Rare mother – daughter success at South Wairarapa Karate Club

From left: Senpai Anna Borjesson, Clare Miller, Bonnie Miller, Sensei Paul Cantwell.

The South Wairarapa Okinawan Goju Ryu karate club is continuing to grow in both numbers and achievements, and it was great to see two Martinborough locals recently achieve their Shodan (blackbelts) in September this year.

Mother and daughter, Clare and Bonnie Miller,  travelled to Dunedin with Senpai Anna Borjesson and training partner Rhys Amos (Greytown Dojo), to undertake their 3 day training and grading on 24-26 September.  A mother – daughter achieving their Shodan together, is something very special and not very common.  Bonnie is among the youngest to achieve junior Shodan  at the age of 13.

Bonnie started karate at age 7 and it has been a personal journey, training 5-7 hrs a week.  Bonnie says “I love karate.  It has become my way of life and achieving my Shodan makes me want to keep on training hard” “it helps me gain confidence, strength and self defence, whilst making lots of friends”.

Both are members of the Martinborough dojo, which still trains in the Martinborough school hall, established in 1970s by Sensei John Whitby.  Sensei Paul Cantwell,  chief instructor of the South Wairarapa club, is very proud of Bonnie and Clare and their dedication and commitment to karate. “This definitely played a huge part in them both achieving their Black belts.  For a mother and daughter promoted to Black belt together, is something they will never forget”

Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate-Do Wairarapa Inc offers trainings four nights a week 6.30-8pm: Mondays in Greytown at Kuranui College

Tuesdays in Martinborough School Hall. Martinborough also have a junior training 5.30-6.25pm.

Wednesdays in Featherston at Te Kura o Paetūmokai Featherston School

Thursdays in Carterton at South End School

Contact details: Paul Cantwell 0273769804

Anna Börjesson (Secretary & Martinborough Instructor) ogkwi@outlook.com

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