Amazing! Congratulations! A 6th Dan promotion in any art is a lifelong commitment. Great job...

I was a 1st kyu in Shotokan many years ago & wasn't long for Shodan, then this small Japanese sensei demonstrated at our dojo & I was blown away as my perception of what was the best got a a boost,  I asked one of my mates who this guy was, he told me & within a week, I went over to his dojo & after seeing me in action for a few classes, he demoted me back down to 4th kyu & I went throught he brown belt stage again.
That was the best move ever as thirteen years later, I left a Yodan because he was old school Japanese & ran me through the guantlet for all those years, it was tough because no quarter was given but it made me a better karateka  today.
The message is that if it's not hard, it's not worth taking the journey.

You were very lucky to get accepted . I was in okinawa from 81 to 87an back then unless you were okinawan you just werent accepted .  Ive heard its all changed there now . Okinawais beautiful an i loced it when i was younger but im too old to ever go back now . 😮

My former instructors and school.  Great memories and lessons for life.  I was stationed there for a year and a half. Life impacting.. I’m 63 now.

It's nice that the assistant will give him a massage while he is in the middle of a grading.

すごいな、この人。
腕の動きが機械のようだ。
相当に強い人だ。

great experience, great Sensei, great Shai. thank you for sharing

Congratulations Shai, a very inspiring story about never giving up to pursue your dreams!!

Congratulations Sensei!! Your story is an example of strenght, perseverance and willingness. All the best and thanks for sharing!

Nice inspiring story. I do Wado Kai and hope to train Japan a bit in a couple of years. 😊

Thanks for sharing this impressive documentation and congrats to your effort and achievement. Never give up!

I was stationed on Okinawa 77-79 and knew an American who was a skilled practitioner. Peter Kellog. We’d go to the dojo and observe classes/ training. Amazing martial art.

Such an inspiring martial arts story

I swear they have made movies of your life. Congrats man, wish you the best.

Hard boild 🤔🙏 My absolute respect and honor.

This journey is the embodiment of true perseverance, humility, and the relentless pursuit of mastery. To start over from white belt despite already holding a black belt elsewhere is the mark of a true martial artist—one who understands that rank is not a destination, but a reflection of one’s dedication to the art. Your resilience in the face of rejection, your willingness to earn your place, and your ability to endure the rigorous training with the master’s top students all speak to the depth of your character. Passing your 6th Dan test is not just a testament to your skill, but to your spirit. This reflection is a powerful reminder that greatness is not given; it is earned through discipline, humility, and an unwavering heart. Congratulations on this incredible achievement! Dōmo arigatou gozaimas. Osu.

おめでとう御座います。日々の鍛錬の賜物ですね。尊敬します

Congratulations and what a great journey you have.

Shai Sensei,
Thank you for a great presentation of Okinawa Karate, the grading and your Sensei.  Kiyohide Shinjo sensei in my mind is the tiger of Okinawan karate. I have been to Okinawa many times and my longest stay was one year. I was going somewhere with my sensei Uehara Ko of Goju ryu and out of nowhere Shinjo sensei and Ko sensei were talking. It was a great experience for me. Like you I love Okinawa and its people. I love Israel though I have never been there. I wish you and your family all the best. Hennie de Vries

Awesome experience! Congratulations on your promotion to 6th Dan sir.