After nearly a year of learning martial arts skills, the learners of Pebbles School in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley finally had the chance to show off their skills when they had their first tournament.
They donned their head guards and special padded boots and took to the tatami mats where they bowed ceremoniously before they sparred with fellow students under the watchful eye of their coach, Shihan Ruehan van Romburg of Legacy Martial Arts Academy.
The students who are all in the foundation phase at the Pebbles School, said Van Romburgh, have made remarkable progress in the few months since the martial arts classes got off the ground.
“We started with teaching them the fundamentals of karate and kickboxing. We have classes once a week and have been on camps,” he related, “but this was the first time they had a tournament.
“The children are very enthusiastic and eager to learn. They have made a lot of progress, especially with regard to mobility and discipline and their skills improve with every lesson.”
The learners who participated in the tournament and received medals are: Hayden Levendall, Amy-Lee Theunissen, Ava-lee Theunissen, Jowiena Koert, Simthandile Apleni, Iminathi Tonito, Travino Louw, Tamzin Louw, Keenan Hendricks, Jevanwill Piedt, Maxwill Wyngaard, Anesu Kamunhu, Nadine Boltman, Chenique Damons, Marizaan Hansen, Joanna-leigh Levendall, Blessings Matshawula, Ayola Matshonisa, Mandronick Jonas, Sinazo Ngotya, Eli Arends, Denito Africa and Jayden Hendricks.
