Karate for health
“Sport karate is developmental, then over time we will move on to kata, which is considered traditional karate.”
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2017/12/49afentkaratxk_37057.jpg)
KwaThema – Maroping Kheletsane, shihan at Star Junior Health Club, has started development karate classes in Payneville.
“We received many requests from parents in Payneville to have classes there because it would not be practical for their children to travel to KwaThema every day,” explains Kheletsane.
The sport karate classes will take place Mondays to Thursdays from 2pm to 3pm at Kingdom Gospel Ministries, corner Phasha and Rarane streets, Payneville.
“Sport karate is developmental, and then over time we will move on to kata, which is considered traditional karate.
“It will take time because the young ones need more patience.”
The shihan says his intention is to create enough clubs to develop a local championship.
“The children get very nervous when they get to big competitions because they are not used to taking centre stage.
“If we compete amongst ourselves, I believe they will be more confident.”
Kheletsane runs karate classes for boys and girls between the ages of seven and 19.
“We practice at corner Monyane and Xaba streets in Masimini at 4pm from Monday to Thursday.”
He also conducts tae bo aerobic classes at 5pm.
Karate for seniors starts at 6pm at the same venue.
“We are just all about staying healthy at any age and fitness level,” he says.