Yoseikan-Ryu Black Belt June 2026
June 7 marked a major milestone for fourteen dedicated students who undertook the Yoseikan-Ryu Black Belt Grading, one of the most demanding tests in their martial arts journey.
Over the course of more than six hours, candidates were pushed to their physical and mental limits through four challenging rounds designed to assess every aspect of their training and development.
The grading consisted of:
Kata – demonstrating technical precision, balance, focus, and understanding of Yoseikan-Ryu forms.
Basics – showcasing the strong foundations that underpin all advanced techniques.
Speed Work – a gruelling test of endurance, stamina, and the ability to maintain intensity over an extended period of time.
Kumite – the final and one of the most demanding phase of the grading, where candidates were required to demonstrate courage, skill, control, and fighting spirit against fresh opponents.
For the kumite component, junior candidates completed six consecutive rounds, facing a fresh fighter in every round. Senior candidates faced an even greater challenge, completing ten consecutive rounds against fresh opponents. By this stage of the grading, candidates had already endured hours of testing, making the kumite rounds a true examination of resilience, determination, and character.
As the day progressed, fatigue became a constant companion. Candidates were required to maintain their technique, composure, and fighting spirit despite the physical and mental demands of a grading that lasted more than six hours. It is under these conditions that the true qualities of a black belt are revealed.
At the conclusion of the grading, we are proud to announce that the following students successfully achieved their Yoseikan-Ryu Black Belt:
Silvana Tesfagergis (Western Australia)
Vedran Stankovic (Victoria)
Luka Tomic (Victoria)
Steven Martin (Western Australia)
Andrea George (Western Australia)
Bella Poilly (Western Australia)
Clare Mellows (Western Australia)
Katrin Chung (Western Australia)
Their success reflects years of dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to the art. Each candidate earned their result through hard work, discipline, and an unwavering determination to succeed.
While eight candidates achieved a passing result, six candidates were unsuccessful on this occasion. Black belt gradings are intentionally rigorous and are designed to uphold the standards and integrity of Yoseikan-Ryu. Every person who stepped onto the mat demonstrated courage by accepting the challenge and giving their best effort throughout the examination.
Although not everyone achieved the outcome they were hoping for, setbacks are an important part of the martial arts journey. The experience gained through challenge, adversity, and perseverance often becomes the foundation for future success.
We congratulate all fourteen candidates for the commitment, spirit, and determination they displayed throughout the day. Their efforts reflected the values of Yoseikan-Ryu and the strength of our dojo community.
A special thank you goes to the instructors, examiners, senior grades, training partners, and families whose support helped make this event possible.
To our new black belts, congratulations on a well-earned achievement. Your black belt represents not only technical ability but also character, resilience, and dedication. Wear it with pride, humility, and the understanding that it marks the beginning of a new stage in your martial arts journey.
Finally, to the six candidates who did not achieve a passing result this time, we commend you for having the courage to step onto the mat and test yourselves. Black belt grading is never guaranteed, and the lessons learned through adversity are often among the most valuable in martial arts. Continue training, continue improving, and continue believing in your journey. We hope to see you back on the grading floor next time, stronger, more experienced, and ready for the challenge once again.