As widely anticipated in karate circles, the Namibia Sports Commission's Chief Administrator, Freddy Mwiya, passed his Sixth Dan grading in South Africa over the weekend. The grading was internationally recognised by the Japan Karate Federation. Before the event in Cape Town over the weekend, Mwiya, who has been active in karate for over 35 years was a Shihan. Now he has become a Black Belt Sixth Dan Rokudan, a term that is better known as a Renchi Expert. According to Mwiya, his achievement is well-deserved as he has been working around the clock for the past five years in preparation for the Sixth Dan grading. “I am living sport and there is no end to that. So it is a memorable achievement. In the end my hard work paid off and I’m grateful to those who pushed me to be where I am today,” Mwiya said. His many years of experience in sport, especially in karate, boosted his chances during the marathon grading including the practical part on the floor. “My contribution to the sport in the northern part of the country helped me achieve 40% and the rest of the points came through my showings during the demonstrations which lasted four hours. It was quite a huge mountain of responsibility," he said. With the Sixth Dan grading behind him, Mwiya's focus is now on the Seventh Dan Black Belt, which will make him a Kioshi in the next seven years.