Karate master scoops international lifetime award

FOR more than three decades karate expert, Shihan (Master) Mervyn Reddy, has dedicated his time to teaching children the art of self-defense.

And for his efforts, the 52-year-old, who hails from Clairwood, was recently recognised and bestowed with the Bodhidharma lifetime achievement award 2022, by the Mansuria Kung-Fu International High Command, at an awards ceremony held at the Kings Medical Academy in Chennai, India.

The annual awards was held in honour of the late Kung-Fu Grandmaster Hing Shi Shifu R. Sekar, who was a living legend of the institutes’ founder, international martial arts legendary hero, Bodhidharma.
Their aim is to recognise masters who have dedicated their life to teaching martial arts to youngsters and also for being a role model.

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Reddy, a procurement manager at a ship building company, said he was overwhelmed with emotions by the award.

“The award is a culmination of 45 years of my life in martial arts, of which 32 years were spent teaching the art to hundreds of students. I felt a great sense of gratitude for being recognised as a simple martial artist who has impacted on so many lives. It was also an honour to receive the award from both the institute and TM Anbarasan, the Minister of the Tamil Nadu Government,” he said.

Reddy, who is the founder and head of Black Dragon Karate South Africa, said he started karate training under local master, Sensei Daya Kisten Pillay, of the Nin Fu Karate Institute at age five.

“My passion stemmed from watching karate movies and I decided to join a nearby dojo.
“At the age of 17, and going through vigorous training, I received my first dan black belt from Sensei Pillay, and by age 19, I participated in various tournaments and won many trophies,” he said.

Reddy, who owns three dojos, said while growing up in Clairwood, he noticed that the youth were taking to drugs and other bad vices. “This sparked my passion to start my own dojo in the community, which would keep the children off the streets and keep their minds focused.

“In 1992, I opened my first dojo. My motive was not to profit from the students, but to concentrate on creating better children in society,” he said.

Reddy, who is the president and chief technical instructor for Itosu-Ryu South Africa, said there were many benefits from learning martial arts.

The married father of two, a daughter, 26, and a son, 16, said his goal is to continue teaching martial arts. He also aims to create better people in society, as well as more opportunities for those who cannot afford to learn karate.
“I also aim to continue living by my motto, ‘Put a smile on a child and see the world become a better place for all’,” he said.

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