René Geldenhuys (16), a learner from Stellenbosch High School, travelled to Tokyo, Japan, along with Corné Volschenk (15) from Paul Roos High School in July to be graded at the Goju-Kai Hombu Dojo with the head of Goju-Kai International, Saiko Shihan Goshi Yamaguchi. After ten years of karate and a year of intensive training and preparation for their black belts, the two successfully achieved their Shodan (first black belt) grades. With Rene (middle) are (from left) sensei Charl Roux, hanshi Peter Brandon, shihan Francois du Plessis and sensei Tredoux Nigrini.