Ashihara Karate Kaikan honours top students at 2025 finale
Blake Sylvester was awarded "Student of the year".
Image: Supplied
The Ashihara Karate Kaikan ended on a high note, celebrating its young martial artists at the non-commissioned officer’s (NCO) hall, Wynberg Military Base, on Sunday, November 30.
The year-end presentation featured special attendance by Naseerudin Harneker, principal of Crescent Primary School and Dr Ian Johnson from the University of Western Cape (UWC).
Sensei Malcolm Naude said: “Founded in Japan by Kancho Hideyuki Ashihara, Ashihara Karate is a modern, practical, full-contact style that emphasises the sabaki method - using angles, movement, and timing to evade attacks and counter effectively.”
Sensei Malcolm Naude, Shahieda Harkhu (awarded most developed in basics) and Naseerudin Harneker, principal of Crescent Primary School.
Image: Supplied
Known for its simplicity, realism, and discipline, “the style helps students build confidence, respect, and physical fitness within a structured and supportive environment,” he said.
Mr Naude said: “The students who received awards are Shahieda Harkhu, a Crescent Primary pupil who joined the dojo in 2023, has already earned her blue belt (7th kyu).”
Pupils from Heathfield, St Anthony’s, Yeshua, Sweet Valley, Bergvliet, Fairview, and other local schools not only excelled at the dojo level, but several also achieved Western Province full-contact colours, a provincial milestone.
Ashihara Instructors, at Crescent Primary School, are pictured from left, Keenan Hector, Shakeelah Schwarts, Ricardo Daniels, Wilmot Abrahams, Jade Stevens and Jayde Lotz.
Image: Supplied
The dojo’s Student of the Year award for 2025 was handed to Blake Sylvester of St Anthony’s, in recognition of his outstanding commitment and growth.
For more information, WhatsApp Mr Naude at 078 584 5054, or follow the dojo on social media.