Karate |05 March 2025

The new Senpais. From left to right: Selwyn Payet, Shujatha Chettiar and Chanaka Nishan (Photo: Contributed)

Ashihara welcomes three new black belts to its rank

Ashihara Karate Seychelles started the year in style with another milestone last Saturday as three karatekas successfully completed a grueling black belt test, demonstrating remarkable perseverance, discipline, and dedication.

Their unwavering commitment throughout the challenging examination sets an inspirational benchmark for lower-belt students, proving that with hard work and resilience, great achievements are possible.

The grading session featured a total of seven members striving for their next rank.

Three white belts advanced to their first coloured belt (8th Kyu blue belt), while Carlos Pirame, a dedicated student from the La Digue branch, tested for his 4th Kyu green Belt.

Each candidate had to successfully perform a rigorous set of undamental hand and kick techniques, combinations, katas, and bunkai (applications) as outlined in the AKS syllabus.

However, the highlight of the day was undoubtedly the black belt candidates, who had to push their physical and mental limits in a test that included 16 intense fighting rounds, with heavy conditioning exercises in between. Although black belt tests traditionally require 20 full-contact fights, time constraints at the venue necessitated an early stoppage. However, Sensei Benstrong, the main examiner, confirmed that the technical and physical requirements had been fully met, as the candidates had already completed 20 fights in a pre-test session three weeks ago under the supervision of Shihan Egbert Moustache, the Seychelles Ashihara Karate representative.

A special recognition goes to Selwyn Payet, who has shown an incredible martial arts journey. Having first started training in the late 1990s and early 2000s, he took a break of over 10 years, but returned to training two years ago with renewed determination, maturity, and focus. His commitment has been truly outstanding, and his efforts have been duly recognised by the sports community. In 2024, Selwyn Payet was awarded the best Adult male karateka award and also ranked third overall as the country’s best male athlete.

The two other successful black belts are Senpai Shujatha Chettiar (former Kimura Shukokai member) and Senpai Chanaka Nishan (Ashihara Sri Lanka representative). Their achievements reflect their dedication to the sport, perseverance through challenges, and an unwavering warrior spirit, embodying the principles of Ashihara karate.

The AKS extends its heartfelt congratulations to all newly promoted members and expresses gratitude to the karatekas, instructors, and supportive parents who continue to contribute to the club’s growth and excellence, albeit sponsorships challenges from companies for participation in international championships.

Looking ahead, the first quarter of 2025 will feature another grading session, as well as the much-anticipated annual Easter training camp, a key event in AKS’ calendar that provides an immersive martial arts experience for students of all levels. The AKS also has plans to organise an international championship in Seychelles in December or early in 2026 to mark its 30th anniversary.

Meanwhile, despite recent challenges within the Seychelles Karate Federation, AKS has reaffirmed its commitment to the sport and has opted to remain a member, ensuring continued participation in the development and promotion of martial arts in the country.

AKS also wishes to remind the public that it has branches on La Digue and Praslin, and due to popular demand, AKS will soon be expanding to south Mahe to make training more accessible to interested individuals in that region.

For those looking to join or learn more about Ashihara Karate Seychelles, we invite you to visit our Facebook page and official website for updates on training schedules, events, and membership opportunities. AKS remains the most active karate school in Seychelles, continuously pushing forward to promote discipline, strength, and excellence in our youths through martial arts.

Contributed