Pure bliss moments representing South Africa

Birgit Jabour believes karate is part of her life and is willing to share her knowledge with others, as it has taught her many things.

Birgit Jabour is proud to have won the KSI World Masters championships for kata and silver for kumite free-style fighting.

When they say show me someone who has karate blood, one should introduce Birgit Jabour who has been doing the martial art since she was 11 years old.

The 57-year-old Bryanston-based fighter recently won the KSI World Masters championships for kata and silver for kumite free-style fighting.

According to Jabour, her brother and she used to fight a lot, which led to her mother sending both of them to karate to learn some discipline, patience, and respect for each other.

“He stopped after three months and I have never stopped since. At the age of 18, I achieved my black belt, opened my first dojo, and being part of the South African team at the World Championships has been an incredible experience and highlight of my karate journey.”

Jabour added karate was in her blood, and it had been her safe place since she was a child and remained a constant.

“The karate family is a unique one where we have watched each other grow, fight, win, lose, cry, and laugh, yet we are always shoulder to shoulder on the floor in the dojo as one.”

She said winning at the KSI World Masters championships for kata, being at an international level representing South Africa, and walking under the SA flag, were memories she would cherish and never forget.
“It has been a privilege to have experienced these events, and the team at our Pound4Pound dojo that trained with me was relentless and encouraging, and their belief in me was evident.”

Jabour said she had been teaching karate since 1984 and founded Karate4kids.

“Karate4kids is a programme for all children; we teach at schools, and our main dojo is in Fourways, Dainfern. We emphasise teaching in a safe and fun environment while instilling the maxims of karate.”