A special kind of entrance examination took place on Sunday, 5 October 2025, as part of the Nicht-mit-Mir-Abschluss event. In a safe and respectful environment, Ayaka, a dedicated member of Tatsu Ryu-Bushido Mutterstadt e.V., took her entrance examination behind closed doors, under the watchful eye of examiner Sabina Nezirovic. Ayaka has already made a name for herself through her involvement in projects such as the development of a digital learning platform for the ‘Sports Club of the Future’ and her support in various behind-the-scenes activities for the association. Nevertheless, she suffers from exam anxiety, a phenomenon that many people are familiar with and which is taken very seriously at Tatsu Ryu Bushido. It is not a lack of ability or technique. It is the blackout that many face when they find themselves in an exam situation, which completely erases their memory and sometimes even paralyses their body. At Tatsu-Ryu Bushido, we try to make it possible for everyone to get started in martial arts. Inclusion is particularly important to us: we adapt the framework so that even people who may not fit the traditional mould can be integrated.

Even though higher belt grades are never given away and cannot be achieved by some trainees, the entrance exam is something very special. The exam is followed by a traditional initiation ritual. During this ritual, the master pours sake for the student, and then the student pours sake for the teacher. Alternatively, tea is drunk instead of sake. This symbolises mutual respect and learning from each other. The student learns from the teacher, just as every teacher learns something new from every student. We are proud that Ayaka successfully passed the entrance exam despite her fears. Her determination and perseverance have paid off: she has been officially accepted into Tatsu-Ryu Bushido and can now proudly wear her black gi, hakama and white belt. This is not only a reward for her achievements, but also a sign of the community and support that we live by in Tatsu-Ryu Bushido.