Karate pro still going strong at 70
Mtshali wont let age stand in the way of his karate goals.
Kwathemma – Edward Mtshali of Mtshali’s Karate Training Centre has reached new heights in his industry.
“I was in Japan for the past two weeks.
“Every year we have a World Karate Training Camp where instructors come from all over the world to network and train.”
Mtshali believes it is important to gain new information about the sport.
“We are empowered because they are able to conduct research and provide answers to questions we may not be able to answer on our own.”
He says the Japanese Karate Association World Federation is the only karate association in the world that is registered with the country’s Department of Education.
“This means that our qualifications are not only recognised in the sport, but academically as well.”
The 70-year-old instructor says the 55 years he has spent dedicated to karate is paying off.
“My rank in seventh dan and I just scored my triple-A.
“This means that I am, A as an examiner, A as an instructor, and A as a referee.”
Mtshali says he could never have achieved any of these goals without dedication and discipline.
“None of this happened overnight, but I never gave up or stopped training.
“Nothing that comes easily in life,” he adds.
His desire now is to complete his Diploma Shihankai, which he says is equivalent to a professor in academics.
“I’ve opened up doors in Japan for our people.
“I hope those who come after me will use that connection wisely.”
He says those around him have access to everything he knows and he hopes to impart all his wisdom.
“Now karate is an Olympic sport.
“My club is one of the clubs that is registered with the proper structures but I am very willing to help other clubs to register.”
He hopes that parents will encourage and support their children in this sport, and believe that they can make a good living from it.
Contact Edward Mtshali on eddyplant38@gmail.com
