The first ever Karate Dan black belt was awarded to the seven students of Karate Kids Club in Thimphu, today. Dan means step or stage which is used as a ranking system in modern fine arts and martial arts. The belts were awarded by Her Royal Highness Princess Chimi Yangzom Wangchuck.
The recipients were two girls and five boys, who are the first batch of dan black belt holders in karate in the Country. And for the belt they have struggled for four years.
“First of all I feel very happy and proud too, being one of the black belt holders in the county,” said Sonam Lhamo, one of the recipients.
“I would like to continue this karate session throughout my life,” said another, Kinzang Dorji.
Under the initiative of Sensi Ugyen Wanchuk, the Karate was started in 2009 with more than 40 karate practitioners just from Thimphu. At present there are more than 300 in the country.
“As an instructor and sensi, I took a lot of effort in bringing out this kids to this level and when such achievements come, it is a dream come true for me. Its amazing; things that happen in my life, in my karate diploma journey,” said Sensi Ugyen Wangchuk.
Meanwhile, as the part of the programme, general belts were also awarded. As of now, four Dzongkhags have karate clubs.
