Gijana dojo gives karatekas lift
MKHU Karate Dojo in Mdantsane will see the Shotokounthigh international style’s annual national grading, award and yearend ceremony thrilling locals at Nokulunga Junior Primary School at NU10 on Saturday.
After identifying the need to get the youth off the streets to be productive with their lives and inspire a change of their lifestyle, Sensei Mkhululi Gijana founded his dojo where he teaches honour and respect and preaches against drug and alcohol abuse.
This coming weekend they will be honouring deserving students and also entertaining the Mdantsane community as they showcase the 44-year-old style that has been trained for 22 years in the township.
“The most important thing on the programme of the day is to pass students to the next level. So, if you have a white belt for instance, you have to prove to us that you understand the next level.
“There will be fights just to assess if the students know everything about that belt they are fighting for,” said Gijana.
He said they will look at the best students of the year, including the ones who come from struggling families but who still manage to do well at the gym.
“There’s many awards for the day, like for kids who behave well at training, and this is designed to motivate other youth to do something to better their lives.
“But all in all, the most fulfilling thing is to hear a parent saying ‘ my child has changed ever since he started karate’, and that to me is priceless,” said Gijana.
White belt karateka from Mkhu Dojo, Phila Mapasa, 18, who just finished writing his matric exams at Nyameko High School said his life changed ever since he started going to Gijana’s dojo.
“I’m glad I came to the dojo the time I did because most kids from my neighbourhood are on drugs and love to drink alcohol, but luckily for me I’ve never tried those substances because the dojo kept me busy.
“We get taught a lot of things at the dojo, but the most important thing our sensei focuses more time on is respect – showing us how to behave as karateka.
“Because we have to be examples in our community.”
The Shotokounthigh world champion hopeful said there was a need for equipment at the dojo.
“We need things like a tatami, punching bags and rubber dolls. If we can get those things we can even reach the world champs sooner than we expect.
“But we are very lucky, because we always get the best advice, and even my school grades have improved because I’m more focused now.”
Joining the NU10 dojo will require you to pay a joining and affiliation fee of R180 and then a monthly fee of R40. Anyone interested, please contact them on 060-358-8000.