Punches of fun

CRAIGHALL PARK – Big Punch Day was all about learning to combine karate with fun and it was successful.

Naidine Sibanda

October 17, 2019

The children learn about self-discipline while doing karate. Photo: Naidine Sibanda

Children and parents had a great time learning how to combine karate and fun at AJs in the Park in Craighall Park.

Big Punch Day was the event which enabled them to do so thanks to Els Karate South Africa.

Event organiser Juliet Pitman said the martial arts school was run by sensei Andrew Els. “The point of the day was to allow children to dress up as superheroes, come and have fun with a whole lot of activities for them. From slip and slides to jumping castles to a wrestling and karate demonstration,” Pitman added.

Demonstration karate kicks come into the mix too. Photo: Naidine Sibanda

She said the event also aimed to expose attendees to karate which children could start from as young as four years for both boys and girls. According to Pitman, Els is a third black belt sensei who has been teaching classes for more than 20 years.

“When sensei [Els] was a little boy, he loved dressing up as a superhero and he had this dream of being able to go to a day where he could dress up as a superhero and challenge all his friends in different activities. That’s where the inspiration for the event started.

Children learn some valuable martial arts skills at the Big Punch Day. *Photo: Naidine Sibanda*

“The children don’t actually do karate here, it’s rather a karate demonstration. Karate is a very safe sport which is all about discipline and teaches children self-respect. It’s also good for them when they have difficulty focusing as it helps with concentration. It’s really an all-round sport.”