Goju-Ryu Karate Namibia concluded its final gradings of the year on 21 and 22 November, bringing together students from across the dojos for two days of focused effort and achievement. A total of 133 students, ranging in age from 5 to 66, were invited to grade, each demonstrating the discipline and perseverance that define our practice.

Among the standout moments of the weekend was the successful promotion of two new Shodan black belts:
Thomas Ndara and Darryl Musvamiri.

Both candidates showed strong character and technical ability, earning their place among OGKN’s black belt ranks.

OGKN also proudly congratulates Sensei Stefan van der Merwe on achieving his 5th Dan (Godan).

As the son of Sensei Carl van der Merwe, a long-standing figure in Namibian Goju-Ryu, this milestone reflects both personal dedication and the continuation of a family tradition and love for karate.

As part of OGKNs annual tradition, best attendance awards were presented to all the students who achieved the most classes attended during the 2025 karate year.

OGKN would like to congratulate the following students on achieving best attendance awards for their respective classes:

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

A Weekend of Progress: OGKN Final Gradings 2025

24-Nov-2025