Polokwane karateka wins national title
After months of intense training, Mojapelo's perseverance pays off, earning him the national title and boosting his confidence for future competitions.
POLOKWANE – Senpai Mokela Mojapelo of the Limpopo Karate Academy in Polokwane was last weekend crowned champion of the inaugural Sonoda Karate Tournament that was held in the Eastern Cape.
Mojapelo took part in the men u/70kg category and his victory marks a significant milestone in his karate journey, reflecting months of grueling preparation and unwavering dedication.
Mojapelo’s path to victory was anything but easy. Training seven days a week, he balanced rigorous cardio training, physical conditioning and complex sparring techniques.
“There were days when I felt completely exhausted, but I knew that pushing through the pain was part of the process,” he said.
The competition itself was a test of skill and resilience. Facing off against some of the best karatekas in the country, Mojapelo had to stay focused and adapt quickly to his opponents’ strategies.
“Each fight taught me something new,” he said. “I learned the importance of staying calm under pressure and trusting in my training.”
“All the hard work, the sacrifices, it all paid off,” he said, beaming with pride. For him, the victory is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the support of the Limpopo Karate Academy.
“I couldn’t have done it without the tips and advice. Their belief in me kept me going.”
Looking ahead, Mojapelo is more motivated than ever.
“This win has given me the confidence to aim even higher and fight more. I want to compete more and win more trophies,” he said.
With his determination and the lessons learned from this tournament, he aims to do better at the next karate tournament, which is at Mamelodi in November.
Mojapelo is a first-degree black belt at Limpopo Kyokushinkai Karate Academy under the South African Kyokushinkai Karate Academy.
