This past weekend marked a significant milestone for Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate Namibia (OGKN) as the Winter National Gradings were successfully hosted on the 6th and 7th of June.

Over the course of two intensive days, 123 dedicated karateka stepped onto the dojo floor to test their spirit, technique, and perseverance in pursuit of their next grade.

Among the 123 students who participated, a historic achievement was recorded: 38 karateka graded to yellow belt, making this the largest beginners intake and grading of new yellow belts in OGKN history.

This outstanding number reflects the growing popularity of traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu karate in Namibia. OGKN is proud to witness such growth and dedication across all dojos, and we would like to extend our sincere congratulations to each student who tested this weekend.

In particular, OGKN wishes to congratulate the following three senior students who successfully passed their Black Belt gradings:

Sempai Reino Hasheela – Nidan (2nd Dan)

Sempai Luciano Basson – Shodan (1st Dan)

Sempai Xenia Brandt – Shodan (1st Dan)

To all who graded this weekend: Congratulations!

Your hard work continues to strengthen the foundation of OGKN, and we look forward to seeing each of you grow even further on your karate journey.

To all who graded this weekend: Congratulations!

Your hard work continues to strengthen the foundation of OGKN, and we look forward to seeing each of you grow even further on your karate journey.

Best Attendance Award Winners 2025 - Honbu Dojo

Children Beginners & Junior Class

First Place:
Elifas Matheus

Second Place:
Lucresia Naris
Joel Undji

Third Place:
Anotidaishe Chiripai

Children Advanced Class

First Place:
Ethan Collard

Second Place:
Margaret Flavianu

Third Place:
Megan Kumire
Baeti Muyandulwa
Triti Nair

Adult/Teen Beginners & Intermediate Class

First Place:
Thikameni Inkumbi

Second Place:
Liam Alcock

Third Place:
Steven Bishop
Nathan Tuneeko

Adult/Teen Senior Class

First Place:
Jason Collard

Second Place:
Carli du Plessis

Third Place:
Lumé Karsten

Best Attendance Award Winners 2025 - Shinto Dojo

Beginner Children’s Class

First Place:
Micah Ndyenge

Second Place:
Aiden Masters

Third Place:
Francois De Klerk

Intermediate Children’s Class

First Place:
Cene Viljoen

Second Place:
Connor Bandlow

Third Place:
Paul Thomas Andrew Cocklin

Advanced Children’s Class

First Place:
Laeya Carstens

Second Place:
Thomas Wood

Third Place:
Patrick Leuschner

Adult Class

First Place:
Eli Wood

Second Place:
Wendy Bonitz
Farai Penduka

Third Place:
Daria Burger

A heartfelt thank you goes to all instructors, families, and supporters who contributed to a successful grading.

Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate Namibia

OGKN celebrates historic beginners intake and new black belts!

09-Jun-2025