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THE Zimbabwe Taekwondo Association conducted a grading promotion test in Bulawayo on Saturday to upgrade their students.
The grading promotion saw 23 students taking part and they were all successful.
They were graded by national coach Peter Kembo, Matabeleland regional technical director Ricky Tembo and the national association’s secretary general Patrick Karibe.
The event saw 16 students advancing from the white belt to yellow belt.
The 16 are Vongai Bhibhi, Tanatswa Bhibhi, Kelvin Gongeni, Sendile Mlambo, Mengezi Senda, Robert George, Sijabulisa Nxumalo, Given Sibanda, Privy Gumbo, Mbuso Tshuma, Albert Mpala, Julius Dzikiti, Vusa Mabaleka, Andile Dube, Vincent Denhere and Farai Chawana.
Zwelethu Ngoma, Sijabuliso Nxumalo, John Tapera and Vusa Mabaleka were upgraded from green belt to blue belt while three students — Farai Chamuka, Tatenda Vambe and Tongai Takavadiyi — moved from blue belt to red belt.
Karibe said the event went on well with all the participants making the grade to advance to the next colour belt.
“The 23 taekwondo students who participated were all successful. If one joins taekwondo, after three months of training at least three days per week, they should do the promotion grading test.
“We look at the skills and techniques from the beginners, so we were testing their skills and understanding of what they are training, that is their mind and to know that they do not train to fight people.
“There are various reasons for training, some do it for self defence, others for competition and health benefits.
Some fail the grading but fortunately for this one they all passed, so they are now looking forward to the next grading after another three months until they get the black belt and its usually done after a year,” said Karibe.
The grading was being hosted by Bulawayo but was open to students from outside Bulawayo.
Gweru and Harare had students participating in the event.
Online Reporter