Karate-Shihan Moustache promotes karatekas in Reunion and Mauritius |23 December 2010

Shihan Moustache first went to Reunion following an invitation from Sempai Jean-Luc Vedapodagom, the instructor of the Phoenix Dojo. He was last in Reunion in 2004 and his principal aim was to bring the karatekas on a par with international standards with regard to techniques and katas. He conducted training sessions at the Regional Dojo and at the Gymnase de La Chaumière in St Denis, at the Centre Culturel Nelson Mandela at La Possession and at the Gymnase Louis Payet in Le Port.

Shihan Phillip taught three sessions per day – a morning session for instructors, a session for junior members from 6pm to 7pm and a session for adults from 7pm to 9pm. One session was dedicated solely to black and brown belt holders, where they were taught the latest techniques and katas.

On the last day, a grading was held for all students attempting the grades of green belt up to black belt 1st dan. Seven students were promoted to the rank of 1st dan with several others promoted to the rank of brown belt. Students holding the grade of 1st dan black belt also took part in the grading in preparation for theirs next year.

Shihan Moustache then spent another week in Mauritius, where he conducted training sessions for students at the main Kyokushinkai Dojo situated at Goodlands and Terre Rouge.

He was in Mauritius in August when he officiated at its National Tournament and took part in grading sessions.
Apart from daily training sessions, one session was dedicated to black and brown belt members to help them refine their techniques.

On the last day, a grading was held for students attempting the grade of green belt up to 1st dan black belt. Only three students were promoted to the rank of 1st dan black belt after successfully completing the grading requirements. 
 
Shihan Moustache also acted as the supreme judge at the regional tournament organised by the Phoenix Dojo.

Discussions were also held with students from both countries with regard to the forthcoming All-Africa Knockdown Tournament which will be held in South Africa early next year. The tournament will also be used to select fighters from Africa to take part in the World Tournament scheduled for November next year in Japan. Senior students will also attempt a higher grade under the head of the Kyokushinkai organisation, Kancho Shokei Matsui.