Grading Day!

 

The yellow belt candidates

They waited  together nervously outside the dojo, in the night, for their turns to enter, salute their Sensei, and begin the test to advance to yellow belts. One by one they were called in. The waiting students could not see what transpired inside, adding to thier growing anxiety. First the salute.  Then, Sensei Ignety Ba began to call out various blocks and strikes in Japonese. The kids were expected to respond immediately, and acurately. 

Thirteen Maison de la Gare dojo talibes had been invited to grade for yellow, along with five non-MDG students of Sor-karate Club.. Before the test began, Sensei Ignety Ba explained to the candidates that belts are earned, not gifted. Months of dedication is required. Forms must be not only memorized, but performed correctly. Japonese terms for each block  and strike must be known intimately enough to respond accurately and without hesitation when called upon. Kumites must be precise and forceful. Salutes and kiayes must never be missed at the right moments.

 

The candidates grading at the dojo

As each candidate entered in turn Robbie and I watched in silence, seated beside Sensei Ignety Ba as they saluted their Sensei and awaited instructions. Many were sweating with anxiety. I was nearly shaking myself, my own nerves getting the better of me as I imagined myself in their shoes. I wanted so much for each and every one to pass. But, I began to sense from Ignety a premonition in his subtle demonstrations of disapproval, impatience, or pride in students who's gradings were progressing well or not as well. A few were asked to leave before having performed Kumite, a bad sign.

Arouna and Ismaila performing Kumite during grading 

It took several hours to grade the 18 candidates, then Sensei gathered the candidates again. He again reminded them that belts must be earned by demonstrated hard work, respect and skill, then called upon the boys one by one. My heart sank as the first candidate, my beloved Arouna Kande was not passed. Then the second, Ismaila also not passed. But then, the first pass, for Amadou Sadio Diallo! Dijibi Balde, pass! Oumar Sane, pass! Mamadou Balde, pass! Souleymane Ba, pass! Boybacar Ndiaye, pass! Issa Ba, pass! But then, Moussa Ba, not passed. Then Yaya not only passed, but was praised as excellent, the star of the dojo! Amadou Sadio Camara and Abdoulaye Diallo sadly also did not pass. None of the five non MDG candidates passed either. In the end, eight earned their yellow belts, all from Maison de la Gare. Sensei informed the MDG candidates who had not passed that they were close, so they would be given the opportunity to test again in only another month, much shorter than the usual wait.

As we later walked away together from the dojo the atmosphere was a mixture of quiet disappointment and elated celebration. My own feelings were just as mixed.

A day after the celebration and heartbreak of the yellow belt grading a presentation ceremony was held for all the dojo talibe yellow belt candidates at Maison de la Gare. I rented mats, which the boys transported by taxi and set up at Maison de la Gare. Tables were carried out from classrooms and set up as a head table. All the candidates, passed or otherwise put on their gi's and lined up, respectfully awaiting their Sensei. 

 

Sensei Ignety Ba with the new yellow belts, before the presentation

First Sensei Ignety Ba invited Noel Coly of Maison de la Gare to address the crowd. Then he himself spoke of the importance of service, referencing Douvris MA, Robbie, my Dad and I and Maison de la Gare. He spoke of perseverance, referencing the hard work of the talibes in pursuing their passion for karate.  I could only marvel at the echo of his words. The Douvris MA word of the monh this month is Service. Last month it was: Perserverance. Then Sensei Ignety Ba, assisted by Sensei Seck, called upon members of Maison de la Gare, Dad, Robbie and myself to present certificates of grading to each candidate in turn. Even those who did not pass received two stripes on their white belts and certificates, as Sensei was confident they would soon earn them. As the successful candidates were called up to receive their belts, the abundant joy and pride could not be contained. 

 

Boubacar Ndiaye being congratulated by Ignety Ba

 

Issa Kouyate presenting Robbie a certificate of honour on behalf 

of Master John Douvris

Then a surprise, I was called upon to receive a certificate of honour on behalf of Sensei Martina Couture, of Douvris MA Barrhaven. It was granted for her precious contribution to sport and the social good in Saint Louis and to the advancement of Maison de la Gare. Robbie was called up to receive a similar certificate of honour on behalf of Master John Douvris of Douvris Martial Arts. Then Dad received a certificate, then Robbie, and then so did I, accompanied by lasting applause. It was an overwhelmingly proud, emotional moment for all of us.

 

Sonia presenting belt and grading certificate to Issa Ba

As we all proudly gathered together for a photo opportunity, I was reminded again that when practicing karate, these boys are no longer talibes. They are martial artists.