Realized I never answered this question. No we train inside at the dojo. We just like to do our summer promotions outside and make them a picnic event for everyone to have some fun on the weekend.
Congrats. But I'm confused. Degree or rank translates as Dan in Japanese. Hence Shodan (Black belt) is a first degree. But you are one step off and technically its a short step and means you are near being a qualified begginer.