The Grade 9 Roosevelt High School pupil Faith Sookane proves that dynamite definitely comes in small packages.
Faith, aged 13 and a resident in Windsor West, will be representing South Africa in the Commonwealth Judo Championship Games held in Port Elizabeth in April. She started her judo training five years ago when she caught a couple of glimpses of a nearby class.
“I started karate when I was small but as soon as I saw judo, I knew that it was what I wanted to do,” said Faith. The impressive brown belt fighter practises her martial arts at the Kano Institute at the Northcliff Country Club. “I enjoy judo because it is good for self-defence and in today’s society I think that it’s important.”
Among the many benefits, Faith says judo helps her focus on her schoolwork and self-discipline.
Faith was selected for the Commonwealth Games in her weight category which is under 36kg and her age group U13. “They take the rankings from the previous year (2015) and select the top five,” added Faith.
“I am so excited to represent my country but I’m sure before my fight I will be a little nervous.”
When asked what her favourite judo move was, Faith jokingly answered, “I don’t want to give my secrets away.”
Details: Roosevelt High School, 011 782 4937.
