These karate kids pack a punch at National Championships
Children who have some kind of physical disability are also encourage to take part as the karate movement act as a kind of physiotherapy.
Three lasses from the Dundee JKA Karate Club packed a punch at last month’s SA National Championships with two coming home with medals.
Trisha Rajkumar (22) took a bronze medal in kumite (fighting) while little Luyanda Mbonani (8) took silver in both the kumite and kata (set format) categories.
Sixteen-year-old Jyothi Balasar competed as did their sensei (coach), Vishen Bhoonpershad, and although they did not win medals, they were also very proud to have part of the national championships in Johannesburg along with over 4000 other karate-ka.
Trisha holds a first Dan black belt and has been doing karate for 13 years having also had the opportunity to represent South Africa in the Commonwealth Games.
Sensei Vishen, who travels from Newcastle to coach karate in Dundee and Vryheid four times a week, says where possible, karate students go up against others students who hold the same belt and are of a similar age.
“We were part of a team selected to represent KZN at the National Championships. From there, there is a chance to be selected for the JKA World Cup of Karate in Ireland in 2017,” he said.
He added that children as young as six can get involved in the sport that helps with self-discipline, co-ordination, concentration and, of course, fitness.
“It is also breeds confidence. You meet all kinds of people who karate. People with all different careers but who are united through karate,” Vishen said who says he is a ‘pen-pusher with Transnet’.
“Children who have some kind of physical disability are also encourage to take part as the karate movement act as a kind of physiotherapy. The movement pumps oxygen into the brain and this helps with school work.”
Lessons are held at the St James Church Hall, Gladstone Street, on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5pm. For details contact Vishen at 071 410 9768.
