RKC Dojo celebrated another successful kyu grading on July 25, with kendo, iaido and jodo students earning new grades after a demanding assessment.

Founder and head Sensei Warren Ho said the grading was designed to challenge students mentally as much as physically.

“The overall quality and standard was very high, especially in kendo. Kendo in South Africa has been around for more than 30 years, so we have a good understanding of what is required for a kyu grading. The standard is quite high.”

He explained that Iaido and jodo are still developing in South Africa.

“Jodo has only been around for about five years compared to kendo, while iaido is also still in its early stages. We’re still developing the overall standard in those disciplines.”

Read more: 16-year-old Shaka Shumba’s journey at RKC Dojo

Although Ho served as the examiner during the grading, the students were assessed by an independent panel.

“My job was to make the grading intense and nerve-racking. You want the nerves to come out because that’s when you see resilience, self-confidence and self-control. Those are qualities we train every week in the dojo.”

Despite the pressure, every student completed their grading.

Beyond earning a new rank, Ho believes grading develops valuable life skills.

@caxtonjoburgnorth RKC Dojo founder and head sensei Warren Ho says martial arts grading is about far more than earning a new belt, with students developing confidence, resilience and lifelong discipline on July 28, 2026. Video: Duduzile Khumalo #Sandton #RKC #Martialarts #Dojo ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

“Having a rank is one thing, but it’s the softer skills that matter. My personal motto is that competence leads to confidence, and confidence creates more competence.”

Ho added that resilience is another key lesson students take away from martial arts.

“Life isn’t always fair. Sometimes you don’t pass an exam, or things don’t go your way, but you have to keep going. Those are life skills that martial arts teaches.”

According to Ho, one of the biggest obstacles students face is believing in themselves.

“I saw many students doubting themselves before the grading. My message was simple: you’ve done the work, you’ve attended training, so trust yourself.”

While RKC Dojo continues to welcome new members, Ho acknowledged that commitment remains one of the biggest challenges.

Also read: RKC Dojo enjoys training from international instructors

“People often underestimate how difficult martial arts can be. The hardest part is simply having the discipline to come to training consistently.”

He said those who remain committed experience far more than physical improvement.

“Martial arts teaches discipline, resilience and confidence. Those three pillars benefit anyone who practises consistently.”

Reflecting on the newly promoted students, Ho reminded them that achieving a new grade is only one step in a much longer journey.

“Grading is just a milestone. Training never stops.”

Using an analogy he often shares with students, Ho said: “Training is like swimming upstream in a river. The moment you stop swimming, the river pushes you backwards. You have to keep training.”

He encouraged students to remain consistent before their next grading.

“The discipline is simply getting to the dojo. It sounds easy, but that’s often the hardest part.”