Date: October 27, 2018
Place: Alabama Hall, Klerksdorp, North West Province, South Africa
Organizers/host: WKO Branch Chief, Sensei Thomas Sindephi Mayekani
The 2018 junior belts grading (Kyu grading, white to brown belt) was attended by 151 students taking the kyu grading test. Although the grading was mainly for Matlosana region, it was attended by students from other branches/dojos in North West Province (Potchefstroom) and Gauteng Province (Carltonville, Thembisa and Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University -AKA Medunsa).
The grading examinations focused on physical training, Kihon, Ido-Geiko, Katas and Kumite sessions specific for each kyu level. The performance of the students was very good, showing their determination and hard work put in preparing for this day. What was most impressive and outstanding about the grading was the high number of white belts students taking their first kyu grading test on this day. This is an indication that karate in North West Province has grown and is continuing to grow alarmingly and that karate development in Matlosana and in Shinkyokushinkai South Africa is succeeding.
The host Sensei Mayekani, congratulated the students for their hard work and commitment. He extended his gratitude to all the parents who supported the event. He encouraged parents to continue supporting their children to learn and practice karate as a way to assist the children to live a life of purpose and not be involved in unlawful activities and substance abuse. Students were encouraged to continue learning and practicing karate every day in their respective dojos in order for them to acquire more knowledge, skills, and discipline.
The event was possible and successful through the efforts and support of parents and instructors from various dojos who attended and participated in the event. The grading proceedings were conducted by Shihan Isaac Mashinini assisted by Sensei Thomas Mayekani, Sempai Maurice Moselakgomo, Sempai David Mokoena, Sempai Reginald Nteo, Sempai Piet Merafe, Sensei Sphamandla Ngubane, Sensei Paul Sehlabelo, and Sensei Humbulani Mphuma.
Kind regards;
Sensei Andronica Rakgantso
Assistant to President Isaac Mashinini; WKO South Africa/Africa Region.
