Sam was required to demonstrate to the grading panel all the techniques from the Academies adult syllabus during a three hour assessment. Present on the grading panel were the external assessors, our external examiner and Sensei’s Paul and Nikki from our Academy. Every single member of the grading panel remarked on Sam’s outstanding abilities, stamina and determination which he maintained throughout the grading.

Progression beyond 3rd Dan grade is normally by way of emeritus advancement (to earn by service) whereby testimonials are sought from both, internal and external Instructors, together with non related martial arts activities that the individual may have supported. In addition to testimonials from fellow instructors, Paul provided testimonials from the Head teacher of a local primary school where he has run several Life skills, Fitness and Self Protection programmes and also a local Cub Scout group where he has run Self Protection sessions. The G.I.M.A. assessors also required Paul to demonstrate his teaching capabilities to them during the Sunday morning training session, and  also interviewed several students on Paul’s skill’s, instructing capabilities and Academy management . Based upon the demonstration of his teaching skills, enthusiasm, technique execution and student feed-back Paul was awarded a full 4th Dan accreditation, as opposed to emeritus advancement to 4th Dan. (See Gallery tab for photos) also see our facebook page.