JEDDAH, 2 October 2005 — Among the schools in the Kingdom that teach the Philippine educational curriculum, Bader International School in Jeddah is a lightweight when it comes to student population.
But officials and parents of the three-year-old school want to make sure that their students won’t leave empty-handed as they move on to higher education. And they hope to do that by providing “empty hand” training, better known as karate, to interested students.
“Karate training is not intended to prepare our members to initiate attacks but promote the love of peace, seek harmony and respect humanity,” said Joey Villanueva, president of the Black Cobra-Bader International School Club.
A chapter of the Black Cobra Shorin Ryu International (BCSRI), the club held its 3rd Belting Ceremony just recently, with BCSRI founder Shihan (Master) Alfredo “Fred” Miranda officiating.
Miranda also inducted into office Villanueva as the new president, along with Julius Quiapo as vice president, Noli Aboy as secretary and Renato Cawigan as treasurer.
School Director Helen Kiritharan was represented by Maria Teresa Villanueva during the occasion.
Joey Villanueva, one of the leaders of the Toastmasters movement in Jeddah, said the training program — which is also open to school staff and parents — is not only intended as a sport and self defense activity but also primarily to develop proper discipline and courtesy especially among the students.
“Every karate-ka (karate student) is trained to be loyal, honest and posses a high degree of integrity and cooperation among fellow karate-ka and the members of the community,” he said.
The club instructor is Renshi Mario Mendoza assisted by Sensei Joesil Villanueva. The ceremony was also attended by other club chapter instructors who exhibited their skills in the art by performing with grace and concentration the kata (pattern or form) (and kumite (sparring).