06 Oct 2016

 The Botswana karate family was this week plunged into a somber mood following the death of one of their own, sensei Jonathan Phiri.
Sensei Phiri, described by many of his former students and colleagues as a soft spoken and admirable fellow passed on last weekend after battling with a short illness.       
Zone VI gold medalist, Thato Malunga’s recollection of Phiri’s exploits began at a karate class in 1999 when she first learnt her coordinated kata moves.
Malunga described the untimely demise of Phiri as a loss of a great teacher. “His legacy will live on through our dedication and continued hardwork to honour what he did to some of us.
I lost a father, a mentor and a friend,” she said.
 Former national team kumite sensation Mogakolodi Motlhabi was also short of words to describe the loss.  Motlhabi said he met Phiri at the SSG club back in 1998 when he first started his karate classes.
He said sensei Phiri formed a formidable team with the likes of sensei Christian Mashamaite.
Botswana Kofukan Federation spokesperson, George Tshikare said sensei Phiri was born and bred in the Kofukan family having been instrumental in establishing the karate style into the Botswana Police Service. Tshikare explained that he met Phiri when he was competing for the Police Karate club in 1993.
Sensei Tshikare said Phiri received his third dan black belt grading under the watchful eye of Shihan Keiji Tomiyama and went on to represent the country numerous times internationally as a reputable and accredited official.
He said Phiri became the first Motswana to qualify as kata and kumite judge at 2013 World Karate Federation Junior championships in Spain.
Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) publicity secretary, sensei Jerry Ditlhong noted that Phiri ascended the ladders of karate structures until his untimely death. Phiri was engaged by BOKA as the Referees Commission chairman.
He was also the Zone 6 Referees Commission secretary general, WKF and African Karate Federation (UFAK) kumite judge. He  will be laid to rest this Saturday at his home village, Rasesa. ENDS