Karate Zen Lüderitz Club

On Saturday, 25 April, the Luderitz Karate-Zen Club had a grading at its dojo in the TransNamib complex in Luderitz. Presiding over the grading were Sensei Bonnie Kabozu, founder and instructor of the club, and Sensei Freddie Mwiya, who was visiting from Oshakati. This was the first grading of 2009. All 25 students trained vigorously in the weeks prior to the grading so that they could display their skills and be awarded with a new rank or belt. Walking into the dojo, one could see a crowd of concerned friends and family watching attentively as the karate students shouted out and moved with speed and power.

The grading itself began in the morning and lasted for 3 hours, during which the students were tested on their mastery of numerous basic exercises, katas (long combinations of movements), and self defence techniques. Afterwards, when the individual scores were being tabulated, Sensei Freddie led an additional hour of sparring drills and actual sparring, called kumite. Before the results of the grading were announced, Sensei Freddie performed two impressive black belt katas to inspire the class.

It was announced that all of the students, veteran and newcomer alike, performed well during their tests and the two Senseis were very happy with the result. “Stay focused, train hard, and you too can become a champion,” said Sensei Freddie. “You youngsters must tell yourself you can become an African and then a World Champion.”

It was then that the new ranks and belts were awarded, with some students advancing to Yellow 2nd Rank, others to acquire an Orange Belt, and one skilled student even skipped a rank to receive a Green Belt. Sensei Freddie remarked that the advancements were well deserved, especially because the students’ “discipline was excellent, very excellent.” Sensei Bonnie stated that he was very proud of his students, and Sensei Freddie agreed, saying that he was anxious to return next time to see even more improvement. All students, friends, and family were happy with the outcome, with most commenting that it was the best grading the Luderitz Karate- Zen Club has ever had. The Luderitz- Karate-Zen Club would like to thank the students, board members, and Senseis Bonnie and Freddie for their hard work and dedication. The members will continue their strong training, as many are excited to participate in upcoming events such as the International Karate Zen Championships in Cape Town from 8 – 9 May, and the Karate Zen Namibian National Championships in Oshakati on 18 July.