Local karateka scoops accolades
He has recently been selected as one of the top development coaches in Gauteng.
Young karateka, Tshepang Lechaba (22) unleashes the beast in him during fights in the ring.
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The Shito-Ryu Karate-do Kofukan South Africa Karate Club active member started his karate journey when he was only seven years old as a result of the motivation he received from his father, Isaac Lechaba who is also a karate practitioner.
According to him the sport has instilled great discipline and calmness in his life, motivated him to make positive life choices and kept him occupied.
“The thrill I got from watching the sport when I went with my father for his practice lessons and gym had a huge impact in me joining the sport and I can say joining karate is one of the best life choices I have made,” Lechaba said.
He added that the support he receives from the community and other karate students, including his coach, sensei Thabo Molubi has also motivated him to remain consistent and work hard to obtain more achievements.
“As busy as I am juggling school and karate, it has really helped to be busy and stay away from mischievous actions and I am grateful to sensei Molubi for being one of the people who motivate and reminds me of my talent.”
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The black belt holder has participated in and won various competitions since he started his journey.
These include the Arnold Classic Sport 2022 where he made it to the top ten in karate, the Cape Town League Championship and first place at the Gauteng Regional Karate Trials 2022/23 where he will be representing Johannesburg, to name a few.
He has recently been selected as one of the top development coaches in Gauteng where he trains upcoming karate students and prepare them for their development competitions.
“As a defensive fighter, I refer to myself as the best in my division due to my ability to fight and how fast I am in the ring. What I love about having karate skills is that no one can take them away from me and I can always work hard to perfect them to gain more knowledge and this I where I am as a karateka, I am learning from my coaches and fellow team mates.”
Although he is a great fighter, Lechaba faces various challenges such as having to fight other karatekas who are more skillful than him as well as those who have more resources in the sport.
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“Now I am no longer doing it for the fun of it, but to win and be the best karate athlete.
“If I had the type of equipment that other karatekas have I would always take first place but am grateful to my coach for teaching me how to be content with what I have while working towards my goal.”
Lechabe encourages young people to join the sport to learn self-defence and discipline.
“Karate is a wonderful sport that makes me feel fulfilled and I don’t regret joining this sport it has brought me closer to opportunities. For any young person out there who wants to join, there is no time better than the present one.”
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