Go girl, you’ve got it

“You can’t control what they do, but you can control what you do about it.”

These are the words of a sparkly 11-year-old Kuhle Buthelezi.

She has her feet set firmly on the ground.

Kuhle participated in the South African National Karate Championships (KSA) on March 16 where she took first place in her category.

This took place in Bellville in the Cape and not only did she return with a gold medal but also with so much experience.

She also participated in the KSA League in Bloemfontein last year where she ranked number one with 143 points even though she came second in the competition, and she was the youngest participant in her division, during her first year of competing.

She is currently on her green belt at the Karate School of Champions Dojo under sensei Themba Ndlovu.

This love for karate only started in 2016 and Kuhle said that she always saw the posters for the karate and begged her parents to do karate.

“After they were at the mall I asked once again, I finally joined sensei Themba and I was super happy!” she laughed.

She said that she does both kata and kumite, as the one can not go without the other but she does love the kumite most.

She does kumite during competitions and she said that you do need to know how to do both in order for you to grade to a higher belt.

Kuhle does not stop at karate, but does hockey, netball and cricket at Cambridge Academy where she is a grade 5 learner.

“I do however balance my academics and my sport very well. Last term I made the top 5 in my grade,” she proudly added. “I am also a part of the Mpumalanga Titans u.13 cricket team and have been in this team since last year. I am the youngest in my team and have only actually been playing at home until last year.”

Kuhle was described as someone who prefers not to lose and says that she absolutely loves sport.

She concluded by thanking her parents for their patience and always driving her everywhere she needs to go.

“And thanks to Sensei Themba for his support. Karate is so much fun and it teaches you respect and discipline.”

Finally: “Never give up. No matter what.”