SHIHAN Koos Burger (8th Dan Black Belt) the Style- Head for the SA Shotokan Karate Academy (Saska)
recently conducted training sessions in Grahamstown, Port Alfred and Fort Beaufort.
The training session in Grahamstown was hosted by the Rhodes Shotokan Karate Academy and was well-supported with about 100 karateka in attendance.
SHIHAN Koos Burger (8th Dan Black Belt) the Style- Head for the SA Shotokan Karate Academy (Saska)
recently conducted training sessions in Grahamstown, Port Alfred and Fort Beaufort.
The training session in Grahamstown was hosted by the Rhodes Shotokan Karate Academy and was well-supported with about 100 karateka in attendance.
The participants ranged in age from five to 70 which “highlights the fact that karate training is beneficial to all ages, and can also be a most enjoyable and rewarding family activity, said Gary Grapentin, East Cape Shotokan- Ryu Head Instructor for Grahamstown.
Burger is a dynamic instructor whose approach to karate has great appeal to children and adults alike. His style of Shotokan karate is based on that of the teachings of his late instructor, the highly regarded Japanese master, Taiji Kase (1929-2004).
This unique style of Shotokan karate is known as Kase-Ha and is based on utilising the arms and legs in a similar fashion to that of the legendary Japanese sword, the katana.
The result is a powerful, practical and highly effective form of self-defence. Karateka from East Cape Shotokan-Ryu dojos in Grahamstown, Port Alfred, Kenton-on-Sea and Fort Beaufort enjoyed great success at the Saska East Coast brown and black belt Dan gradings which were held in Port Elizabeth over the weekend.
The candidates were examined by Shihan Koos Burger who was assisted by a panel of senior instructors. Of the fourteen successful candidates, eleven were members of East Cape Shotokan- Ryu, which comprises dojos in the above mentioned areas.
The results were as follows: 1st Kyu Brown Belt: Xolani Mahala (Grahamstown), Kathy Ord (Port Alfred) and Anthoni Du Preez (Grahamstown). Junior Black Belt: Nolan De Maar (Grahamstown), Barry Naude (Fort Beaufort) and Johan Slabbert (Kenton on Sea).
1st Dan Black Belt: Maureen De Jager (Grahamstown) and Lisa Wagner (Kenton on Sea). 2nd Dan Black Belt: Trevor Van Eyk (Fort Beaufort) and Zwelakhe (Elvis) Sinam (Grahamstown).
5th Dan Black Belt: Gary Grapentin, East Cape Shotokan- Ryu Head Instructor (Grahamstown). The week’s training and gradings were concluded on Sunday at the Saska National Sea Gasshuku (outdoor training) which was held in near perfect weather conditions on Port Elizabeth’s King’s Beach.
East Cape Shotokan-Ryu will host the prestigious Saska East Coast Karate Open (Secko) Championships at the Fish River Sun Hotel and Country Club Resort on 28 August. For further enquiries contact Gary Grapentin on 073 346 0059 or email garyg@geenet.co.za.
