Our shodan exams are not nearly so intense so it's hard to answer your question, but I think when I joined by new (current) dojo my sensei said "what...
-Adam Nelson
Halifax Kendo Club www.halifaxkendo.org
When the student is ready, the master appears. -Buddhist Proverb
Why so light?...The French word for sword is sabre. And we prefer light sabres. - ScottUK