Bandar Seri Begawan - Six karate exponents graduated with 2nd dan, 3rd dan and 4th dan senior black belt grading at the Shitoryu Karate Association Brunei Darussalam (Shitokai) last Sunday.

The senior black belt grading was conducted by the president of Shitokai Black Belt Council, Sihan Pg Yura Kesteria, and Shitokai chief instructor Sihan Alwie See Seng Kiat at the Busiido Dojo, Berakas,

New training grounds or 'dojo' and Shitokai school clubs will be opened to promote a strong spirit of sportsmanship in the country and to select potential athletes who may represent the nation at international sports meets, the association said.

The training grounds will train everyone for physical fitness, to learn the art of self-defence, to control the mind and spirit towards character development and to serve as a platform to train for combat.

Shitoryu style of karate is distinctive through its art of blocking to destroy the opponent's attacking motion and also stances.

Every participant must exercise self-discipline and be determined as the Shitoryu style has many kata or formations, and places strong emphasis on sparring.

The training assists to select potential athletes to represent the nation in regional or international karate competitions and to assign members for seminars or conferences to further upgrade their knowledge and quality of sportsmanship in Brunei.

Formed more than 20 years ago, the association has 210 active Shitokai members. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin