POLOKWANE – Last Saturday was a historic day for PEMPS karatekas when they participated in a grading event.
This puts them one step closer to their first black belt in their karate journey.
The grading event was held by their mother body, All Styles Karate Association’s school programme at the Zurel Bros College dojo.
Karatekas younger than 10 had been training for months, honing their skills in order to grade to the next level.
Their preparations surely paid off, said head instructor, sensei Annatjie De Jager, as all of them passed, with some having reached scores as high as in the 90-percentile range.
Da Jager expressed extreme pride in the result.
“It is so gratifying to be part of their development, and to see them grow not only through sport. They have become very confident and outgoing.”
Morongoa Mashabela, Lethabo Kgopa, Blessing Maja, Karabo Mokoele, Vhusai Nthambeleni, Jaden Morjan and Matshepo Mapiti.
With a minimum pass rate of 75% and six sections in which to complete, students showed true determination and focus, she added.
The 12 students will now take a break before preparations start for the next round of competitions at a later stage.
With their level of commitment, the students are sure to return with gold medals, De Jager concluded.
