The Northern KwaZulu-Natal JKA year end grading and function was held on Saturday.
This year, according to Sensei Johan Swart, 190 karateka participated in the grading and more than 250 karateka from Hluhluwe, Piet Retief, Paulpietersburg, Ladysmith, Dundee, Newcastle, Volksrust and Vryheid took part in the exercise.
“The day started with a black belt class, followed by a colour belt training session which consisted of each level’s grading syllabus, combined with what was emphasised in all JKA training sessions: hip movement, speed, agility and power, with some fun thrown into the mix,” explained Sensei Swart.
“Karateka performed well during their respective gradings, but it was the junior black candidates who were put through their paces by a panel of no less than 33 black belts. This is a clear indication the region is growing from strength to strength.”
A two hour break allowed the karateka time to freshen up for the dinner and the annual prize-giving, with the theme ‘follow the rainbow’ and the dress code of rainbow colours. Prizes were awarded for best male / female for kata / kumite, best attendance and most improved, among others in the respective dojos.
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The most prized and hard-earned awards were the long awaited certificates from Japan, issued to all the new shodans and nidans in the region.
“Thank you once again to all the sensei and karateka for their dedication and hard work throughout the year. We wish everyone at NKZN JKA and their families a safe and happy festive season,” concluded Sensei Swart.
For information regarding JKA Karate, contact Johan Swart on 083 658 7157.
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