Karatekas pass gradings
Senior grades of Shotokan Karate South Africa are growing stronger in the Lowveld region.
During the annual Karate Perseverance Gashuku that recently took place in Benoni, two black belts of the Lowveld region participated in dan gradings.
Sensei Carien de Bruin graded to san dan (third black belt) and sensei Kum Achuo graded to ni dan (second black belt). The grading was held after two days of intense traditional karate training and fighting.
“Over two days we’ve trained for seven and a half hours per day. The grading candidates had to participate in another training session of two hours, after which they were put to the test,” said their instructor sensei Piet Venter, a fifth dan and shihankai member of Shotokan Karate.
He also served on the grading panel.
“I am very proud of the two Lowveld karatekas who passed their gradings.”
According to him, they were fit, strong and highly skilled in this wonderful martial art. They had also shown excellent character. This was a moment for them to celebrate, after which they would be working hard to maintain and improve on their technical skills.
“Every time you grade, you realise how far from perfect your technique is and how hard you have to keep on working to improve on it,” Venter concluded.
