Young Hazyview karateka aims high

Rohan Louw (19) is proof that hard work and determination always pay off, and he is determined to reach the top in his choice of sport.

Louw has been training under Sensei Sandra van Vuuren of the Hazyview Karate Dojo, who describes him as a loyal and hardworking student during the past decade.

“He recently went for his Shodan grading, and after a gruelling week of preparation, he had an excellent grading. He has already started preparing for his Nidan [second black belt]. Louw is currently teaching young beginners every Tuesday and Thursday, and most of the kids love their sensei,” she said.

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Van Vuuren stressed that karate is a highly disciplined sport, requiring total dedication, perseverance and respect.

The Hazyview dojo is also affiliated with the New World Shotokan style.

Louw told Lowvelder that teaching a class is a great experience, and that he enjoys it and still learns just as much as the students.

“Above all, I love this sport. My dream for now is to get to the next level and make sure that karate grows, not only locally, but internationally. With the support I am getting from my family and the Hazyview Karate Dojo, nothing will stand in my way of reaching my dreams,” he said.

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To obtain a Shodan grading, a karateka starts with a white belt and has to pass 12 grades to get to the first black belt.

The talented Louw has to practise for another two years to get his second black belt. He will need to qualify for 2025 with Hazyview Karate Dojo’s other sensei, Hugo Lusse, who is striving for his fourth dan.