shodan test is the most important, if so why? Shane Riley: I think all grades are important as they tell the student he/she is progressing and it tells the instructor he is teaching the right things. So they are two fold. But the 'black belt' is the benchmark of the martial arts so when attained the wearer is looked upon differently. So it is important to set a good standard and make it feel to the student that it is a responsibility rather then just a rank. I know I keep harking on about the grade should be a continuation of your practice but it is a great achievement and should have taken years of hard practice and some time sacrifice to be able to wear the 'black belt' so it is an honour to wear it but should not be an ego thing. I still remember the first time I wore my belt to class I was really proud of myself and was congratulated by everyone. But after stepping on the mat I realised I was the same guy who had trained the last time and the same guy who would practice time and time again after. Only the colour of the belt had changed. MI: Is anyone preparing for shodan test at the present at your dojos? Shane Riley: Yes two students will take examination before Christmas. MI: Well, thank you for your time and good luck to your students and their exams, and have a wonderful xmas and NY.