Award presentations with Jasper, Isaac, Connor, Jessica, Zac, instructor Sempai Joy, Zoe, Harry (obscured), Reuben, Sarah, Jay, Ben, Fynn, instructor Sempai Mike, Aimee, Riley, Tyler, Jack, Shinade, Mitchell, Flynn, and instructor Sue.
By Mara Pattison-Sowden
A GROUP of Yarra Valley karate students are taking their art form to new levels, with Zac and Jasper getting a “first class pass” in their gradings.
The students, who learn Wado-Kan Karate in Yarra Glen and Healesville, challenge themselves weekly to master the ancient art.
Instructor Joy Harte said she was very pleased with last year’s students, who received medals at their end of year presentation night, and looked forward to what they could achieve this year.
Rather than belts, the students earn their “stripes” using a technical style of karate.
Both Jasper and Zac won awards for their dedication, Jasper completed his first grading and got his green stripe and an encouragement award, while Zac got the most improved award.
“Zac was a great student who took on board everything we said and earned himself a first class pass with his green belt,” Mrs Harte said.
She said it took at least six months’ training to pass the first grading, with a syllabus that got progressively more difficult.
“We have one young man going in April for his black belt, 15-year-old Jarrah,” she said.
“I can’t believe how good he’s been, he’s got so much confidence and it keeps him on track with different goals and discipline required.”
Mrs Harte said karate was about encouraging discipline and respect, which was very important.
“You don’t use karate on other people, but we are teaching them to defend themselves and it’s good for co-ordination and balance,” she said.
Joy and Fergal Harte have been teaching karate in Healesville for more than 40 years, and Mrs Harte said they had seen some remarkable things with karate in the valley.
“We’ve got past students, now adults and bringing their own kids back,” she said.
Wado-Kan Karate has returned to Healesville High School on Tuesday nights and the newly refurbished Yarra Glen Memorial Hall on Thursday nights.
Find out more at www.wadokankarate.com.au or contact Joy Harte on 5962 5880.
