Kyokushin karate-Cadeau and Ho Sap promoted to black belt |06 May 2011
Sixteen-year-old Cadeau and Ho Sap, 14, were subsequently promoted to the grade of first
The grading session was conducted by local Kyokushin branch chief, Shihan Phillip Moustache, sixth dan, and Sensei Phillip Verghese, fourth dan, presided as the grading officer.
Ryan Pragassen and Teddy Esther, who are preparing for their Shodan grading later this year, also took part in the grading along with other students who were attempting their brown and green belt stripe grades.
During the grading, the karatekas were required to demonstrate all the basic and advanced techniques of Kyokushin karate which include Ido Kihon (standing basics), Ido Geiko (moving basics), Renraku (combinations) and Kata (forms). Their physical ability was tested by means of numerous strength and endurance exercises. The students were required to perform katas up to the grade they were attempting as well as do a theoretical exam.
Kumite (fighting) was undoubtedly the hardest part of the test with the number of opponents varying according to the grade being attempted. The two black belt candidates had to fight 20 opponents with all the fights being conducted under the International Karate Organisation (IKO) full contact rules. They were cheered on by a large crowd of colleagues, parents and spouses who had turned up to witness the event. All the members demonstrated a strong spirit and were still standing by the last fight.
Shihan Moustache then informed them they had succeeded in their tests and promoted them to the rank of first dan with the title of Sempai. Paul Gédéon, Neddy Robert and Adrian Naidoo were promoted to the rank of 1st Kyu brown belt and will be eligible to test for their Shodan in one year’s time provided they continue to train.
Joenne Pragassen was promoted to 2nd Kyu brown belt while her youngest son Shaun was promoted to 3rd Kyu green belt along with Melissa Pinchon and Ed Melanie.
With the two new black belt holders, Seychelles now has a record 57 Japanese-registered black belts – the highest in the region.
Meanwhile, gradings for the lower Kyu belts will continue during this month.