New shodani and nidani at Goju

At a black belt grading of Goju-Ryu Karate earlier this month, several karateka joined the exclusive ranks of the Dan brotherhood. The grading was preceded by a pre-grading to test the mettle of the aspiring shodan and nidan students. In the front row are the successful candidates: Armand Möller – 2nd Dan, Shaun Fobian – 1st Dan, Shirlene de Wee – 1st Dan, Shaun Hallgreen – Junior 1st Dan, and Ryno Pretorius from the Walvis Bay Dojo – 1st Dan. Standing in the middle at the back is a proud Sensei Carl van der Merwe, the head Shihan of Goyu Ryu Namibia.