Shotokan karate welcomes new first degree black belts

SHOTOKAN Karate Academy International (SKAI) held their national black belt grading recently, during which karate practitioners (karateka) had to perform to obtain the coveted black belt.

The karateka who were successful were honoured at an illustrious ceremony held at the Walvis Bay Yacht Club last Saturday.

Those who were tested for the black belt had a minimum of five years experience, with some even having as many as nine years training in karate. The syllabus which they had to comply with is very stringent, resulting in all of them having been training and preparing since the beginning of the year.

Before an attempt could be made to grade, all karateka had to undergo a gruelling pre-grading, where all technical aspects were finely scrutinised by four senior instructors.

The students were graded on aspects like proficiency in basic techniques, proficiency in forms, proficiency in combat, fitness, etiquette and procedure, neatness and attitude, eye positioning, concentration and self-control.

The grading panel consisted of the four highest graded Namibia Shotokan karateka.

To be successful, karateka had to demonstrate that they have the required skills, values and character traits required for the Shodan rank (first degree black belt).

The chief instructor of SKAI, sensei Willem Burger, made poignant observations regarding the achievement of obtaining a black belt.

He said for every 10 000 people who join a karate school, half will drop out within six months. Of those remaining students, about 1 000 will complete a year of training before quitting. Approximately 500 students will practice for two years, but only 100 will be there in three years. Usually, only one or two will progress and be successful in obtaining their 2nd degree black belt, while one will progress to teach others as he or she has been taught. This person is one in 10 000, and is “a true black belt”.

Burger also observed that a black belt means that the person now fulfils the role of a “modern-day samurai”. The word samurai originally meant “one who serves”.

“Black belts serve their family and community, and protect those who cannot fend for themselves. The black belt also lives by the bushido code (warrior code), while living values like loyalty, honour, courage, unselfishness, fairness, sincerity, honesty and courtesy are of the utmost importance. Being a black belt means constantly developing yourself physically, mentally and emotionally to face the challenges and opportunities that life presents, and then to pass along these tools to those around us so that they all may benefit and take the best advantage of all opportunities that arise in their lifetimes,” he explained.

“Wearing a black belt does not mean you are invincible. It means that you never give up, you are prepared to work past pain and disappointment, and do not cave in to your doubts, and above all you are prepared to face your fears.”

The senior karateka who were graded to first degree black belt and who were honoured on Saturday were Marvin Katjihingua, Bufelo Lushetile, Keegan du Raan, Ernst Hagen, Chanton Mackrill, Jordan Rittmann, Adelinde Lang, Lene Mans and Christel Booysen.

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