Qaa’id kicks his way to number one in contest

QAA’ID Randall of Hiro Dojo Karate in Kensington has earned first place in the boys under 10-11 category at the Karate South Africa League event held in Bloemfontein this past weekend.

Although he started competing only this year, Qaa’id has beaten the top three ranked fighters in South Africa in the past two national events.

Qaa’id’s instructor, Sensei Rafeeq Larney, said Qaa’id was ranked among the best in his division, despite the fact that he was taking part in the elite event for the first time.

“As an instructor, I am extremely proud of him seeing that it was his first year taking part in elite events. For example, in the national tournament in March, he came second, and at the recent league event, competing against the top-ranked athletes in the boys under 10/11 division, he won gold,” Larney said.

Qaa’id said his achievement did not come without hours of training and practice.

“I felt very proud of myself for the achievement and the opportunity to compete at this level. I was very nervous also and I just felt very happy and proud. I was practising every night at home, as well as in the dojo, one-onone training with my sensei.

“Unfortunately, my sensei couldn’t be with me in Bloemfontein, but we had a training session via video call while it was load shedding to

help plan and prepare for the competition.

Qaa’id said he was very nervous on the day of the tournament, but he befriended children from other provinces who made him feel less nervous.

“My sensei also did another video call to help me warm up and encourage me to coach through the process. He told me to remember the hard work, have no regrets, to stay focused and have fun,” Qaa’id said.

Larney said karate was beneficial for youngsters.

“With everything that is happening today, karate provides an ideal outlet, and a change in the environment, which is important for a child to grow into a better, healthier adult.

“Social exposure and activities will aid their mental and physical development. It’s something I’m passionate about. Karate is not so much a sport but a way of life,” he said.

| SUPPLIED QAA’ID Randall of Hiro Dojo Karate in Kensington has earned first place in the boys under 10-11 years category at the Karate South Africa League event.