Butokukan Newcastle Karateka belt up during training

Butokukan Newcastle hosted its 10th annual training camp at the weekend.

Sixth dan and Chief Instructor of Butokukan South Africa, Sensei Carel van der Westhuizen, led an intensive session across Friday and Saturday at Blackrock Casino.

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He was assisted by Sensei Frik Willemse and Sensei Willem van der Westhuizen.

During the training sessions, Sensei Carel placed emphasis on natural body movement during kumite (sparring), taking karateka through a series of drills.

“These helped them develop proper hip movement, dynamic body movement, power generation and kumite tactics,” explained Sensei Frik.

This training is expected to be especially useful ahead of the World Union of Karate-do Federations (WUKF) National Karate Championships on October 5 and 6.

It also helped focus Sensei Carel ahead of a trip to Okinawa, Japan.

He will travel abroad to the first Okinawa Karate International Tournament in August, which also includes seminars from well-known karate masters from the region.

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“Upon his return to South Africa, he will host a national training camp at Butokukan SA’s hombu dojo in Centurion.”

Sensei Frik said several karateka from Newcastle would attempt their black belt promotions during this camp.

“Butokukan Newcastle wishes to thank Sensei Carel and Sensei Willem for a very well organised training camp. Everyone who attended had lots of fun and went home with a lot of new knowledge.”

Anyone interested in learning about traditional Okinawan karate and kobudo (weapons) can call Sensei Frik on 060 725 9815.

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