Els Karate in Waterval Estate sees students from four to 58 years old
WATERVAL ESTATE – There is more than just punches and kicks at Els Karate.
There is more to karate than just learning to defend oneself physically.
Contrary to public belief, it is better in the mind of a karate practitioner (and in those of most other martial artists), to avoid a fight than to hurt someone, even if they are threatening you.
According to sensei Andrew Els of the Els Karate dojo in Waterval Estate, the centuries-old Japanese martial art promotes peace.
Only in worst-case scenarios should karate practitioners employ their quick and powerful strikes to defend themselves.
Furthermore, karate teaches self-discipline, confidence, humility, respect for others and self, and even kindness.
“Karate makes you a better person who keeps striving to be an even better person,” said Els, a third dan black belt. “And even when competing, an arrogant person never does well. You have to be humble to succeed.”
Every week roughly 30 students between the ages of four and 58 trains under Els and his other black-belt instructors.
They practice movements and fighting, but always open and close their classes by repeating the five maxims of the dojo: character, sincerity, effort, etiquette and self-control.
The youngest black belt in the group, Catherine Law (11), attends Crossroads School in Victory Park.
She recently earned her Japan Karate Association South African colours after a string of good performances in competitions, specifically in the fighting and kata categories.
“I have been doing karate since I was four,” she said. “Karate helped me get fit and stay fit, and to concentrate even though I had ADHD. I also know how to defend myself.”
An even younger Sebastian da Silva Everett (6) has been doing karate for two years and has an orange belt.
He said he does karate so he can be strong and “beat bad guys” if he has to.
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Details: Els Karate 072 140 1839.
