POLOKWANE – Fierce karateka, Pontsho Tele from the Oyama School of Karate under sensei Thomas Sekhale and sempai Peter Malatji in Seshego, aims to become one of the best in the world.
The 17-year-old started training in karate during the pandemic year, in November 2020.
As with most teenagers his age, he is always full of energy and has since shown much dedication in his training sessions.
During his first grading in 2021, he impressed Shihan Gumede sixth dan black belt, who was overseeing the session where he was awarded a blue belt, jumping two grades from white belt.
He has participated in tournaments in KwaZulu-Natal and various areas of Limpopo, and as a first-timer, he is looking forward to many national and international tournaments.
Pontsho will be attending the annual international Gashuku, which will feature senior instructors from Japan, in Stellenbosch from June 16. He is currently training hard to prepare for the 2023 kyu grading which will be held in Seshego in May.
“Nothing will stand in my way of reaching my goal of one day becoming a sempai, he said. If he is successful during the grading he will be awarded a green belt, which is a level away from this goal.
His advice to other kids is to come join the karate team that is already a home to many karatekas.
Malatji said he is pleased with Pontsho’s conduct and discipline, “he is always respectful and humble”.
