On the weekend of October 6th, 1998, Shihan Peter Morton, founder of the Peter Morton Academies of Self Defence, long-time member of the Australian Shihan Kai, and good friend of the Kancho's, was the Pride of Batemans Bay when he was presented with his 10th Degree Grand Master ceremonial red belt by Kancho Bradshaw at the 36th anniversary dinner of the Morton Academies.

The Grand Master status and ceremonial belt was bestowed upon Shihan Morton on behalf of the Black belt Board of the Peter Morton Academies of Self defence, for over 52 years of service to the martial arts community. During the presentation, there was hardly a dry eye in the house, as even Shihan Morton shed a tear accepting the honour from his friend, Kancho.

"I didn't think anything would top the presentation night at Townsville last year", says Shihan Morton. (Shihan Morton was inducted into the Australasian World Martial Arts Hall of Fame 1997 as Most Distinguished Martial Artist of the Year).

"However Saturday night was the greatest surprise and proudest moment I had ever experienced. On both nights, Kancho has been there as support and guide for me, and I cannot thank him enough. My greatest pride was the manner in which my organisation accepted me as 10th Dan Grand Master. I have to admit that because of my health and condition that I didn't think I would experience another presentation like this. I am just as proud of each and every one of my students in the organisation, it really is a great feeling."

The following month, Shihan Morton, was presented with a Master Degree certificate by the Australian Shihan Kai ratifying his Grand Master status and grade at the anniversary ceremonies. Now the Australian Shihan Kai not only has one, but two 10th Degree Grand Masters within its ranks.

As one of the first official duties of his new found status in the Australian Shihan Kai, Grand master Morton presented several of our senior Instructors with their promotional certificates. Sensei Peter Bradshaw was promoted to 3rd Dan in Jiujitsu; Shihan Tom Varano was promoted to 5th Dan in Jiujitsu and Shihan Chris Bailey was promoted to 6th Dan in Judo.

"It was a real honour for me to be presented with the certificate and belt of A.S.K and more so to be able to sign and present the boys with their promotion certificates. Definitely one of the better perks of 10th Dan." commented Grand Master Morton.

Congratulations from all of us to Grand master Peter "Frog" Morton on his promotion and thanks to the Morton Academies for allowing A.S.K. to be part of their anniversary and honour one of Australia's greatest martial arts Instructors.