KARATEKA: NKZN JKA Dan grading the biggest yet

Swart stated true grit and determination carried the new black belts through the tough and strenuous training which was an absolute must, before one could wear the much desired black belt.

October 20, 2017

Zianne Leibrandt 1 minute read

JKA karateka were graded and awarded their first Shodan and second Nidan black belts.

Following an exclusive training session with Technical Director of the Japanese Karate Association (JKA) of South Africa, Chief Instructor and 6th Dan Sensei, Johan Le Grange, the Karate were graded and awarded their well-deserved first Shodan and second Nidan black belts.

Also read: NKZN karateka train with JKA Sensei Johan le Grange

The following karateka passed their Shodan grading, and are now the newest black belts in Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal JKA Karate (NKZN JKA):

Charles Kemp, Thea Botha, Abigail Skinner, Zurike Marais, Jaydene Naidoo, Hasan Amra and Olwethu Mkhwanazi.

Mthunzi Mbatha, Aneke Grundling and Moses Mazibuko passed their Nidan grading and are now second Dan black belts in NKZN JKA.

“These are all achievements to be proud of,” said NKZN JKA Sensei, Johan Swart.

“Becoming a black belt in JKA karate is not just hard work and dedication, it takes commitment and years of endless training where one is not only taught the fine art and technique that is karate, but also where one learns the “way of the warrior” by practicing the five maxims of karate in one’s daily life as well; character, sincerity, effort, etiquette and self-control.”

Swart stated true grit and determination carried the new black belts through the tough and strenuous training which was an absolute must, before one could wear the much desired black belt.

Having proven worthy, the belt is tied around the hips in true traditional style by a senior black belt, making them part of the NKZN JKA black belt family.

For more information regarding JKA karate, contact Sensei Johan Swart on 083 658 7157.

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