Shalom Shotokan Karate-do celebrates students at Karate grading ceremony

Day Spring Montessori International School recently hosted a Karate Grading Ceremony, where 11 students showcased their progress in the martial art. The event was co-hosted by Shalom Shotokan Karate-do Academy, under the direction of Chief Instructor Sensei Daniel Martey. The grading exam was directed by Kyoshi George-Slater Commodore, a global instructor and examiner who evaluated the students as they showcased the skills they had learned through their training.

The 11 participants included three girls and eight boys. Among them, Clarissa Damilola Ayinde achieved the Red Belt level, while Jason Nana Kow Amoah, Jordan Nii Lante Lamptey, Edgar Kwabena Mensah Gyawu and Mercedes Yéyi Koomson were graded to Yellow Belt. Albert Nana Sompa Koomson, Daniel Reign Dankyi and Mekunim Afia Sarfowaa Asante progressed to Orange Belt. Leslie Owura Kwaku and Ankomah Auamah reached Green Belt, and Emmanuel Lamptey and Enoch Nitm attained 2nd Kyu Brown Belt.

The ceremony offered a platform for the students to exhibit not only their physical abilities in Karate but also their ability to follow instructions, maintain focus, practice consistently and develop control over their bodies and movements. Day Spring Montessori International School believes that these qualities can contribute to a child's development beyond the karate class.

During the ceremony, Kyoshi Commodore urged parents to continue supporting their children's involvement in karate. He emphasized that beyond physical fitness and self-defence, karate also instills discipline, confidence, focus, respect, physical fitness, self-control and self-defence in children.

Kyoshi Commodore's message extended beyond the realm of karate, providing parents, schools, and institutions with a broader perspective on extracurricular activities. He pointed out that while karate is a physical discipline, its lessons extend to structure, self-discipline and the importance of consistent practice. Karate teaches children to listen attentively, respond promptly to instructions and work towards a standard before advancing to the next level.

By participating in karate, children gain valuable lessons that can complement their education and challenge the notion that extracurricular activities are merely a means to keep children occupied outside the classroom.

For a forward-thinking school like Day Spring Montessori International School, which encourages students to explore learning beyond conventional classroom activities, programs such as karate serve as an essential component of their broader educational experience. These programs allow students to pursue their interests while developing skills that can influence their approach to other areas of their lives.

The Karate Grading Ceremony, held on the last weekend of August 2026 at the school's premises in Dansoman, marked another significant milestone for the Karate class at Day Spring Montessori International School as the students eagerly anticipate advancing to higher belt levels in their Karate journey. The new belt levels represent their achievements so far, while the future training will require them to continue practicing, learning and honing their skills.