Celebrating some serious karate moves in Killarney
Tuesday night was a big event for the Killarney Karate Club, as coloured belts were formally presented to members of the martial arts dojo in recognition of all their hard work and focus.
“Everyone who tested did exceedingly well in their grading,” said teacher Sai Wu, who is a third degree black belt. “Belt colours in our club are: yellow, orange, green, blue, purple, three levels of brown, and 10 levels of black. Karate offers a variety of benefits physically, mentally and spiritually. In order to grade or test, depending on the level, you must show certain proficiency in basics (ie: punching, kicking), sparring and kata. Kata is basically a series of specific moves within a fighting scenario. When actually applied, it is very effective in self- defence.”
Wu added that the Killarney club is just one part of a larger karate group, with its base in Brandon.
“Our club, or dojo, is part of the Brandon Karate club, under the direction of Scott Flannigan,” said Wu. “And Scott was the examining sensei for this Killarney event. As a point of interest, Sensei Scott Flannigan was recently promoted to 5th degree black belt.”
KILLARNEY KARATE BELT PRESENTATION NIGHT – Back row (from left): Sensei Sai Wu, Colin Schalla (yellow belt), Jorja MacDonald (yellow belt), Matthew Schalla (yellow belt), Luke Heymans (yellow belt), Tina Wu (blue belt). Middle row: Maddic Heymans, Danica Schalla (yellow belt), Alex MacDonald (yellow belt), Alisdair MacDonald (yellow belt), Abby Heymans (yellow belt). All previously listed students received their new coloured belts that night. Front row: Nicholas Heymans, Azzeiah Nahanl, Nathan Llamas, Davyn Ramos, Aidan Llamas. Not pictured: Nathaniel Merkel (yellow belt), Samuel Merkel (yellow belt), and Dallas Dekezel (purple belt).
JAY STRUTH/KILLARNEY GUIDE