Local karate group excels in tournament
Tsakane – The Tsakane Kyokushinkan Club has done well after some of its members participated in a karate tournament over the weekend.
According to sensei Linda Ngubane, 14 of their members, between the ages of six to 17 years, participated in the karate tournament that was hosted in KwaThema.
“Our members only participated in the full contact fighting category which was a great experience for them and we are happy with the way they performed since for 13 of them, it was the first time that they had gone to attend such an event.
“Most of them only started in December but they did very well and were able to receive trophies and medals. Six came out in first position, five obtained second place, two came out in third place and one came out forth,” says Ngubane.
He says they hope that this will encourage other young people to join the sport.
Mpho Mokoena (16) says she only started with the group in November but has been thrilled with her progress so far.
“The tournament was fun but tough and taught me a lot. I loved winning as I managed to come out in the first position.
“The fight was challenging even though we were fighting in our different age groups.
“My dream now is to keep doing well and in the long run to see myself teaching other children,” she says.
Mduduzi Tsotetsi (14), who also came in first position, says he started participating in the sport in January as he wanted to learn self defense and to build on his fighting skills.
“The tournament was fun and a great experience and what I enjoyed the most was the support of the sensei and the fighting challenge.
“What I love about the sport is that it builds your health, while you are also able to get off the street and away from doing bad things,” he says.
People interested in joining the team can go to Buhlebemfundo Secondary School on Mondays to Fridays, from 5.30pm to 7pm and on Saturdays from 8.30am to 11.30am.
