Karateka follow the rainbow at prize-giving and grading

The day started with a black belt class, followed by a colour belt training session

December 11, 2019

Vryheid Herald 1 minute read

NKZN JKA rounded off a successful year at its grading and year end function on November 23.
This year, 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.
This 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. Karateka performed well during their respective gradings. The junior black belt candidates were put through their paces by a panel of no less than 33 black belt judges, taken as a clear indication the region is growing from strength to strength.
A two-hour break allowed karateka time to freshen up for dinner and the prize-giving.
The event’s theme was ‘follow the rainbow’, with prizes awarded including for the best male and female in kata and kumite, the best attendance and the most improved in the respective JKA dojos.
Most prized and hard-earned were the long awaited certificates from Japan, issued to all the new shodans and nidans in the region.
JKA expressed its gratitude to all the sensei and karateka for their dedication and hard work throughout the year, wishing every member and their families a safe and happy festive season.
For more information on JKA karate, contact Johan Swart on 083 658 7157.