26 Feb 2019

Patron of Japanese Karate Association (JKA) of Botswana, Kgosi Kgari Sechele III has advised parents to support children doing karate.

In an interview recently, Kgosi Kgari observed that karate taught athletes critical life skills especially discipline.

Kgosi Kgari argued that karate had shaped athletes into self respecting and law-abiding citizens. He said sport was also a source of livelihood for many people.

Thus, he urged accomplished  athletes especially those with black and brown belts to mentor upcoming karatekas and help them become top sportsmen and women.

Also, he encourged young women to draw inspiration from Lame Hetanang, who has been doing exceptionally well in karate. He said Hetanang had so far scooped several medals during tournaments.

Furthermore, he said karate had grown in leaps and bounds, as Botswana was a member of the interim executive committee, which comprised Angola, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Tanzania. He said the representation signified growth of the sport. JKA Botswana secretary general Sensei Othusitse Dick highlighted that some karakekas who recently competed at the second JKA Africa Championships had done well.

Five members of the team were from his team, under the titelage of JKA world instructors.

Also, he noted that the director of international affairs and Japanese Masters, who were chief instructors for the JKA World Federation, had conducted the international training for instructors and grading from 1^st to 7^th Dan black belts.

Dick further Sensei Solly Nageng and Josiah Matlapeng made the grade for 5^th Dan black belt while Sensei Steady Basupang, Benson Mophakedi and Bernard Morapedi achieved 4^th Dan Black Belt respectively.

He said they were all examined and accredited for instructor and judges’ courses. Dick was optimistic that the exposure would enable the seniors to impart skills and techniques on local instructors and young athletes.

Meanwhile, JKA Botswana Administration  vice chairperson, Kgosi Dibotelo said two local karatekas; Hetang and Kagiso Ratlhogo snatched two Gold medals while Wamorena Metswi got a Bronze medal during the 2018 end of year championships held in South Africa. He said his association was now preparing youngsters to do well at the next championships. ENDS