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<blogEntry id="3747">
	<title><![CDATA[A Surprise Grading]]></title>
	<body><![CDATA[We had a momentous grading in our dojo last month.  Momentous because two senior women who have been practising for 15 years were asked to grade on the spot when they were on the mat, about to take ukemi, for other dan grades. 

As one is easily one of the top aikidoka (male or female) in our dojo, and the other is very good indeed, it was well worth watching.  Needless to say, they did well.  The human drama was amusing to say the least as they were initially called up to the testers' table and a long conversation ensued with much bowing and apologetic smiling on behalf of the two senior aikidoka.  The upshot of it was that they lined up again, but this time to be tested, not to take ukemi.  

It meant everyone was on the mat and some of the people grading ended up having to serve as ukemi as well as do their own gradings.  

It all went beautifully and predictably everyone passed.  The two women are now sandans.   

Gambatte!]]></body>
	<date>12-06-2009</date>
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