The students of Funakoshi Karate International (FKI) Bluff are getting ready for their grading exams in June. To get them there, the dojo brought in Sensei Wickus Smit of FKI Gordon’s Bay to teach the students new techniques and styles. Sensei Shaun Miln, head of FKI Bluff, said, “The students were very excited to meet and learn from him”.
He said the students were keen to add new moves to their repertoire as well as improve existing techniques, in preparation for the upcoming grading exams in June. Smit, who is a seasoned Sensei, began his martial arts career at the tender age of seven, alongside his mother Sensei Birgitt Smit, who is the chief instructor at FKI Gordon’s Bay. “The Smit family, of seven, are all martial artists with Sensei Wickus being the eldest. His five-day visit was well spent and appreciated along with the chief instructor’s best wishes to our learners.” A new sixth Dan Black Belt Kata (traditional forms) called Kaizen and over 20 Kadona Waza’s (advanced forms) as well as four Hikki Komi’s were learned during the week in addition to other subtle techniques, for improved Kata movement. Miln, who is currently nursing a torn bicep in his right arm, was unable to train during the April session but remains confident that the visit, in conjunction with Sensei Abigails Sueltz’s assistant coaching, would continue students’ progress.
“We are training as hard as we can at the dojo, some students are doing beach or home training to further sharpen their skills. Fitness, team work and consistency have always been the goal as we look forward to tournaments, grading and self-improvement.” Training sessions at FKI Bluff are on Monday and Wednesday evenings, from 6pm to 8pm, at Assegai Shell Hall. If you would like to know more about martial arts or how to participate contact Sensei Miln on 079 270 1100 or visit the FKI Bluff Facebook page.
