KNYSNA NEWS - The Knysna Shotokan Karate Club held its first grading ceremony on Saturday 23 October, with seven of its karateka taking part and achieving the next level of karate.
Sensei Shedwin Arries indicated that due to Covid-19 restrictions, they faced some battles during the year, but this only meant that the students are now always extremely excited to get exercising at every training session.
He said their new dojo at the FITclub gym is also a new beginning for the club as it sets the right platform for the young karateka to reach greater heights.
All seven of the participants did extremely well and Arries indicated his satisfaction with the standard of his students. The parents of the young ones also expressed their gratitude towards their sensei as they see the results in their children.
Arries said karate is not only about training self-defence. "It's about training your entire body and learning healthy life habits. Karate also helps to shape and sharpen your mind. It assists you with better memory and therefore helps you at school and your education," he said.
The following students were awarded the next level of karate (colours represent belts):
- Jeronimo Payle - Red 1
- Sebastian Lawrence - Red 1
- Maro-Wayne Krige - Purple 1
- Nickyhano Phillips - Green 1
- Dreogan Ruiters - Orange 1
- Leslie Bothma - Yellow
- Reinier Krige - Pre-yellow
For more information on the club's operations and if you're interested in joining, you can get in touch via their Facebook page, Knysna Shotokan Karate.
Six of the seven karateka who received new gradings, from left: Sebastian Lawrence, Jeronimo Payle, Maro-Wayne Krige, Nickyhano Phillips, Dreogan Ruiters, and Reinier Krige.
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