Another highlight of the Nationals long-weekend at the Gold Coast was the convening by the National Grades Commission of a grading for “High Dan Grades”. Kerrye and I have been quietly practicing for our grading since January. We presented for our last grading (5th Dan) over 11 years ago and wanted to keep this grading quiet so only a few people knew about it. On Friday 7th June, as we were doing our final practice before the grading, a number of Budokan athletes and families started to appear. We knew that the secret had been leaked (Thank you Dale!!). It was wonderful to see a sea of Budokan people watching us present for our grading and holding up 28 banners which spelt out: “It takes big hearts to shape little minds. Thank you Kerrye and Rob”. So we passed our 6th Dan and, together with Dale are now able to wear a red/white checked belt – Budokan is fortunate to have 3 of these “high” grades on the mat. Thank you to all the Budokan families who helped us celebrate with a great club dinner on Friday night and presented us with some lovely gifts. Whilst this was a personal achievement for us, it hopefully sets an example to all club members that no one is too old or too experienced to keep learning, developing and progressing. Thank you to Eddie Yuen for your months of teaching us Kata, and to Dale and Alan Broadhead for checking them. Thank you all for your support.