Exhibition of karate skills for self defence
The event was organised in partnership with Sonoda International Kyokushinkaikan Organisation of Karate (IKOK).
The South African Classic Action Sport Unit (SACASU) hosted its second annual Karate Exhibition Day on Saturday at Duduza Library.
The event was organised in partnership with Sonoda International Kyokushinkaikan Organisation of Karate (IKOK).
The exhibition was designed to showcase karate skills that girls, who are members of Duduza IKOK Sonoda, have attained since joining karate and display their ability to defend themselves when the need arises.
Thandolwethu Malaza, a 14-year-old Grade 10 learner at Esibonelo Esihle Secondary School, said she is striving to live as a good example to young girls in Duduza.
She endeavours to epitomise what karate can do to build character to equip girls with self-defence skills.
Malaza, who was also the showcase facilitator of the exhibition together with Mincili Dubula, Konkeokuhle Nkosi, Sindiswa Mulaudzi and Wandii Ncube, said their theme this year, ‘Curb violence against a girl child’, was inspired by the recent murders of girls found raped and killed in a field in Duduza.
“We knew that we’re not going to end murders of young girls, which we are exposed to in our society, but we’ll continue to educate and empower the community. Even if it means helping a boy to live a responsible life that does not contribute to domestic violence” said Malaza.
Malaza said SACASU, Duduza library and IKOK Sonoda have committed themselves to organise karate-based programmes that seek to highlight societal challenges faced by communities.
She explained that their aim as IKOK Sonoda is to mobilise all young people in Duduza, especially girls, to do karate for discipline and self-defence skills.
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She believes that karate contributes to building confidence and self-esteem in a child.
“I do believe that a girl or anyone for that matter with a karate background stands a chance to protect and defend themselves against evil perpetrators when faced with one, hence we appeal to most girls to take charge of their lives and join karate classes for a health lifestyle but also as a mechanism of protection,” added Malaza.
The Duduza Library and SACASU are grateful to Nigel Coca-Cola, Transvaal Galvanisers and Saint Vincent De Paul Society – Nigel Parish for their support in hosting the event.
They also appreciated the community who took the time to attend the event.
Karate classes are held Monday to Thursday at the Duduza Library from 17:00 to 18:00 and are open for children from six. IKOK Sonoda may be contacted on 081 747 7132.
