Twenty-five children have taken up karate at the Randfontein Goju Ryu Karate Club to learn self-defence and discipline under club founder, sensei Eugene van Staden.
The programme focuses on sharpening skills in Goju Ryu, a traditional karate style that originated in Okinawa, Japan. The children are trained in this style and some weaponry techniques called Kobudo.
The programme is not only aimed at learning how they can defend themselves, but they are also learning other aspects that will shape them into better adults.
“The idea was to combine fitness with self-defence. We have a lot of basics to teach them,” said Eugene. “They learn how to block and defend themselves. The extracts we use in class are from real fights.”
He added that those extracts are used during classes to simulate a real combat. However, not many children last in the programme.
“You get kids who come in and after a year or two they realise that karate is not for them, but others will get in the programme and last.”
“Up to now I have had about 10 guys achieving black-belt status – it takes up to 10 years to get to black-belt level.”
He said other values are inculcated in the participants at the club. “We also teach them how to show respect, and help them attain gross motor skills, discipline and self-respect,” Eugene said.
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