WATCH: Experience of a lifetime for karateka in Japan
Cameron Badenhorst, Marius Symms and Norman Collette passed their black belt grades in Japan.
Three skilled karateka training at the Tenshinkan Alberview Club visited Japan in September to train under the founder of their karate club, kancho Mamoru Miwa.
The karateka, Cameron Badenhorst, Marius Symms and Norman Collette, graded for their fourth, second and first dan black belts respectively.
According to the three, training under the kancho was a life-changing experience in itself, not even considering the amazing experiences that they had exploring the eastern country.
They stayed in the dormitory of the Tenshinkan Main Dojo in Honbu outside of Tokyo.
According to Cameron it was an honour being able to train under the master himself.
Something all three karateka echoed is the focus that both the kancho and the other instructors placed on the basics.
“The basics we did was extremely valuable,” said Norman.
“As a black belt your karate only really starts then and doing the basics correctly is fundamental in being better.”
They described the training as being intense with the kancho expecting them to understand and work hard.
“The kancho is an example of leadership done right,” Norman said. “He shows that respect is earned by giving respect in turn.”
According to Marius his experiences with the kancho were made even better by spending time with him outside of the karate dojo. “The kancho is not only very generous, but has an absolutely great sense of humour,” said Marius. “His laugh is infectious.”
There was opportunity for the karateka to explore Japan when they were not training.
Some of the attractions they visted were Mount Fuji, the samurai city in Niko and an amusement park with the largest and fastest roller-coaster in the world. According to them, the Japanese are very considerate people.
For Norman and Marius this was the first time they visited Japan. Norman says that the trip to Japan was the perfect culmination of 18 years of karate training.
To Marius this was an opportunity to practise with other karateka and see the way that they do things differently.
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