While most children and young people may equate the term ‘karate’ with the flying kicks and lightning-fast punches they see in movies or computer games, the reality is a little different. Karate offers many valuable benefits for developing young brains and bodies and it contributes greatly to building character, respect, and self-discipline – all of which are crucial in reaching potential and enjoying success later in life.
Considering that the average age for drug dependency in South Africa is just 12 years old, and half of the country’s teenagers use alcohol, as reported by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group, the qualities that karate encourages may just be exactly what the country’s youth desperately need.
Shoto Champs, a karate tournament hosted by Shotokan Karate Academy, aims to achieve that. Competitions help students with their focus, their ability to handle disappointment in a productive way, and the development of a fighting spirit, which is extremely important for the youth.
The tournament, which took place late last month at Tempe Indoor Sports Centre in Bloemfontein, showcased the hard-earned skills, talent, and commitment of young contestants from across the country.
Lathitha Mtengwana, a 17-year-old contestant in the competition said, “The championship was character-building for me as I moved from cadet to junior open. It has taught me to believe in myself and that all things are possible if you put your mind to it. It’s not about being better than someone else, it’s about being better than you were yesterday.”
Taschney Botha, who took the title of Shoto Champs winner, added that the opportunity to attend and flex her martial arts muscle was an invaluable experience. “I am proud of myself for this incredible achievement. Karate is not an easy sport; it takes commitment and hard work to participate in it and even more so to win. But my hope is that more young people in the country have access to this invaluable sport in the future.”
Mtengwana and Botha were among the fifty young karate enthusiasts who were sponsored by fibre provider, Vuma, to enter the competition, 19 of whom were awarded gold, a further 19 awarded silver, and 21 Vuma-sponsored contestants walked away with bronze medals.
Students who performed the best in all their categories within their respective belts and age groups were awarded a Tiger trophy. Kumite Ladies also bagged the Ladies Team Kumite category award.
Marihette Van Wyk, regional manager for Vuma said, “With so many of South Africa’s youth engaged in activities that do not serve them in reaching the extraordinary future they deserve, it is refreshing to know that a sport like karate exists, where children and teens from all walks of life can gain self-discipline and self-defence, benefit from moving their bodies, and find community,” she concluded.
For more information on Shoto Champs and the Shotokan Karate Academy, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/shotochamps/.
