Els Karate South Africa, a martial arts school, hosted a jam-packed karate grading exam at AJ’s Park in Craighall Park.
The grading event on April 7 was attended by both the students and their parents with the hope of upgrading their belts to the next level.
Sensei Andrew Els, the event coordinator, said the purpose of the day was all about holding his first karate grading exam and grading new girl students of St Teresa’s School. Furthermore, it was to give his dojo students time to practise and prepare hard for the serious competitions that would take place later this year.
“This day also gave my students a chance to showcase their talents and also level up in front of their parents. All students were successful in their grading attempt,” Els added.
Kerry Stanley, a parent and a student said, “I have been in the school for almost a year with my daughter and grandchildren. It all started as self-defence classes, but it has been great.
“We are the third generation family tree in Els Karate and we are now pushing to level up for a yellow belt as a family.”
Lisa O’Reilly, a parent of one of the boy participants said, “I am happy that I got to watch him showcase his moves and how happy he was to be graded to yellow belt two. He has only been doing karate for two months.”