SA JKA training takes karateka back to basics

The pre-dan SA JKA training session which was held at the Mandeville Sports Stadium in Johannesburg, was attended by more than 200 black belt karateka from across South Africa.

A few local karateka, namely Sensei Johan Swart, Sonia de Pooter and Vishen Bhoonpersad were in attendance.

Sensei Johan Swart said that in light of the previous JKA World Championships held in Ireland in August this year, and in keeping with tradition, the main theme of the day was going back to basics.

“While many may think being a black belt meant the more moves you can do the better you are, but, the truth of the matter was that sometimes simple is smarter.”

Under the guidance of Sensei Wendy Wannenburg (a 6th dan) as well as Sensei Wayne Smith (6th dan), the training sessions comprised mostly of the importance of correct body positioning, stances and the understanding that one should stick to what worked.

“As Sensei Wendy so aptly put it: “Why reinvent the wheel?”

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Emphasis was put on sticking to basics and working on the Shodan (1st dan) syllabus.

Regardless of the level being graded, not having an understanding of, and being unable to perform to the satisfaction the Shodan syllabus, meant that one was not good enough to advance to the next level.

“Instructors were advised to go back to their respective dojos and to incorporate what was taught back into Kihon (basics), Kata (sequence of moves) and Kumite (fighting) and not to underestimate the value of keeping things simple.”

For any information regarding class times and fees please contact, Johan Swart on 083 658 7157.