This weekend Sensei Atif and Sensei Seva got awarded their Shodan (1st Dan) at The Jiu Jitsu Foundation’s annual Summer Ball, after a long and arduous four-hour grading that pushed their skills and stamina to their limit.
Black belt or Dan gradings
Only happen once, although there are talks of adding a second one to the TJJF’s calendar, in one specific city in the UK. Candidates are assessed by at least three members of the Tertiary board, the most senior members in The Foundation, aided by a team of other black belts. They test the skills of jitsuka who after years of practice and teaching, are wanting to push it to the next level and have developed not only perfect technique, but a personal style in their art.
The TJJF Summer Ball
The Summer Ball is an annual black-tie event held in a voted city in the UK which takes place after the Dan gradings in the summer. It marks the end of the Jitsu calendar, with most clubs taking some time off for in July and August, matching schools’ summer breaks.
The event is not only for those who are trying to get their black belt. Everyone else gets a full day of seminars and great training at the hands of experience instructors from around the country. It’s a cherished session for those who can make it as it means you get so see your crossed-countried Jitsu friends again.
This year it took place in Sheffield, at Cutlers hall. It was a great night for everyone with copious amounts of food, drinks and dancing.
Also… we had been keeping secret but now that it has been officially announced, next year’s Summer Ball will be held here in Edinburgh, Scotland!
We’re well chuffed to be able to host such a big event and welcome fellow jitsuka from all around the world.
Yes, there will be a Ceilidh.
Awards ceremony
At the Ball, not only they announce the new black belts, but also a series of other awards that The Foundation gives out in recognition of the hard work and contribution of members across The Foundation.
One of our very own instructors got one of such awards, with Sensei Thea bagging for Scotland the tittle of best New Instructor of the Year. This award goes to instructors who have been brown belts for less than two years, but that in their short time as such, have made a significant impact in their clubs and the TJJF.
Overall, a great wrap up to the season for us up here in Scotland.
That doesn’t mean we’re stopping though. Don’t forget to check out our summer training sessions if you’re around!
