There was an outpouring of emotion and elation, once everybody was told they had passed. Here is a section from Ryan’s mail, which he sent to KB Kung Fu's Chief Examiner, Kelly Bunyan:
'Thank you so much for last night’s Kung Fu grading! None of this would have been possible without all of your hard work and dedication getting us ready via the WhatsApp homework, the syllabus videos and the Tuesday classes. It’s amazing to still be able to progress as a martial artist during the lockdown and to still be able to get personal feedback on par with in person training THANK YOU!'
Another expression of the joy can be witnessed here, with an excerpt from Fotini’s mail:
'Trying to articulate thoughts and feelings is making me want to burst with emotion, still, and I probably will by the end of this paragraph. Thank you for the grading yesterday. Thank you again and always 🙏for the 1-2-1 feedback. I can never say enough thank yous for this. It's one of the other major positives and treats we get to have due to the circumstances of this past year, having such a personal level of attention and instruction. And finally thank you so much for your belief in me, for the encouragement and for always acknowledging my efforts. 🙏❤'
Some of what the school's KB Administrator and new Yellow Sash, Kelly FN, wrote is viewable here:
'Thank you so much first of all for all your patience in getting not only me, but all the graders ready. I don't mean just for last night's grading, but every single time. Your students experience your passion on a weekly basis, but all the members get to experience it somewhat through the lesson plans. The thought and time you put into our progress, into sharing your passion is just amazing. I wish people would actually take a moment to understand that. We all lead busy lives, but honestly, not many of us dedicate part of their day to help others, for little to, sometimes, nothing in return. So, thank you for spending your Tuesday mornings and afternoons watching our videos and correcting our techniques. Thank you for keeping us all motivated throughout lockdown, throughout everything else that may be going on in our lives.'
Chief Instructor, Kelly (KB), adds:
'This is what grading in my school is about. You set the goal, then working as a team, it is achieved. As a direct result, our members experience a whole new level of euphoria. The sense of pride and self-belief when you pass is second to none. Grading in the martial arts is a unique, positive experience, which I highly recommend.'
If you would like to experience the high, join us.