09 Mar 2014

Botswana Karate Association president, Sensei Tabalume Masumbika says the karate team is ready for the Second Africa Youth games scheduled for Gaborone in May.

Sensei Masumbika, who was in Ghanzi recently for the Botswana Kofukan Federation outreach training programme, said in an interview that his team was on camp after their return from Durban where they participated at the South African open.

He said the team’s participation at the South African open was a preparatory measure for the Africa Youth games. He said they were still searching for tournaments in countries in North Africa as part of their preparations for the games.

Sensei Masumbika said they targeted North Africa as they were strong contenders in karate, citing countries such Senegal, Tunisia, Congo, and Cameroon, among others.

He said Botswana’s target of medals was six, but said as a host they needed to do well and attain more medals. Regarding the outreach programme, Sensei Masumbika said the aim was to empower members of their association and anyone who was interested in the sport.

Students at Ghanzi senior and Itekeng junior schools as well as the community were part of this outreach training and others from the local karate club in Ghanzi.

The training also included grading of members affiliated with the association. According to Sensei Masumbika they look at the standard improvements and also teach various syllabus which start at the bottom.

He said during this training, they encourage other Sensei to know everything below their belt and also to at least know 20 percent more above their belt.

Sensei Masumbika said they hold such trainings across the country as often as they can, but said they experience challenges of finances which also cause delays in hosting tournaments in places like Ghanzi.

Nevertheless, he said they are in negotiations with the association leadership to host a tournament in Ghanzi which he said will promote karate as a sport.He cited physical fitness, teaching discipline and obedience and respect as some of the benefits one can derive the sport.

He also said the sport sharpens one’s skills and eventually enhances their IQ level.For their part, Ghanzi Karate Club instructors welcomed the training program saying it add to their skills. Sensei Tshomarelo Mosaka of Ghanzi Karate Club said although the club started off with low numbers in 2008 it now has satisfying numbers.

He said they enroll children from six years. Sensei Mosaka noted that there have been improvements in their club since they received training from the Botswana Kofukan association.  He said that encourages them as a club, and pointed that they have produced a student for national level. He said they wish for the association to visit them often at least three times a year and also appealed for more tournaments in their township.

On grading, Sensei Mosaka said their club has been doing well; with two Sensei and more students graduating from white belt to red, green, purple, orange and brown belts over the years. Ends