Sensei Mark Littrean Earns Kodokan San-Dan (3rd Dan)
August 10, 2024 - Hello everyone. I received my Kodokan San-Dan (3rd Dan) diploma on Saturday 10 August from its President Mr. Haruki Uemura (9th Dan).
Being the first person from my country, Trinidad and Tobago, to receive this award is a great honour. I treasure it with the knowledge that my father (dec.) and mother formed the foundation on which I stood that made it possible for me to do this.
I owe so much to my teachers and mentors, Shiina-sensei (8th Dan) and Nöel Le Hecho (7th Dan, dec.). I also thank all who were a part of my journey in many different ways.
I'll still continue to do my best to give you, my students, the highest quality judo training and education that I can.
So I'm hoping to see you all very soon, and I'm looking forward to the wonderful things in store for us!
Yes, I'm still 5th Dan, but the Kodokan Dan comes from the birthplace of judo, and it's special. 3rd Dan is the highest a previous non-Kodokan Dan holder can get. That is the Kodokan's rule.
Mark Littrean
Being the first person from my country, Trinidad and Tobago, to receive this award is a great honour. I treasure it with the knowledge that my father (dec.) and mother formed the foundation on which I stood that made it possible for me to do this.
I owe so much to my teachers and mentors, Shiina-sensei (8th Dan) and Nöel Le Hecho (7th Dan, dec.). I also thank all who were a part of my journey in many different ways.
I'll still continue to do my best to give you, my students, the highest quality judo training and education that I can.
So I'm hoping to see you all very soon, and I'm looking forward to the wonderful things in store for us!
Yes, I'm still 5th Dan, but the Kodokan Dan comes from the birthplace of judo, and it's special. 3rd Dan is the highest a previous non-Kodokan Dan holder can get. That is the Kodokan's rule.
Mark Littrean
Please see the Kodokan's perspective on Judo as a Culture
Please see more (including animations) on Judo founder Jigoro Kano on History of Judo