GEORGE NEWS - Southern Cape Okinawa Goju Ryu Karate Kyokai recently held its annual black belt Gashuku and dan gradings at the George Shibu Dojo under the leadership of Sensei Jannie le Grange, Shibu head instructor.
The Gashuku was well attended by both senior and junior karateka in spite of the Covid pandemic, with all the regulations and protocol in place.
Eighteen candidates were tested for black belt in the art and principles of traditional Goju Ryu Karate Do as practised in Okinawa, Japan, the birth place of karate. Jody Tarloff, Adrian Zeelie, Alakhe Arosi, Melanie Mittendorf, Carl Wilson and Francois Rousseau received their junior shodan black belt.
Senior black belt were awarded to Matthew and David Luckman, Glen Smith, Ettienne Harris, Franco Borman, Lyle Fitzmaurice, Jordan Barnwell, Maxwell Schoeman, Tjaart Helberg, Sarah Ferg, Rebecca Viljoen and Viv Mudaly. Second dan were awarded to Stephen Stead, Rico Coetzee and Sieg Minnie, while honours went to Beanca Rudolph who achieved her Sandan (third dan) in fine style.
The first dan Shodan grading group with the grading panel (seated) from left: senseis Rocher le Grange (5th dan), Deon Nel, Betsie le Grange (6th dan), Jannie le Grange (7th dan), Angelo Prins (6th dan), Buks Smit and Anton von Below (5th dan). Absent: Norman Reinach (5th dan).
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