Each year consideration is given for the award of a Black Belt of the Year within Shorinjiryu Koshinkai Karatedo Australia. Nominations are invited from the various Dojo Instructors, with those nominations reviewed by Shihan Jim, Shihan Max and the senior advisory council. This award is made at the Annual Black Belt Camp, which was held this year over the weekend of 20-21 August 2011.

For this years award, five individuals were nominated for the Black Belt of the Year. Each of these individuals is very committed to Shorinjiryu, and is a consistent contributor to various events and aspects of the organisation. A range of excellent input was provided in support of these nominations, and any one of the nominees would make an excellent Black Belt of the Year. 

On behalf of Shihan Jim and Shihan Max, I was pleased to announce that the Black Belt of the Year award for 2011 went to Sensei Dean McKernan of the Kensuukan Dojo. The below information is copied from nominations received for Sensei Tony:

Sensei Dean's personal karate technique is outstanding and he takes great pride in the development of our style - a future leader of Koshinki.

Dean is only 25 years of age, but has taken on the responsibility of running the local club, both training students and organising sessions.

Sensei Dean has also been instrumental in organising the annual Black Belt Camp at Pilliga Pottery for the past three years.

Please join us in congratulating Sensei Dean on his well deserved award of Black Belt of the Year.