Under the guidance of a master, the end result is a benchmark of supremacy. Ensuring the levels of excellence are maintained in their gym, Roodepoort Karate Centre (RKC) celebrated a group of new and improving black belts on November 30.

The Helderkruin based dojo presented new belts to three new black belts and acknowledged two karateka who have achieved their Nidan. Prepared by RKC’s group of experienced coaches, the grading took place on November 27 at Honbu Dojo at The Wanderers Club.

“We are proud of all our students, as they achieved a 100% pass rate. Achieving 1st Dan (Black Belt) is a milestone in any student’s Karate journey. This however is not the end but merely a major achievement for all Karateka,” said 8th Dan Sensei Johan Roets, RKC are affiliated members South African Japanese Karate Association (SA JKA), the largest independent karate association in the country.

JKA was founded in 1949 and is one of the oldest traditional Shotokan karate organizations in the world. Ninety-one-year-old Sensei Johan travelled the world and as the SA JKA president, is one of the premier minds in any martial art. The evening was all about the next generation of young black belts.

As Sensei Roets bowed before new Shodans, 14-year-old Hanro Mouton, 15-year-old Timothy Slabbert and 18-year-old Keketso Mokoane. Well on track to the filling the family ‘gi’, is 16-year-old Johan Roets jr, who was one of the new Nidans. Aidan Lindeque, 21, was the other Nidan and the fifth and final member of the outstanding class of 2021.

The JKA style of karate as a traditional martial art, offering many benefits to its participants. In addition to self-defence it boosts general fitness, concentration, self-discipline, co-ordination, speed, agility and balance. Karate is family orientated and promotes a healthy lifestyle for all ages, regardless of gender.