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Local karatekas make their sensei proud

Five new black belts for dojo

The Roodepoort Karate Centre has just gained another five 1st dan black belt karatekas.

The National Japanese Karate Association (JKA) grading took place in May, and Sensei Johan Roets had five students participating. “There were a total of 29 karatekas from dojos throughout South Africa. All five of my karatekas did a very good job and passed their grading,” he proudly said.

Bianca Mann, Potse Tsitsi, Keith Whitehead, Daniel Lombaard and Sybrandt Stadler. Front: Sensei Johan Roets.

The karatekas were graded on kata, kumite (fighting) as well as the different karate techniques. “They had to complete their grading in front of a grading panel consisting of five senseis who kept an eagle eye on them to ensure they performed each technique perfectly. At the end of the grading all the candidates gathered and their results were read out to them. It is quite a tough grading, and not everyone achieved success,” said Johan.

They are:

• Potse Tsitsi

• Keith Whitehead

• Daniel Lombaard

• Sybrandt Stadler

• Bianca Mann

He added that he was very proud of his students. “It is a very nice and special feeling to know that all our student who went into the venue to grade succeeded,” he said.

His message to these students was simply, “Master Funakeshi says that, if you want hot water, you need to keep the fire under the kettle going. It is the same with karate – you need to ensure your passion is fuelled with regular practise, otherwise it will grow cold.”

For more information on the dojo, contact Sensei Johan on 082 920 0781.

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