Karatekas achieve new levels at Belt Grading

Three karatekas from Horizon Karate Centre had the honour of participating in the South African Japanese Karate Association (JKA) National Black Belt Grading that was hosted at Wanderers Club, Johannesburg on 19 October.

Lilian Chiddick has been a karateka for three years, and received her Regional and National SA JKA colours in 2018. This year, she graded to Shodan (1st Dan) in the Black Belt Grading. According to Lilian, discipline, determination, consistency and respect for yourself and those around you, is what a good karateka is made of. “I experienced an overwhelming sense of joy and accomplishment. Even though this was what I had trained for and been prepared for, it was an achievement that many times felt out of reach. I would like to continue growing, learning and pushing past all personal boundaries,” she explained.

Eugene du Toit started his karate journey at the beginning of 2016 and has also won the SA JKA Gauteng and SA JKA Nationals a few times in his karate journey. These titles were for both the kata and kumite in his division. This year, he reached the top as he graded to Shodan (1st Dan) in the Black Belt Grading event. “I was totally overwhelmed. It motivates me to never stop,” he stated.

Karateka Kyle Grobler celebrated his 10th year of karate this year. He has competed at both SA JKA Gauteng and SA JKA National Championships every year and has double graded twice at yellow and red belts, and received his Shodan (1st Dan) at the age of 13. This year he graded to Nidan, and moved up to 2nd Dan. “I was extremely proud and had a feeling of accomplishment. I put in a lot of work and dedication, and it paid off. I would like to represent South Africa at the JKA World Championships in Japan next year, and continue doing this sport as long as possible. To be a good karateka takes dedication, self-control, self-respect and dignity,” Kyle concluded.