On Tuesday, 3 June 2025, the first entrance exams took place at the dojo in Mutterstadt – including for some Seito-ho from Limburgerhof. The entrance exams in Tatsu-Ryu-Bushido are something special and are concluded with a traditional ceremony. After the trial training sessions, some students found their way to Tatsu-Ryu-Bushido and were able to demonstrate not only their first techniques and theoretical knowledge in the entrance exam, but also their understanding of dojo etiquette. In particular, their theoretical knowledge of martial arts, samurai, Japanese terms and Japanese characters (kanji) was tested in depth using blackboards. In the practical part, which plays a rather minor role here, the understanding of the types of techniques is tested without weapons and with the first wooden weapons, the short stick (tanbo) and wooden sword (bokken). On this occasion, Saiko-Shihan (grand master) Christian Wiederanders took the opportunity to conduct the entrance exams himself. The tension among the examinees was palpable at the beginning. However, after successfully passing the exam, this tension dissipated during the festive sake ceremony and was replaced by relief and pride. During this ceremony, the teacher pours sake for the student, who then pours sake for the teacher. Alternatively, tea can be drunk instead of sake. This symbolises mutual respect and learning from one another. The student learns from the teacher, just as the teacher can learn something new from each student. Beforehand, the students received their gi jackets and white belts, allowing them to wear the full training uniform. We are pleased to announce that Benedikt Walter, Christian Grünert, Christine Franz and Christoph Günther from the Mutterstadt Dojo and Jennifer Holzmann, Katharina Bräunling and Patrick Schwebs from the Limburgerhof Dojo have successfully passed the entrance exam and have been accepted into Tatsu-Ryu-Bushido. They also received their 8th Kyu certificates. Welcome to Tatsu-Ryu-Bushido. We are delighted to have you as part of our team.