St Stithians College’s very own karate kid, Claudia Dobson is looking forward to competing in the ninth World Karate Federation Karate Championships in Durban from 29 November to 2 December.
The Grade 10 learner has had her provincial colours for karate since 2012 and has recently obtained her senior black belt.
She said, “A black belt is a symbol of my dedication to my sport. Training for karate is not easy, but what it does is increase your fitness, focus, and flexibility.”
Dobson started taking an interest in karate at the age of five and has been loving it ever since.
She chose karate at a young age as she was keen to learn self-defence.
“Karate also upholds many important values such as self-confidence, discipline, perseverance, focus, courage, leadership and respect.”
One of her biggest accomplishments so far that she holds close to her heart is winning the bronze medal as part of the South African team at the fourth World Goju Ryu Federation Championship held in Bucharest, Romania last year.
“It was amazing to travel to Romania. The spirit was fantastic from the South African team, and being with all the different countries competing in one packed stadium was incredible.”
She is a member of the Fourways Martial Arts Academy and trains on her school’s grounds, where it is not offered as an extramural, but as she says, offers the perfect facilities for her training.
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