Karateka persevere to attain new black belts
Two obtained their first black belts while one graded to his fourth.
The New World Shotokan (NWS) Karate – The Benoni dojo graded three karatekas to dan grades after a week of intense training at their first Vasbyt/Perseverance gashuku after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Dylan Steyl and James Treacher received their first (shodan) black belts, while sensei Chris Martin graded to his fourth (yondan) black belt after attending an intense training of 15 hours.
“Karatekas, their families and those interested in karate know that achieving a black belt requires discipline, respect, endeavour, good character, and perseverance,” said the chief instructor and eighth dan sensei, John Barnett.
Treacher began his journey in the sport in 2019, and although it was tough, he was happy to have earned his first black belt.
“It was challenging at first to learn a new style, but with perseverance, I obtained my black belt. It is a great accomplishment, and learning respect and discipline has humbled me. I am grateful for this journey,” he said.
For Steyl, no amount of blood, sweat, bruises or sprained joints could beat the friendships he has gained and the fun that comes with the sport.
The senpai said karate has been a significant part of his life for 12 years.
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“I commend the teachings and wisdom of my senseis. A black belt is merely the beginning.”
Martin has been a mainstay of the dojo for many years. He began his journey 17 years ago with a first karate class he will never forget.
“I thought I was fit, but soon found out that karate was a different type of ‘being fit’. Years later, Covid-19 hit us and everything stopped. During the pandemic, training was difficult, but I persisted and trained a bit on my own when possible. Getting yondan almost felt unreal.
“Thankfully, all the guidance from my senseis and the support from my parents helped me. I will be forever grateful that I made it this far.
“I am still learning new things. Karate made me a better person. I feel there will always be room for improvement in everything I do until I am no longer able.”
The graduates thanked Barnett for his teachings. The sensei began his journey in martial arts with judo before moving to karate in 1960.
Barnett and sixth dan sensei Janien Potgieter were proud of their students’ achievements and wished them well as they start a new chapter in the sport.
“If you want to succeed in life you need passion, discipline, and respectful love for your fellow human beings. Together, we can do it,” Barnett said.
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