There is always a new move to master, achievement to gain and belt to obtain in the fascinating world of Korean Karate, most commonly known as Tang Soo Do.
Two students of the Potchefstroom Tang Soo Do Club, André van Rooyen (20) and Tumelo Mohlomi (17), live and breathe the sport and have incorporated its many benefits as a form of oxygen in their daily lives.
Under Master Louise Viviers’s tutelage, André has been part of the club since pre-school and has continued with the sport non-stop for the past 13 years, while Tumelo started as a nine-year-old and has not looked back since.
“I started and continued in the sport because I constantly wanted to improve myself and be better than my fellow students. It was also to protect myself from bullies at the time,” states André.
“I watched a Michael J. White movie and that inspired me to learn more about martial arts. I got more interested when my family also started; since then it has shaped who I am today,” says Tumelo.
André is currently a third Dan (black belt) while Tumelo is a second Dan (black belt). Both agree that receiving their first black belt was one momentous occasion.
“It puts you on a different level as it is something you work hard for. You then quickly realise that achieving your first black belt is only a stepping stone to your second, third and fourth black belt. It takes a lot of practice and hard work to complete the grading,” explains André.
Both agree that Tang Soo Do has provided them with a major sense of responsibility, dedication and discipline – something that has improved their lives tenfold.
“We want to leave behind a legacy, so we enjoy training the younger students. Especially because we see each other as family; that is some-thing that mam (Viviers) has taught us from the start,” explains André, who channeled his aggression into something positive through the sport.
“It doesn’t matter if you are black, white, purple or blue; there will be a spot for you here. Everyone, irrespective of their age or body shape, can excel in Korean Karate,” states Tumelo.
He also adds that the sport has helped his physical fitness and awareness of a healthier lifestyle.
“I enjoy the gym a lot more now and try to keep fit. I’m also more aware of different scenarios on the street and how to defend myself,” says Tumelo.
These two competitive students each want to own and open their own Tang Soo Do clubs one day, each for their personal reasons. André wants to open his club to cultivate a healthy lifestyle and promote fitness. Tumelo intends to open a club and gym in a township area to improve safety and teach important self-defence techniques to those in crime-affected areas.
It’s no surprise that these two top students want to continue Master Louise Viviers legacy and spread the sport of Tang Soo Do across the country – it only seems fair to give back after years of blood, sweat and tears.
“We have learnt a lot from her and continue to do so. Her willingness to adapt and her compassion and care for her students separate her from other Masters. She treats us like her own children and practically raised us both.”
For more information on the Tang Soo Do club, contact Master Louise Viviers on 082 337 8030.
