Veteran martial arts ace reaches new level

Congratulations to Richards Bay martial arts ace Sonny Kisten on being awarded the rank of Renshi Shihan.

Renshi Shihan is a Japanese martial arts title given to instructors like Kisten who have achieved 6th Dan black belt or higher, showing exceptional skill and teaching ability.

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Kisten is chief instructor and provincial head of NKZN Goju Kai Karate and has been practising the art of Goju Kai Karate for over 43 years.

“It takes a lot of discipline, hard work and dedication to come this far in karate, and I am grateful to my family and students who have been with me on this journey thus far,” says Kisten.

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Also making Goju Kai NKZN proud are Renaldo Varden and Jayden Govender who competed in the recent South African Goju Kai National Karate Championships in Bloemfontein. Varden placed 2nd in kumite, bringing home a silver medal.

Varden and Govender were also selected as part of the SA national team competing in the Karate World Championships taking place in Tokyo, Japan in August 2025.

For information on karate lessons in Richards Bay, WhatsApp 081 0421159.

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