Top karate instructor visits

The Chief Instructor of the Japanese Karate Association of South Africa, Sensei Johan La Grange, visited the region of Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal once again this year.
Sensei Johan La Grange, who also runs the Honbu Dojo in Gauteng, holds the rank of Rokudan (6th Dan).
On the weekend of November 8 to 9, he came to Newcastle to offer his skills and knowledge in the art of karate, and to assist karate-ka with strength and conditioning.
The colour-belt karate-ka participated in a class on the Friday night which dealt predominantly with speed and agility with regards to hip movement, while the gruelling two-hour session on Saturday morning was attended by senior brown belts and black belts only. Still concentrating on speed and agility, the karate-ka were put to the test by directing all their effort and attention on the difficult task of adding power to punches, blocks and kicks by simply using one’s hips to the maximum.This was followed by a short lunch break, after which there was a referee’s and judging course for black belts only.
This entails the point system and technical requirements on which gradings and competitions within JKA South Africa are judged and graded.
“It is an honour and a privilege to participate in a class given by someone as qualified and gifted as Sensei Johan La Grange. Not only is he a world champion in karate, he is also someone we can all look up to and respect,” said local member, Sonja Bruyns.
For more information on JKA Karate contact Johan Swart on 083 658 7157.