Karate siblings set to ‘knock out’ competition in Sweden
Lavela and Bukhulu Godlwana will represent South Africa at the Kimura Shukokai International (KSI) World Tournament in Stockholm, Sweden from 14 to 22 July.
POLOKWANE – Siblings Bukhulu and Lavela Godlwana, both learners at Curro Heuwelkruin, enjoy karate tremendously and told Review about their journey after they first started some 10 years ago.
“My mother wanted us to learn self defense and karate really helped us,” explains the 14-year-old Bukhulu.
Lavela explains that they are part of Marcia van Niekerk’s club, Pietersburg KSI Karate Club and that their first competition was nine years ago.
“At that stage I won nothing, but my brother won bronze. In our most recent competition, the Limpopo Championships on 16 June, I won two bronze and Bukhulu won two gold.”
She further explains that some people have the idea that small-statured people cannot defend themselves and that is where karate comes in handy.
Bukhulu loves the fact that he learns new techniques and “ways to intimidate others when needed”.
“I love every training session we have, but it is also the hardest part of karate.
“I feel that taking part in the championships is hard as there are not a lot of opponents on my level and then I have to participate against other, better karatekas like those with black belts,” says Lavela.
The two look forward to the tournament in Stockholm.
“We are both brown belt, third dan. Taking part in this competition is a dream come true.”
The school wishes them well in the competition.
“Hard works pays off and you two deserve the chance. You worked hard. Well done,” says sports organiser, Andre Hay.
