KARATE 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.

Twelve candidates were tested for black belt and further dan grades in the art and principles of traditional Goju Ryu Karate Do as practised in Okinawa, Japan, the birth place of karate. 

Lianke Barkhuysen, Nico Gertenbach and Louis Venter received junior shodan (first dan) while senior shodan was awarded to Jubrè Muller, Ronan Sheperd and Damian du Plessis. 

Nidan (second dan) ranking was awarded to RC Coetzee, Nakita May and Henk Barnard. 

Sandan (third dan) was awarded to Jaco Saayman, Awie de Villiers and Marina Graupe.

The first dan and second dan grading group. Front, from left: Damian du Plessis, Ronan Sheperd, Lianke Barkhuysen and Nikita May. Back: Louis Venter, Nico Gertenbach, Jubrè Muller and Henk Barnard. Absent: RC Coetzee

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