Chris Scally graded at Shibu in Christchurch on 8 August 2015. WOW! What an exceptional day that was. The two gradees, Chris and Tim Roosen (Christchurch), were on top of their game – both were super fit and totally comfortable with their syllabus. They also had an impressive knowledge of Shibu’s 50-year history! Their sparring was impressive and while there were the usual ups and down of an intensely physical grading both karateka finished strongly.
There was a great turnout in the dojo, including Tim’s family who had traveled from overseas to support him. Chris was his usual humble self – finishing his grading with a wonderful speech of appreciation to the members of both Christchurch and Dunedin Seido, as well as to his family, for support given during his training and his welcome home each semester break. Chris, while beginning and continuing his training in the Christchurch dojo, has trained for four years in the Dunedin dojo – while completing his study at Otago University.
See Senpai Chris’ thoughts on his promotion to shodan in the September 2015 Kiai – Seido Dunedin’s newsletter.