On the 11th of November Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate Namibia hosted the final brown and black belt gradings for 2023.

The small, intimate grading once again included a written theoretical exam, a full fitness test and the physical grading which was conducted by Sensei Carl van der Merwe alongside his most senior Yodansha.

Congratulations to the following students for successfully passing their brown belt gradings:

Xenia Brandt – Adults Brown 1 – 02nd Kyu

Jaden Kumire – Children Brown/White 1 – 04th Kyu

Luciano Basson – Adults Brown 2 – 01st Kyu

Thomas Ndara – Children Brown/White 2 – 03rd Kyu

Darryl Musvamiri – Children Brown/White 2 – 03rd Kyu

Additionally, to the Brown Belts, Sempai Justin Scholtz also successfully passed his Senior Shodan Black Belt Grading.

The most senior grade of the day (Yondan – 4th Dan) was awarded to Shinto Dojo founder and head instructor, Sensei Rowan Carstens who recently also received his 25-year training award.

OGKN would like to congratulate Sensei Rowan and Shinto Dojo on this incredible and well-deserved achievement.