Tsuken; Sandan

Tsuken has been here in Auckland for two weeks, and in that time he has trained at his old Dojo under the eye of Kancho Sensei Sims. Having advanced through the grades as a boy he reached Shodan (black belt, first level). He went away from Karate, trained in matters of the mind, and concentrated on family and work. Two or three years ago, he went back to karate training, and after some preliminary solos work, he contacted Kancho, and had guidance through video links.

At the end of training today, Kancho regraded him from Shodan to Sandan; third level black belt. It is most unusual that anyone jumps a grade, and Tsuken (and S and I as his parents) feel justifiably proud of his achievement. 

(Photo taken at lunch in a great cafe in Grey Lynn, Bread and Butter)