Shotokan dojo students graded
Nine of the students demonstrated their technique in kata and kumite to earn their next belt.
The Brakpan Shotokan Karate Dojo, under the guidance and training of sensei Lolia Basa, did a grading ceremony on August 17. Students were assessed on their kata and kumite techniques before being awarded their next belt.
Basa is on his fourth Dan black belt and trained under the late sensei Dennis Pandaram, who was honoured with a moment of silence before the grading began.
“Most of the students aren’t that privileged, and we want to give them something to do and keep them off the streets and disciplined,” Basa explained.
Many of the students do not pay any fees to be part of the dojo or grading, due to generous sponsors and support from the families of some of the students.
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The group was joined by a Tenshinkan karateka, Marius Steyn, a purple belt South African champion in the discipline and a learner at Laerskool Dalview.
He gave the students some advice and a demonstration with a Bo staff to motivate and inspire them.
Nine students received their next belt on the day, with Godwill Kumbi, Khaleel Kassim and Boyza Ndlovu moving to green 2.
Matidashe Masara moved to green 1; and Zamil Khan, Chika Ohume, Albert Machete and Oratile Machete to orange. Siyabonga Shabangu had the highest level grading of the day, moving to purple 2.
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