Raetihi shodan

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 7, Issue 366, 11 December 1990, Page 16

Raetihi shodan

BY WALTER SUE Twelve year old Paul Brown went for his shodan (first blackbelt) grading in Raetihi Sunday last week. The grading was a gruelling five hour ordeal which involved one hundred fights, Kata (form) and many other strenuous Karate form. His grading also involved demonstrating other forms of martial arts such as the use of the Nunchucku, Tonja, Sai, Kama Iaido (drawing of the sword) Kendo (the art of sword fighting) the short Bo (stick) and the long Bo. His jazzergetics exercises were choreographed by Lisa Norling who has since left for Japan. The exercises involved a combination of dance, karate technique and stretching. He also had to demonstrate Kobudojetics which involved the use of weaponry to music. This exercise was choreographed by his instructor Kerry Brown and Auckland instructor Sam Williams.

Although there were only 30 other Karateka present, members were present with their respective instructors from Auckland, Otorahanga, Taumarunui, Raetihi and Ohakune. Walter Sue from Ohakune, head instructor, co-ordinated the grading. Several blackbelts were unable to attend because of other commitments, however Paul was well supported by several classmates, his school principal, ex-clubmates and his family as well as many local people from Ohakune and Raetihi. Several faxes were received wishing him well from New Zealand and Australia. Following the grading a large barbeque and refreshments were put on by his family and sponsors from Turangi. The presentation of his Black Belt, Samurai Sword and Certificate encased on a cabinet was made by the Rev Tom Hawira, spiritual adviser and patron of the Raetihi Karate Club.