Test in Tokyo Honbu – 1981

 

On the 1st of February the first test of 1981 at Tokyo, Honbu, Makoto Nakamura of Japan the present World Champion of Knockdown Karate, took a test for Sandan. In Honbu an applicant taking a Sandan test must complete 30 man Kumite. Nakamura attempted 100 man Kumite, he was unsuccessful due to very humid conditions, but however he did complete 31 fights in 54 minutes the major­ity of which were knockouts, Kancho stopped the attempt because of the humility. This time in early February the temperature did not affect the per­formance of the fighters. As predicted by everybody Nakamura did the fights. His reputation destroying most of his opponents, Nakamura’s “all out” attack­ing techniques chilled most of his opponents. The other person taking a Sandan test was Selby Mkhwanasi of South Africa. Selby did not come to Japan specifically for the test but it was in the back of his mind during his three month intensive training with the Uchi Deshi. Selby encouraged by Kancho battled it out with the Japanese who were eager to prove that they were better however they did not have the opportunity. Selby completed the fights and was awarded Sandan for his efforts.

Jagat Gouchan 1st Kyu of Nepal after nearly two years of training everyday took a Shodan test, which meant 10 man Kumite. Jagat did 10 straight fights with very strong punches and low kicks which earned him Black Belt. His fellow country man Udaya Gouchan achieved 1st Kyu and hopefully in June will take Shodan.

Kathrine Benda the only foreign women in Honbu who comes from Sweden gained 1st Kyu another Shodan in June.

 

MAS Oyama supervised all the grading.

 

 

SELBY MKHWANASI           South Africa   SANDAN

JAGAT GOUCHAN                Nepal              SHODAN

KATHRINE BENDA               Sweden           1st K

UDAYA GOUCHAN               Nepal              1st KYU

JULIAN FARQUHAR             New Zealand   3rd KYU