My first shodan test took place at a USAF Summer Camp in July of 1986 at Roger Williams College. While is not obvious in the photos below, I was testing with three cracked ribs gained earlier in the week. This injury combined with the medications I took to allow me to move at all resulted in a poor showing on my part. Yamada sensei told me afterwards that he'd like to see me test again when I was healthy. The opportunity came up at a seminar at New York Aikikai in Dec. of that year.
Demonstrating shihonage for the testing committee. Kanai-sensei can be seen in the background.
Demonstrating jo-tori with Ray Waitekus as uke. Yamada-sensei is visible behind my left knee.
I stand alone in randori against five opponents.
Six months later, I was recovered from my injuries. Unfortunately, I was unable to practice much of that time, and gained over twenty pounds. Stamina went out the window, but I still felt that I had the skill and experience to test for Shodan. Lou Perriello and I drove down to the New York Aikikai, where I tested again. Besides being a bit out of shape, the dojo was a lot smaller than the usual summer camp wide open spaces.
Getting ready to start the test. This is the maximum point of nervousness.
Demonstrating technique.
Jo-tori defenses.
And the usual five man freestyle.