The New World Shotokan (NWS) Karate Benoni Dojo held their first interclub competition in two years on March 12.
The karatekas competed in kata and kumite and were awarded points based on their execution of each category.
“For the white to green belts, they have no experience in fighting. For them, it was new. They did pretty well. From the blue belts upwards, they have experience and know what’s expected of them,” said Sensei Janien Potgieter.
Sensei John Barnett told the paper that Covid-19 restrictions such as social distancing have resulted in the loss of the ability of confrontational fighting.
“It was the first time some of the karatekas were in a confrontational and demonstrational position. We have identified some interesting anomalies.
“It’s because of Covid-19 as we haven’t competed in two years. Because of the Covid-19 restrictions, there’s no contact. The players don’t get too close to each other,” said Barnett.
Barnett added that the competition aimed for the competitors to test themselves.
“They have to confront their fears. They test themselves against somebody else but the fear sometimes makes you lose the ability. You have to overcome that fear to be able to fight.
“From a karate point of view, the most important thing is the mind. When you get your mind right and you can confront the fear of being in front of someone, you have won,” he said.
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