Top marks for Seshego’s female karatekas

POLOKWANE – Young female karatekas from the Oyama School of Karate in Seshego showed off their karate moves at the gashuku karate championship held at the Ngoako Ramatlhodi Sport Complex in Seshego on March 2.

The three senior girl students, sempai Retang Madia, Kohai Kapari Mashiane and Kenia Makgoka were on fire as Shihan Simphiwe Dlulane conducted the two-day gashuku which was meant to prepare students for the first kyu grading to be held in Seshego in May.

The first session focused on kihon karate moves which entailed basic kicks, punches and blocks which excited many karatekas.

Dlulane gave much explanation as to how techniques are executed during karate fight tournaments.

“We also focused on training, which is meant to prepare any fighter going to a war. A good fighter needs to be physically fit and mentally ready, and that should be trained every day,” Dlulane said.

The trio, together with new students including Gloria Pheeha did their best to impress and understand the new moves well. The students came in numbers as this was a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn from the South African champion. They enjoyed and learned a lot throughout this intense training.

Sempai Retang Makgoka, sempai Cuba Makgoka and sempai Pontsho Tele used the opportunity to prepare for their black belt grading which will be held in KwaZulu-Natal this year.

Tele once again displayed good technique and spirit throughout the training.

Other students who took part in the training included seniors sempai Anga Bongela, Eric Matsetela, Gabriel Maluleka and Cyprian Mohlomi.

Sempai Peter Malatji thanked the students and parents for their continued support in growing the sport locally.

“We should keep our children active and busy with activities that matter, those who are idling could end up doing drugs or engaging in negative activities. The overall outcome was satisfactory, and students were also impressed with the skills offered,” Malatji said.