OLIS
During this scholastic year, 2023 – 2024, Sensei Michelle Vella, Michelle Conti and Jade Conti from Pembroke Karate Club in affiliation with The Malta Karate Federation conducted afterschool sessions in Karate and Self Defence at Our Lady Immaculate School.
Leah Zammit and Janelle Micallef finished the beginner’s course in Karate & Self Defence which led them to learn how to control their gross motor skills, coordination and focus while also learning how to protect themselves by using blocks and counter strikes. They reinforced the basic principles while at the same time they learned new techniques. They have also learned the Kata – Taikyoku Shodan, which is a pattern of moves, such as a sequence designed to defend against an attack.
At the end of the course Leah and Janelle were tested in Kihon which are the basic blocks, punches and kicks that they had to perform by themselves and also with a partner. They also performed the Kata – Taikyoku Shodan.
Both Leah and Janelle graded to 9th Kyu (White belt with black stripe).
Another group of 9 students, Ella Barbara, Emily Gauci Myatt, Iziahia Zammit, Elena Baldacchino, Sarah Lynn Cassar, Christine Azzopardi, Francesca Attard, Mariah Gatt and Sophie Dimech conducted the 8th Kyu Syllabus which led them to the Yellow Belt grading. This focused on using blocks and strikes as combinations to defend and counter attack. The students have improved in their coordination and precision to conduct the techniques as requested. They also practiced the Katas Taikyoku Shodan and Taikyoku Nidan which they had learned last year. This year they learned two new Katas, Taikyoku Sandan and Heian Shodan; which is the first of the 5 Heian Katas and has important self defence applications.
Two students from this group, Christine Azzopardi and Francesca Attard, learned both the beginners and 8th Kyu syllabus including all the Katas during this scholastic year.
We have seen great improvement from all students both in the techniques learnt and also principles of Karate such as Respect, Discipline and perseverance.
All the present students received an official certificate from The Malta Karate Federation.
