Kigali — KARATE legend Masao Kawaoe promoted 53 local Karate instructors after a one-week training clinic which climaxed last Saturday. Five passed for the 3rd Dan, 19 for the 2nd Dan while 29 including three ladies were promoted to the first Dan also called the Black belt.

The five who got the third Dan included Didier Rurangayire, Bernabe Karamaga, Samuel Nirangire, Petit Ndushabandi and Olive Ndaruhutse. Rwanda already boasts two senior Karate instructors in John Sayinzoga (5th Dan) and Sinzi Tharcisse (4th Dan).

The technical director of the Rwanda Karate Federation Guy Rurangayire believes that the new honours will inspire more youngsters to join the sport.

"The Karate Dans that were given out are internationally recognized and the fact that they were awarded by a Grand Master is reason enough to encourage youngsters to work harder," he told Times Sport.