Local karateka got together at the Indoor Sports Centre for a karate training session and grading recently.
This was made possible by the Joza and Makana Karate Academies under the leadership of instructors Mzwandile Matebese (second Dan black belt) and Zwelakhe Sinam (second Dan black belt).
Local karateka got together at the Indoor Sports Centre for a karate training session and grading recently.
This was made possible by the Joza and Makana Karate Academies under the leadership of instructors Mzwandile Matebese (second Dan black belt) and Zwelakhe Sinam (second Dan black belt).
Head Instructor for East Cape Shotokan-Ryu and the Rhodes University Shotokan Karate Club Gary Grapentin (fifth Dan black belt) was invited to instruct at the training session along with a number of instructors from the Albany Karate Academy in Grahamstown.
The purpose of the training was to assist in preparing the Joza and Makana Karateka for the South African Shotokan Karate-do Academy (Saska) East Coast Karate Open Championships which will take place at the Fish River Sun Hotel and Country Club Resort on 28 August.
The championship is expected to include at least 300 karateka from more than 20 clubs from across the Eastern Cape. According to Sinam, local residents still haven’t experienced karate and the youth are not so keen on the sport.
The Joza and Makana Karate Academies are therefore eager to focus on the younger age groups. Sinam said “The levels are low and we need to revive the spirit of karate but we are getting there.”
Sinam has been active in the sport for 20 years and would like to remind the sporting public not to see karate as a violent sport.
“Karate is for self defence so contact will always be there but it’s not fighting. I have never had a major injury or a broken bone all my karate career.”
According to Grapentin, in the grading session -where the karateka in their different belts or levels are promoted after a syllabus has been completed- the Joza and Makana karateka enjoyed a 100% success rate.
“The general standard of the candidates was excellent,”he said. Results: Yellow belt: Imivuyo Ranuga, Thamsanqa Madubela, Liyema Magopheni, Lonwabo Sandi, Lutho Singata, Lwando Ludulini, Loyiso Soxujwa, Luthando Geelbooi, Asemahle Singata, Lona Melane, Motse Deu, Thandolwethu Mcoboki, Lumanyano Tikise, Sibabalwe Stephen and Nobuhle Chiliza. Orange belt: Siyanda Soxujwa. Green belt: Phakamani Joni, Nolusindiso Yakeni and Xola Joni.
