POLOKWANE – Two junior karatekas from Yin-Yang and Self-Defence Studio proudly reached significant milestones during a grading event held on June 8.

Zainab Hurzuk earned her first black belt, while Wickus Villoen achieved his junior black belt after an intensive week of training at Gashuku’s and a demanding pre-grading session.

Both serve as inspiring role models to their peers, demonstrating the rewards of hard work and discipline.

Annatjie de Jager, their sensei, emphasised that earning a black belt requires unwavering discipline, respect, dedication, good character and perseverance.

Zainab, who embarked on her karate journey seven years ago, overcame numerous challenges to attain her black belt.

Wickus, who started training at the age of four, also reached the junior black belt milestone. “Listening to my sensei has brought me this far, and I aspire to open my own dojo in the future,” Zainab shared.

“I am immensely proud of my karatekas’ achievements and wish them the best as they begin a new chapter in their martial arts journey,” Annatjie said.

She highlighted that black belt testing is a highly significant event in their dojo, noting that obtaining a shodan, or first-degree black belt, typically takes five to eight years of dedicated practice.

The accomplishments of Zainab and Wickus not only symbolise their martial arts skills but also reflect their character and the values they embody as dedicated karatekas.