Dorfman Karate prepares to fly SA flag in the World Shotokan Karate-do Championship
Dorfaman Dojo, Parktown North, karate, sensei, World Shotokan Karate-Do Association.
Walking into the Dorfman Karate Dojo in Parktown North, I was met with five fierce participants who were listening carefully to Sensei Malcolm’s instructions.
Founder of Dorfman Karate Dojo, Malcolm Dorfman explained the participants were sharpening their moves for the upcoming World Shotokan Karate-do Association Championship (WSKA).
“Five participants training today come from Dorfman Karate. The selection process for the championship requires them to be medalists in the open section of the Karatenomichi World Federation SA National Championship. They have not only met the criteria this year, but they’ve been medalists for some time through their different rankings and were automatic selections for this upcoming championship,” he said.
Dorfman added the championship was held in different countries every two years.
“In September, the championship will be in Liverpool and the participants will be going against the crème de la crème. WSKA was founded in 1989 in Sunderland England, and has one of the most prominent karate sensei in the world which comprise of approximately 50 countries which include Germany, United States and the United Kingdom.”
Participant Ross Raven said his karate journey had been eventful.
“My discipline levels went through the roof. Skills learned in karate can help you through your life, it center’s you to a place that is most rational.”
Colleague Dylan Harry added, “I didn’t have an interest in another sport when I joined karate. I wanted something to distract me and over time it grew on me.”
Reynier Landman said he did not think he would compete in martial arts at a higher level. “My mother continued taking me to lessons to train and over time it became easier.”
Mia Kessopersadh said being the only girl at Dorfman Dojo did not bother her.
“Due to being the only girl in my team, I am often compared to the boys. My response is I am very capable and deserve to compete and be part of Dorfman Dojo.”
Matthew Pine said he looked forward to competing in the championship.
“This tournament will be my last one for a while because I’m in Grade 11 which requires hard work and studying. In general, the martial art has helped me in terms of commitment, focus and how to analyse different perspectives.”
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