Date: July 29, 2017
Place: Impala Park Sport Hall (Phalaborwa region), Limpopo Province, South Africa
Organizers/host: Sempai Sydeck Monyela, and WKO Contact Sensei Medupi Robert Lechelele
This event was the first grading (Kyu grading, white to brown belt) in Namakgale, Phalaborwa region.
The event was attended by 70 students taking the Kyu Grading Test. This is a good sign that Shinkyokushinkai karate in Limpopo Province under the leadership of Sensei Lechelele, is growing alarmingly as it is spreading to other regions in the province and that karate development thereof in Shinkyokushinkai is succeeding and growing.
The grading proceedings were conducted by Sensei Hendrick Moeketsi from Hammanskraal region (3rd Dan, Gauteng Province) and Sensei Medupi Robert Lechelele (3rd Dan) assisted by Sempai Phillip Nkuna (1st Dan), Sempai Sydeck Monyela (1st Dan), Sempai Jeanet Letsoalo (1st Dan) and Senpai Andrew Khoza (1st Dan). The guest of honor was “The African Tiger” Shihan Isaac Mashinini, who was observing and noting remarks of the entire grading process. It was a well-attended event with four regions around Limpopo (i.e. Mokopane, Polokwane (University of Limpopo), Tzaneen and Namakgale). The event was also attended by students from Mpumalanga Province also taking the test. The attendance was far more than we expected.
The grading was strict, and the students took it serious as it showed in their good performance that they have prepared very well for this event. The syllabus focused on physical training, Kihon, Ido-Geiko, Kata, and Kumite sessions specific for each Kyu level. The students were encouraged to continue learning and practicing karate every day in their respective dojos in order for them to acquire more knowledge and skills and to become better Karate-kas and future instructors.
Shihan gave words of gratitude to all participants and the parents who attended the event to support their children. He also encouraged women to join Shinkyokushinkai Karate as we are now living in the world of gender based violence whereby women and children are being abused. Self-defence skills are more important for children and women so they can be able to defend themselves when being attacked. Shihan also gave some demonstration on self-defence to the parents who attended the event. The host Sempai Sydeck, would also like to thank all those who participated and supported the event from different regions and provinces. The event was possible and successful through their efforts and support.
Kind regards;
Sensei Andronica Rakgantso
Assistant to President Isaac Mashinini; WKO South Africa/Africa Region.
