Local karatekas claim top prizes
MARTIAL arts instructor Sifiso Mtshali is on a mission to turn the sport into a cornerstone of discipline, health and fitness for disadvantaged children through his Young Lions Karate Club.
And, despite having to practise on a field, his trainees are proving their worth by taking top prizes at the recent Shin kyokushin tournament hosted in Umzinto last December.
When Sensei Mtshali moved to Matshana, outside Empangeni in 2017, he was appalled to see so many young boys and girls hanging around in the streets when they should be engaging in sport.
Mtshali’s admiration for martial arts and passion for youth development prompted him to establish his Dondolo village-based karate club.
Here, he coaches the class at a field near his home, as he does not have a hall or room to use. He uses his own money to purchase any equipment or gear needed by the youngsters.
‘I was very eager to play a part in their growth and ensure that I teach them what karate has taught me about life,’ said Mtshali.
‘I know what drugs can do to a promising future of a young person and it would be wrong to watch as these kids are pulled into that life while I live among them.’
Mtshali fell in love with martial arts in 1996 at Asiphikelele High
School in his hometown of Mtubatuba.
In 2001 he moved to Durban to work in martial arts and opened his first dojo in Stanger. Here he mentored young boys and girls from rural communities into karate champs.
He was proud to introduce his karateka team to the Shin kyokushin tournament last year where martial arts clubs from across KZN compete.
Four of his Young Lions took podium positions and brought trophies back home to Zululand.
‘Months of training in preparation for this tournament paid off as I watched these boys make me very proud. They endured a tough training schedule and remained determined throughout the event. I was left speechless,’ he said.
Since establishing his dojo, Mtshali said fewer children are hanging around the streets.
Ntokozo Mkhize, a 25-year-old karateka, who joined the Young Lions at the start, agrees with Mtshali’s sentiments.
‘My friends in high school told me about the karate classes and invited me to join them. I joined without hesitation because I have always admired how karatekas conduct themselves. They are very disciplined and humble.
I wanted to be like that,’ said Mkhize.
• Khayelihle Mbokazi: Brown belt position 1 • Mkhulekeli Ngwanyane: White belt position 2 • Qhawe Ntuli: Orange belt position 3 • Lindokuhle Ximba: Orange belt position 3