Black Belts

06 / Yudansha

Yudansha

Grades earned on a combination of attendance and performance.

Dan Grades

The Black Belts of DKK London

Yudansha (有段者) refers to those holding a dan grade. At DKK London, grades are earned on a combination of attendance and performance, and all senior instructors are trained in safeguarding and first aid. Every name below represents years of demanding training under Shihan Mulholland's exacting standards.

Godan

5th Dan · Advanced Teachings

1

Yondan

4th Dan · Weapons Grade

4

Sandan

3rd Dan · Teaching Grade

8

Nidan

2nd Dan · Senior Grade

11

Shodan

1st Dan · Black Belt

9

From the Student Handbook

The DKK Bell

Rung by Dan Grades on Every Black Belt Grading

The DKK Bell - hand-made from a spent artillery shell

The DKK Bell was a gift from Grove Martial Arts and the 29 Commando Royal Artillery Regiment. Hand-made from a spent artillery shell, the bell is rung by Dan grades of all levels on successful completion of their Black Belt gradings.

Alongside our name and badge is engraved part of a James Elroy Flecker poem - the same poem inscribed on the clock tower of the SAS barracks in Hereford. For GMA to believe it suited the character of DKK is an enormous honour.

Engraved on the Bell

We are the Pilgrims, master; we shall go, Always a little further; it may be, Beyond that last blue mountain barred with snow, Across that angry or that glimmering sea.

Always A Little Further

Start your journey

Every Yudansha above started exactly where you are now.

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