The JKS holds an annual International Seminar at Teikyo University in Tokyo, Japan, each year.  Combined with this event, there are Senior Dan Gradings and at the 2018 event, which was held in December, two LKA instructors performed excellent gradings and were promoted.

Nick Heald was awarded 7th Dan JKS, making him one of only 2 people in the UK to hold this rank under the JKS at the time.  In addition to this his Wife, Ashley Scott-Heald was also awarded 5th Dan JKS making her the most Senior Female in JKS England.  

They were awarded their certificates three months later at the JKS England Seminar with Kagawa Shihan in Nottingham.