Everybody Was Karate Fighting

Saturday the 7th of November was a big day for those that attend the Karate Club in the Trans Namib Hall. Sensei Bonnie, together with his Senior Sensei, Sensei Freddie, were grading the members in order to see if they were ready to move up a level or an entire belt.
The grading began at 9.30am and continued until 12.30pm. It was an impressive feat of concentration and skill on behalf of the members, as they demonstrated different stances and fighting tactics. The sparring was particularly interesting to watch, especially the match between Bruce Mitchell and his daughter, Zara and the match between Sensei Freddie and Bruce.
There were a few tears and one girl who had injured her leg earlier in the week had to be removed from the Dojo, but overall I was very impressed by the display of maturity and resilience that the members gave.
Sensei Bonnie explained to me that he hopes some of the members will qualify to the National Team next year, of which Sensei Freddie is the coach. From the Nationals, he hopes they will continue to the International Championships held in Zimbabwe and Capetown and from there to the Commonwealth Games in India. After witnessing this grading, they have my full support.
Everyone in the club moved up at least one level and Sensei Bonnie said he was very pleased with how everyone had progressed and that he was proud of them all. The next grading will be in four months time when the members will have another chance to display their skills.•