Learning how to kick above your head is one of the defensive techniques students as young as three years old learn at the Johanna Abueng Sekgwelea Taekwondo (Jast) Academy.
Every weekend about 40 taekwondo students learn from 3rd dan black-belt instructor, Johanna Sekgwelea, at the academy at Randburg Square.
They shout as one as they perform precise movements in the taekwondo form and in sparring.
What they learn they put into practice at various South African Taekwondo Federation competitions they attend around South Africa.
“We recently went to a competition in Bloemfontein whereby I went with five students,” said Sekgwelea, who was also recently made the secretary-general of the federation.
“The results were three gold medals, two silver medals and one bronze medal.”
She explained that the academy also has a non-governmental organisation that goes to parks and teaches the community self-defence and fitness.
“We will also go to orphanages and old age homes where we will be introducing taekwondo and Jast Academy to the elderly and disadvantaged children.”
The academy does teach taekwondo at four local private schools, but this is funded.
Sekgwelea invited the community to give taekwondo a try at Jast Academy.
Children from three years old to 11 train from 10am to 11.30am on Saturdays. The seniors class includes everyone older than 11 and adults, and this class trains from 11.30am to 1pm on the same day.
According to Sekgwelea, the youngest students have a great deal of energy and keep the instructors on their toes.
Details: Jast Academy 065 997 4673; 078 739 1113.
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