adminMzingaye Sibanda Sport Reporter
SENSEI Byron Ndiripo graded 13 karatekas last weekend at Indlovu Sports Club in Tshabalala.
The Harare- based instructor who is a holder of a third dan black belt was assisted by sensei Chiccah Ndiripo. The Ndiripos belong to the Shotokan Karate Academy.
During grading, karatekas undergo tests and if successful they graduate to the next level.
Karate has different grades with the first belt being white followed by yellow, orange, blue, brown and black.
No one obtained the black belt and Panganai Zimunya was the highest ranked participant who got a brown belt.
Six-year-old Lashley Sibanda a Grade One pupil at Mtshane Primary School was awarded a yellow belt with his brother Adrian Sibanda.
Other karatekas got blue, green and purple belts.
Matabeleland Karate Association public relations officer sensei Greatmans Agrippa Sibanda said he was impressed by the grading.
Dragons karate sensei Sibanda spoke highly of the community and the parents of karatekas that attended the event.
“I was impressed by the standard of the sport and also to see a Girl Child taking part. Martial arts is a sport that emphasises on discipline and self respect.
“Having many youngsters take up this sport means we will have a disciplined society,”
Sensei Byron Ndiripo will return to Bulawayo in three months to grade Shotokan sempai (assistant instructor) Branco Manyathela the Indlovu club instructor.
Online Reporter
derick.khumalo