Shotokan Karate first grading held on Grootfontein

Grootfontein's Shotokan Karate Academy, under the umbrella of JSKA Namibia, celebrated a significant milestone on August 17, 2024, with its inaugural grading event.

Grootfontein's Shotokan Karate Academy, under the umbrella of JSKA Namibia, celebrated a significant milestone on August 17, 2024, with its inaugural grading event. The dojo, which opened earlier this year at the Karstfeld Academy Hall, is led by Sensei Maiko van der Bijl, a 3rd Dan (Sandan) karateka who has trained under Sensei Valdemar Swart of Swakopmund since 2006.

The dojo currently has 10 dedicated students who train twice weekly. During the grading, several students demonstrated their skills and discipline, earning new ranks in their karate journey. The successful graders included:

·         Feentjie Riedel: Pre-Yellow 1

·         Aiden Blaauw: Pre-Yellow 1

·         Manuel Basson: Junior Yellow 1

·         Alexander Nederlof: Junior Yellow 1

·         Kourtney Shonkiroa: Junior Yellow 1

·         Peter von Maltzahm: Junior Yellow 1

·         Sonja Dixgao Ukax: 10th Kyu White

·         Wistonya Kapere: 10th Kyu White

The grading panel, comprising Sensei Valdemar Swart (6th Dan), Sensei Stephan de Jager (4th Dan), and Sensei Keanu Stuurman (3rd Dan) from the Swakopmund Dojo, praised the students for their focus, discipline, and the high standard of traditional karate techniques displayed. These assessments were based on the JSKA (Japan Shotokan Karate Academy) international grading syllabus.

The event highlighted the dojo's commitment to upholding the principles of traditional Shotokan karate. A special note of appreciation was extended to the Karstfeld Academy and the parents of the athletes for their unwavering support.

For more information about the Grootfontein dojo, Sensei Maiko van der Bijl can be contacted at +264 81 399 4120. Shotokan Karate Academy – JSKA Namibia also operates dojos in Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, and Windhoek.