October 13, many students of Shoshin Dojo, their family and friends gathered to conduct the 2003 Dan testing. The testing board consisted of Senseis Daniel Linden, Mike Kranz and Olaf Schubert.

Five candidates tested for Shodan, one for Nidan. Rodgau Dojo's congratulations go to Chris Evans, Erik Guzman, Curtis Ihlefeld, Mike Kigin and Clifford Schwartz for their Shodan and to Mike Dougher for his Nidan.

The tests were concluded by a moving ceremony. By 8:30, the dojo was lit by candles all around. All Shodan testees, without belt and hakama, sat in the middle of the dojo in front of Linden Sensei. Behind them, their ukes and sempai, family members and friends. Sensei emphasized the meaning of this moment for everyones life, and the dojo family. Sensei found words, quotes and poems for every testee that suited their individual situation. Every one of them got his new black belt tied on by Sensei, which was then tightened by all yudansha of the dojo, welcoming them in our yudanshakai. Very moving moments, impossible to capture in the many photos taken! Of course all this was followed by a big party...