Victoria Student Gains Black Belt

Over Queen's Birthday weekend Kelvin Mataira, from the Victoria University Rembuden Martial Arts Club, was graded a shodan in karate (ie first black belt) by Sensei Jarvis (South Pacific branch chief of Okinawan Goju-Ryu karate). Kelvin was one of five who attained their shodan grading in a grading seen by Sensei Jarvis as being of a very high standard. After being examined on karate technique and theory the candidates attempted to complete the 40 man fight (40 consecutive fights of 1½ minutes each), the last 10 of which were against senior black belts in the Rembuden organisation.

Currently studying for a BCA, Kelvin has been training for 4½ years, 3½ of which have been with the University Rembuden Club. He now becomes the second club member to attain a black belt while studying at Victoria.

The grading had further significance for the University Rembuden Club because William Young, who assists instructing the club was graded a second dan black belt. Additionally Cristina Larsen, who spent two years training with the club before moving to Auckland, was graded a shodan, becoming only the second woman to attain the senior black belt rank in Okinawan Goju-Ryu karate in New Zealand.

The grading was held at the annual winter training camp which was attended by students of karate from Auckland to Invercargill, including five from Victoria University. Auckland, Waikato and Otago Universities were also represented. The camp provided an opportunity to train in karate or jodo (Japanese staff-fighting) and also provided a chance to meet people from all over New Zealand, and from all walks of life.