Today, seconds before class started, my sensei came up to me and said he hereby officially invited me to do my shodan grading in November this year. When I was paired up with him during sparring he 'made the point' how tough it iss going to be and how much work I still need to do

Although it was hinted that I would be up for my shodan this year, I didn't take anything for granted, and I still don't. November is still a long way away and lots of things can happen. I also seriously have my work cut out for me, especially when it comes to sparring. But I guess that's all going to be part of the proces.

It's not going to be all fun and games and I suspect I will have plenty of moments where I ask myself what the point is. But for now I cycled home from class with a massive grin on my face

Good luck, Kim. I have been on the receiving end of many "points made" regarding my skill level over the years, LOL. It will give you a good idea of on what, and how hard you need to work. And some bruises.

ghe ghe,(un)fortunately I don't bruise very easily, so people think they have never hit me hard enough

oh, and thanks of course for the good luck wishes

Good luck with your test! I'm sure you'll do fine.

Good luck. You will always remember your shodan test.

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I have been on the receiving end of many "points made" regarding my skill level over the years, LOL

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That brings back memories. My 1st instructor started all sparring classes with all the BB's each facing a non BB and we would spar with each by rotating through. I didn't learn this until later, but he always instructed his BB's to go easy and help the partner learn. But, if he calls out "10 seconds left!" that was the cue for the BB's to unleash all the fury of what they had for that last 10 seconds. So, if new to it, you got to thinking, "hey, I'm not too bad at this." then came the call and you realized just how much you didn't know. You instantly got the point that everything you were able to get off on that BB was because he let you in to get it. Great eye opener... or eye closer as the case may be.

Yep, I've experienced that as well. Actually, I experience that every week. One of my instructors especially. He let's me do my thing for a bit, then his eyes start to glimmer and he gets a huge grin on his face and I know I'm in for some 'fun'.

Anyway, thanks for all the good luck wishes. I'll probably be reporting during the coming 10 months how things are going and asking for some help as well maybe

Congratulations and Good luck. I like the idea of having to be told that you will test as opposed to asking. Good for you

Good Luck Dude, I hope it goes well, you could add like a diary to this thread monthly about your preparation etc for you Yudansha test.

I'm grading my first ever 1st Kyu from my club in April 09 that'll be fun

What you grading him/her in Ken?