KJK Judo Club’s judoka fared exceptionally well at the recent national grading event.
Tyla Stacey-Hale graded for her first black belt also known as Shodan along with Rikus Hall, while Moagi Molefe graded for Nidan, which is his second black belt. Reece-Hunter Erasmus upgraded to Junior Dan Grading Master.
Sensei Katja Bruwer explained, “Grading for Shodan, or the first black belt, also known as First Dan, is a very important milestone in judo. It is the first of the senior ranks but is also the beginning step, the start of real learning.”
She added Nidan, which is the second black belt or Second Dan is more senior to the Shodan.
She concluded in South Africa, all the gradings are done with the approval of Judo South Africa and all the Grading Masters need to be qualified to conduct these gradings.