POLOKWANE – Oyama School of Karate held its 2023 pre-grading training at Ngoako Ramahlodi Stadium in Seshego on March 21.

The training was conducted to assess the level of fitness and the understanding of karate, for students who will go through grading later the year.

Sensei Thomas Sekhale and sempai Peter Malatji conducted the class which lasted for almost three hours and included fitness, basic techniques and practice of kata.

Pontso Tele, was one of the students who completed all his karate moves with aplomb.

Long-serving member of the school, sempai Phenyo Mahapa prepares for his first kyu which is a second brown belt, thus becoming the most senior student and longest training karateka in class.

“It has not been easy. With books being given priority, it has become difficult to attend karate classes regularly, but I try to create the opportunity when the time allows.”

Phenyo will also attend the international Gashuku again this year in Stellenbosch wherein senior Japanese instructors will be present to advise on new and improved ways of executing techniques.

The Gashuku will be hosted by shihan Hennie Bosman who is the head of Kyokushin-kan South Africa and international chairman of Kyokushin-kan.

Malatjie said during the long tiring class most students tried their level best to impress both their parents and instructors.

“They also look forward to going through the test that will see them change their belts to senior ones.

“As with learners who are studying, karate requires one to put in some effort in order to pass and grow.”