Kimura Shukokai karatekas back in energised action

Passionate and committed karatekas affiliated to the Kimura Shukokai Karate Club are back in action after a long rest during the nationwide lockdown.
Sensei Marcia van Niekerk says they have been forced to start from scratch for the year but that they are looking forward to taking on the challenge and make up for lost time.
They pick up where they left off several months ago and could only resume once permitted by Covid-19 regulations.
Van Niekerk says it is important for young children to practice karate as it helps not only with focus, which is picked up in their school work, but balance too.
“These days, children, especially young girls should be able to get out of dangerous situations. The sport teaches respect in all aspects, not just in the dojo,”she says.
She adds that when it comes to self-defence, it is important that children and people of all ages get involved and learn how to get themselves out of a situation such as being attacked and being able to defend themselves, instead of being another statistic of crime and violence.
“The club will function at full capacity in the new year but the sad thing about the lockdown is that many of the karatekas have been lost as they moved on to different provinces for their tertiary education and missed out on an opportunity to go to the National Karate Championships.”
Van Niekerk added that some karatekas will have to fall back a year as they could not complete everything this year. “With hard work and dedication, they will be able to make their grading and new belts in 2021,” she said.