Congratulations to Tom Barnes and Sean Sosman on reaching shodan. Their test was held on Saturday, 24 July, 2004. Both candidates did well considering the nerves that were apparent in them both. It's amazing what you can forget when you're put on the spot. Sensei Thompson awarded them with the coveted black belts, as well as swords which all new shodans get. Tom did especially well as he has struggled with bad back pain for a long time, as one who has also had the pleasure of a herniated disc, I can sympathise with him on this, I know how he fought through it. Well done Tom, you earned it.

Sean Sosman - never backs down, always up for a challenge, he stuck to his task and rightly deserves his shodan.