Fazlin is all about uplifting people through karate
She believes that karate is the best thing that women can do.
POLOKWANE – Fazlin Jardien is no stranger when it comes to pain and her passion for her sport is something that she lives out every day.
She believes that karate is the best thing that women can do as she feels that karate does not only teach them about themselves but also helps them become self-reliant and be able to look after themselves.
Fazlin says karate has taught her about herself and helped her to regain her self-confidence. Self-confidence is also something she wants to instil in her karatekas.
“I was overweight and began doing karate in a bid to become fit and lose weight. I was thoroughly impressed with the results and aside from helping me to keep fit and healthy, karate is an ideal sport for me as I want to learn self-defence techniques. I am employed as a branch supervisor which requires me to travel on my own across Limpopo, Gauteng and Mpumalanga, thus safety is my first priority. I felt I needed to learn how to protect and defend myself and in January 2015, I decided to join a self-defence class but there were no classes in the city. That is how my karate journey started,” Fazlin explains.
She competed for the first time in 2015 in Pretoria where she won a silver medal for her kata performance followed by a double gold later the year for her kumite performance at the Sun City All Styles Challenge.
“I am even tempered and a go-getter. I have always been an achiever from schooldays being nominated as a prefect, receiving work acknowledgements and passing business management and human resources management with Cum Laude. I was always sporty and love learning new things. I love challenges and always strive to achieve what I set my mind to,” she describes herself.
One of her proudest moments was receiving her black belt and she says that she will never forget what it took although she enjoyed every second.
“The grading was over a three day period in Rustenburg. Fitness, stamina and endurance was tested and I had to fight sever people, both men and women, and in the last test I had to break a roof tile. I still remember my hands were bleeding but it was worth it,” she says.
She would recommend karate to anyone who has ever been afraid of walking alone in the street, afraid of being mugged, raped or killed. “Also anyone who fears for their family or friends’ lives. It is essential and I feel it would be great if it was taught in schools as it teaches you discipline as well as helps you stay fit,” she said.
Fazlin says that she would like to see the sport grow especially under women as this will help them to grow and become better in the sport and also in their everyday lives.
Read more about her karate club in this week’s Review.
