Grading success
Described as the highlight of the year, the karatekas from KwaThema Shotokan Karate Centre were graded for the first time last Wednesday.
The event was attended by the community and parents who came to share the special occasion.
The officials included sempai Milfred Mkwanazi and Phillip Maseko together with Sensei Michael Cindi.
The only girl taking part in the grading Nomthandazo Masemula said she was ready to hear what the officials would say.
“Although this is a male-dominated sport, I enjoy it and will carry on for as long as I can,” she said.
The grading takes place every three months and is aimed at assessing the progress of the students.
Because the karate centre has been running for only a few months, this was the first grading for the students.
During the grading, the students are given tasks by their masters which they have to do.
The three officials paid close attention to the moves before scoring them according to their display and knowledge of karate.
After what seemed like a lifetime, the karatekas where honoured and graded accordingly.
In the end there was a total of six yellow belts and two orange belts.
This was accompanied by a certificate that is accredited by the PanAfrican Shotokan Karate-Do Federation of which the KwaThema Martial Arts Association is a part.
The belts start with yellow, orange, green, blue, purple, first brown, second brown, third brown and finally a black belt.
“I have no doubt that I will have a couple of black belts from this group, I look forward to it and am very proud of them,” concludes Cindi.
