Duduza teen selected for world karate dream cup in Japan seeks community support
Seventeen-year-old Tshepang Rhadime from Duduza has been selected to represent South Africa at the World Karate Dream Cup in Japan, but he still needs to raise R40 000 to make the trip a reality.
Duduza – Tshepang Rhadime (17) from Duduza divides his time between boxing, karate and being a full-time learner.
His journey with Shinkyokushin karate began in 2022 after a karate sensei spoke to his mother about enrolling him on classes.
“From my very first day, it was absolutely amazing and I loved every second of it. I ended up staying for the whole week because I was enjoying it so much. Two weeks after I joined, a tournament came up,” he explained.
Although Rhadime was new to the sport, he competed after only two weeks of training and earned his white belt.
He gave his all in his first tournament and took first place.
“That was the exact moment I completely fell in love with karate. Karate is a sport that takes me everywhere, from local mat battles to provincial showdowns and all the way to the national stage.
“But here is the real challenge: everything in karate requires money,” he said.
He expressed that competing costs money, and travelling to tournaments also comes at a cost.
Rhadime said that whenever a major tournament comes up, he feels anxious and gets a fluttery feeling in his stomach as he worries about the costs associated with participating.
He emphasised that he does not let that stop him.
“I get out there and hustle, asking for donations from the community. Those who can afford to give always open their hearts and support me.
“And when I hit that mat, I push myself to the absolute limit with pure dedication,” he added.
He emphasised that this determination is what drives his success, adding that he has built a strong reputation through his performances and achievements.
However, he highlighted that his greatest challenge remains financial.
“Following my intense training and strong performance on the mat, I competed in the National Selection Tournament, where the absolute best fighters in the country gathered to fight for a spot on the international stage,” he said.
Rhadime has been selected to represent South Africa at the World Karate Dream Cup, scheduled for July 18 and 19 at the prestigious Yoyogi National Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan.
“I am absolutely over the moon. I missed out on a trip to Japan before, so now that this second opportunity has come around, my joy is on another level.
“It means a lot because I will be representing South Africa in Japan and showing the world that there are karate champions in our country,” he said.
Rhadime’s trip to Japan requires R40 000 to cover flights and other related expenses. He has not yet raised any funds and hopes to secure enough support before departure.
“Everyone around me is doing their best to keep my spirits high and keep my hope alive. Personally, this trip is going to change my whole mindset.
“Stepping out of South Africa and seeing the world will show me that my dreams are valid and that hard work really opens doors,” he said.
He explained that competing professionally on an international stage against some of the world’s best athletes will be the ultimate test.
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He believes that participating in Japan will sharpen his karate skills, expose him to different fighting styles and elevate his karate career to a global level.
He added that investing in his journey is not just about helping an athlete get to a tournament.
“It is about investing in a dream and showing the world what South African youth are capable of.
“With the clock ticking, financial support will give me the peace of mind to focus fully on my training and schoolwork.
“In return, I will represent my supporters’ brands with the highest level of discipline, integrity and excellence on a global stage,” he said.
He urged community members to help him raise funds to make his dream a reality. His immediate goal is to conquer the tournament and establish himself internationally.
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In the long term, Rhadime hopes to become a world champion and continue putting South African karate on the global map.
He also wants to use his success to give back, open doors for others and show that one can start from anywhere and still become a global champion.
His advice to young people chasing their dreams is to remain focused and motivated.
“Never let your current circumstances limit the size of your dreams.
“Karate teaches us discipline, respect and perseverance, and you need those exact qualities in life.
“There will be times when people make empty promises or when you feel like throwing in the towel, but you have to keep pushing,” he advised.
“Work hard in silence, stay dedicated and never lose hope. If I can do it, you can do it.”
