Two Wairarapa karate students obtained the elusive black belt grade in traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do at a national Gasshuku (training seminar) in Waihi recently.
Luke Riley, 14, from Masterton was graded to Junior Shodan (junior black belt), while Kirsten Rodgers, 19, from Greytown graded to Shodan (first black belt) after a
gruelling three-hour test during a trip made possible by travel grants received from Trust House Charitable Trust.
Their success is the culmination of huge commitment, self discipline and sweat, with Luke having been involved in karate for five years and Kirsten for eight.
Both have benefited from the added support of their fathers, who are both instructors in the art, Sensai Steve Riley being a fourth dan black belt and Sempai Paul Rodgers a first dan black belt.
Traditional karate practices techniques for self defence and promotes health through fitness and sound mind, with the emphasis on respect. Families are encouraged to train together and there are many doing so throughout the Wairarapa.
