Second dan black belt sensei Mzwandile Matebese recently established a karate club at Grahamstown's 6 SAI Battalion. The club currently has 20 registered members and offers karate training to all Grahamstown defence force members and their families.
Second dan black belt sensei Mzwandile Matebese recently established a karate club at Grahamstown's 6 SAI Battalion. The club currently has 20 registered members and offers karate training to all Grahamstown defence force members and their families.
The club’s main objective is to provide a much-needed after school activity for children whose parents work at the army base.
With its focus on self-discipline and self-defence, as well as the development of a healthy mind and body, karate was seen as an ideal activity to introduce to the 6 SAI community.
Eight club members recently competed in the All-Shotokan Karate Championships held at the 1820 Settlers' Monument.
Team members were Lisakhanya Maziyana, Siyabulela Sohoma, Ndidi Nyikinya, Abongile Ntlantsana, Anelisa Nkcayo, Zizipho Ntswahlana, Lisakhanya Mabandla and Yamkela Nkcayo.
These karateka did exceptionally well, winning a total of six medals.
Matebese felt that the results were excellent, especially considering that the karateka had only been training since January.
He also indicated that a much larger group would be contesting future championships.
He thanked Lieutenant-Colonel Altin Gysman, the Commanding Officer of 6 SAI, and Captain Adams for their respective roles in initiating and supporting the club.
Training sessions are held at the base every Wednesday and Friday from 5.30pm to 7pm in the Barney Molekwane Hall.
Matebese is also the head instructor of the Joza karate Club and member of East Cape Shotokan Ryu.
For more information contact Matebese on 082 536 5290.
All-Shotokan Karate Championships results:
- Ndidi Nyikinya – gold (kumite) and bronze (kata)
- Lisakhanya Mabandla – gold (kumite) and bronze (kata)
- Anelisa Nkcayo – silver (kumite)
- Abongile Ntlantsana – silver (kumite)
