WOSKKA Exam 2007

This exam was unique in many different ways.  None of us had ever expected to be examined on the grounds of a hospital and most people thought that Hanshi Campbell would not last the entire day without rest.  Well, we were wrong.  Since he was too ill to make the trip to his dojo for an exam, we brought the exam to him and he was out there with us every step of the way.  It was also his birthday, and our gift to Hanshi Campbell was to work hard enough to make him proud (I think we did it).  Pictured below are the newly titled Kyoshi Sid Rayford-7th Dan and Kyoshi Jerrell Smith-7th Dan on either side of Hanshi SidCampbell-10th Dan.

Shihan Sid Rayford running the group through some warm up drills.  Something to calm the nerves.

Hanshi Campbell, while sitting in his wheelchair, ran the group through katas.  Of course, we began with Naihanchi Ichidan.

The group starting Pinan Yondan kata.

The group performing Kusanku Sho kata.

Gojushiho, the highest kata in our system, was performed for Hanshi Campbell as he led us with verbal commands through the kata.

The group ending Gojushiho kata and preparing for the bunkai portion of the exam.

Those of us examining for 5th, 6th, and 7th Dan ranks were asked to perform all of the katas in our system.  Renshi Jerrell Smith is pictured here pouring his soul into his kata, as always.

Examining for his 5th Dan and Renshi title, Sensei Scott Sandkhol was sharp throughout the exam and performed his katas exceptionally well.

Sensei Cathy, who was also examining for her 5th Dan (Renshi), is a student of Kyoshi Jerrell Smith.  Seen here working Kusanku Dai kata, she has no less intensity than her teacher.

Examining for his 6th Dan, Renshi Calvin Tam is executing Passai Sho Kata.  Renshi Tam has trained in the Hombu dojo since early childhood and is quite sharp with all of his techniques.

Sensei Johnny "B" pouring his heart and soul into Naihanchi Ichidan kata during the individual phase of the exam.  He too was examining for his 5th Dan Renshi title.

End of day group photo, with Hanshi Dan Tosh and the new "Kyoshi" Sid Rayford on either side of Hanshi Sid Campbell.  It was quite different being examined at the VA Hospital, but the disable veterans that came out of their rooms to view us (many of them in wheelchairs) really appreciated our being there, and we appreciate the sacrifices that they made to secure our freedom in this country.

Defending and executing Renzokuken (continuous fists) drills is a rather serious matter.  The speed of these drills demand an understanding of mushin (mindless motion).