By: Madi Senghore
Waza United Karate Club has successfully conducted an internal belt grading examination, with 20 students demonstrating their technical ability, discipline and readiness to advance to higher ranks.
The grading exercise marked another important step in the club’s athlete development programme, with participants assessed for promotions from White Belt to Blue Belt.
The examination tested the students in key areas of karate, including kihon (basic techniques), kata (forms), kumite (sparring), discipline, confidence and overall technical performance.
Brown and Black Belt examinations remain under the responsibility of the Gambia Karate Federation through its national grading system.
The Gambia Karate Federation Technical Director and Waza United Chief Instructor, Sensei Pateh Jobe, commended the students for their dedication, discipline and steady improvement throughout their training.
Sensei Jobe described belt examinations as an important part of a karateka’s development, stressing that advancement is about more than simply earning a new belt.
“A belt promotion is earned through commitment, discipline and continuous improvement. It reflects the student’s growth in character, confidence and understanding of karate values,” Sensei Jobe said.
During the examination, the students displayed determination and composure as they went through a series of technical drills before the grading panel.
Following the successful completion of the assessment, the candidates were formally promoted, with Sensei Jobe tying their new belts in a symbolic ceremony marking their progression to the next stage of their karate journey.
The grading was conducted by senior instructors from Waza United Karate Club, with technical support from senior masters from other affiliated clubs, including Sensei Momodou Jallow of Scorpions Karate Academy and Sensei Eliman Njie, Chairman of the Gambia Karate Federation Referees’ Commission.
The participation of external senior instructors added transparency and credibility to the grading process while strengthening technical cooperation and collaboration among karate clubs in The Gambia.
For many of the young karatekas, the promotion represents the reward for months of consistent training, perseverance and discipline.
The achievement also highlights Waza United Karate Club’s continued commitment to developing athletes through structured technical training aligned with national and international karate standards.
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