Dave Millar earns 9th Dan black belt
The 9th Dan black belt is an extremely high rank that is rarely achieved.
It took Dave Millar (78) of Uvongo a lifetime of dedication to achieve his 9th Dan black belt in karate at the International Chu Chin Karate Championships held in Cape Town recently.
The 9th Dan is the highest level for instructors of the martial art and only the most committed make it to this stage.
“It took a lifetime and brought with it a lifetime of lessons. Fifty eight years of doing what I love and teaching children the way of karate. I am grateful for this gift,” he said.
The certificate was handed to Dave in recognition of having achieved a deep understanding of the martial art, and for his commitment to the growth and development of Shito Ryu Karate.
Hanshi Dave started training in 1965 and taught countless children and adults the art of karate, but it is his referee’s career that makes him one of the most experienced referees South Africa has ever seen.
His referee’s career began in KZN, where he became the appointed chief referee for the province in the 1970s.
By 1985, he was recognised and awarded the qualification as SA referee in both kata and kumite. More highlights of his career includes being graded a recognised international referee by the chief referee of Spain, Rafael Ortago in 1994.
By then he was already appointed chief referee of South Africa. Four years later, he was graded as a Zone 6 referee for kata and kumite, and officiated in Windhoek, Namibia.
In 2000 he became a UFAK kata and kumite referee and in 1996 at Sun City, he officiated and was awarded WKF judge status at the World Karate Championships.
Three years later he was invited to New Zealand to officiate in a tournament held between SA and New Zealand as the chief referee representing South Africa. His last international trip was in 2005 when he visited India to referee at the International Chu Jin Karate Tournament.
Before retiring, Hanshi Dave officiated at the Kanazawa Cup held in Durban in 2007.
When asked what message he would give to current day referees, he said: “Be transparent and honest, and share your knowledge and experience with those who will follow in your footsteps.”
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
