Message from Sensei Andries, January 2012
Happy New Year! I hope everyone enjoyed the Holidays and that you were able to spend time with family and friends.
Looking back at 2011, I can only thank the Lord for all which He has bestowed upon us. I am proud to state that Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan Western Cape had a total of 34 students in the Boland All Style team. Annine Goeieman from Jagerskraal dojo represented South Africa at the Commonwealth Karate Championships in Sydney, where she won a bronze medal. This is a first for development and a true sign that we are on the right path.
We appeared in national magazines, numerous newspaper articles and we were interviewed on SABC2, Colour TV, on the Kyknet series, Jou Show with Emo Adams and Wicus van der Merwe, we hosted the 17th Nationals here in Ceres and I was awarded with two accolades from the Boland Sport Council & Cape Winelands Districts Municipality. Twelve senior students successfully graded to Shodan, including an ex-convict who had been in prison for 28 years, an early school leaver who completed his Grade 12 as well! We have made many friends on this journey.
The year ahead is full of promise, but to make the best of it, I want you all to seek your inner strength, to say NO to peer pressure and to look deep within yourself. Karate can help you to deal with life's challenges. The dojo is not only a place to train, but it is also a haven where you can forge friendships and learn to walk proud. We have many upcoming events, the most important of these is the visit from our USA contingent, in the person of Hanshi Doug Perry, Kyoshi Pat Haley, Kyoshi Neil Stolsmark and many others. The main training will be hosted at Gariep over a 3 day period - Thursday 19th, Sunday 22nd April.
I also want to highlight the Shorin-Ryu Nationals which will be hosted by Renshi Tom Hayes in Queenstown this year and of course, there is the black belt grading in December!
Wishing you most wonderful, prosperous, Happy New Year!
Your servant in karate-do,
Andries Douglas Sensei.