DURBAN North College learner Aarna Ramdhin recently made history at the Shotokan Kokusai Karatedo South Africa’s 25th Year Commemorative Championship in Durban.

The Grade Nine learner, who is a black belt (1st Dan), was selected to officiate as a referee at the competition, and was the youngest referee at the event among 20-plus officials.

Her school congratulated her on her efforts, saying she demonstrated exemplary dedication and service.
Another positive is that the recent champs aimed to raise funds for Heart Kids SA, an NPO raising awareness of congenital heart defects.

In other schools news: Virginia Prep educator puts in star performance at world champs

Over the 12 hours of the tournament Aarna and her fellow team officials judged over a hundred matches in the different categories of Kata and Kumite.

The all-styles karate tournament attracted participants from around Durban, ranging in age from four to over 40.

Aarna also underwent special referee training under the guidance of renowned national referees for three months.

“The training included in-depth knowledge of technical and tactical aspects of Shotokan Karate, quick and fair decision-making skills, attention to detail, conflict resolution, communication, teamwork, professionalism, maintaining ethics, integrity, and neutrality, as well as mastering calmness, patience, discipline, and self-control. It was truly a rewarding experience,” she said.

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