Athanasius becomes international knockdown karate judge |04 June 2010
A third dan black belt holder, Athanasius is the first Seychellois woman karateka to achieve
Sensei Athanasius took her exams in Japan while taking part in the 2010 International Youth, Female and Senior Tournament held at the Makuhari Messe Hall in the Chiba Prefecture last month. The two-day event attracted more than 1,500 competitors from all over the world.
The test comprised a written theoretical exam covering all aspects of officiating at karate tournaments.
Additionally, she was required to demonstrate the practical aspects of officiating and was a judge at the tournament. She officiated all throughout the two-day event under the watchful eyes of Shihan Katsuhiko Gorai, who was her assessor.
At the end of the tournament, a delighted Sensei Athanasius was told she had passed both her theoretical and practical exams and was now a certified international judge. She is now eligible to attempt her next officiating rank of associate referee.
Apart from being one of only three women karatekas to officiate at the tournament in Japan, Sensei Athanasius has also officiated in tournaments in South Africa, Mauritius and Seychelles.