Witpoortjie karateka first to achieve black belt at dojo
Nikita's hard work and determination paid off
The 19-year-old Nikita Kruger has officially become the Ken To Fude No Karate Ryu Dojo’s first black belt karateka, after successfully completing her grading.
Nikita has been training at the Witpoortjie Dojo with Sensei Lesego Ratala for the past three years, and said she has not been looked back once. “Karate is my passion. Since I started with the sport, I have become stronger, and gained more self-confidence and self-discipline. It has taught me to never give up,” Nikita said.
She added that, although it was an amazing feeling to receive her black belt after four weeks’ grading, it was not easy and said, “The six months’ preparation before the grading was tough, and the grading itself was not a picnic either. They did not go easier on me because I am a girl, in fact, I think they just pushed me a bit harder. But, I pulled through, and the feeling I experienced when I received my belt, is indescribable.”
Lesego also beamed with pride, and said, “I cannot describe my feeling, I can only compare it to the feeling you get when you have passed matric and move on to university!”
He said that the dojo has six more karatekas that are preparing for their black belt grading, which will take place in October. “Since Nikita received her black belt, the energy in the dojo has shifted. It is as if the other students have been inspired by her achievement, and are now working even harder to also be able to achieve this. They have now seen that it is possible to do it, even though they might think they are small. Nothing is impossible if you work hard enough for it,” he said.
The karatekas busy preparing for their black belt grading, are:
• Leandré Schoeman
• Harald Dick
• Donovan Carstens
• Zodwa Mditshwa
• André Schoeman
• Ruan de Lange
Lesego was confident that all of the karatekas will pass their grading and said, “Even though it will not be easy, I know that, through hard work and determination, they will be able to do it.”
Donovan also had an opportunity to shine, and competed at the regional, as well as provincial trials. He was awarded his regional colours, and just missed out on receiving Gauteng colours.
Both Donovan and Nikita will be participating in the Arnold Classic, which is taking place later this month, at the Sandton Convention Centre.
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