Karatekas Isaac Sixpence and Innocent Kanopupa, both of Kuwadzana, will undergo a grading process at the end of the month at the City Sports Centre following impressive performances in their respective categories.
Sixpence (17) who is on green belt is looking forward to grade to the next level of brown belt while Innocent (19) will be moving from brown to black belt.
The performance of the two in local tournaments has been fantastic leading to their instructor Sensei Farai rewarding them with clearances for grading to the next stage.
The grading process will be conducted by Sensei Tendai Marange.
Speaking to NewsDay Sport on Friday, Sensei Farai said: “We are looking forward to their graduation to yet another level of karate. This will also enable them to travel to a training camp together with other athletes from the Kuwadzana Gashko in May that will be held in South Africa.
“The grading will make them eligible for a number of other tournaments which they have not been able to take part in,” Farai said.
The two joined the unfashionable world of karate five years ago but have made an impact on the local scene outclassing renowned champions in the process.
Apart from other local tournaments that they participate in week in week out, the two took part in the Japanese Ambassador Cup whereby they were knocked out in the third round which their instructor said was a marked improvement.
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The two teenagers said the sport kept them out of other unorthodox activities that are always associated with school leavers.
Kanopupa finished Form Six studies last year while Isaac is doing Form Four in Kuwadzana.
“I try by all means to balance school and sport. Usually I train once a day for only one hour so it’s not all that hectic for me,” added Sixpence.
