Karate seminar aims to prepare karateka for Africa Cup
They are in need of sponsors, as the entry fee is R400 per division.
The Brakpan Shotokan Karate Club, headed by Sensei Lolia Basa, is preparing for the Japan Karate Association (JKA) Africa Cup from May 20 to 24 in Johannesburg.
There will be training on May 20 and 21, grading for Sub-Saharan African competitors on May 22, and the actual championships will take place on May 23 and 24 in the Ellis Park Indoor Arena.
In preparation, Lolia worked on stance, technique and knowledge of the Japanese names of stances and movements with his students on March 29. The seminar aimed to sharpen their skills so they can compete in the cup.
As the dojo is unable to compete in local qualifiers and competitions, due to cost and transport issues, the karateka could not qualify to represent South Africa at the cup.
However, the Democratic Republic of Congo – where Lolia is from – selected the karateka to represent the DRC at the cup as the local team.
They will be competing under the flag of the DRC, as according to Lolia, they still deserve the opportunity to compete like other karateka who can afford the opportunity to attend qualifying competitions.
Still, entry fees are steep and each fighter has to pay R400 for kata and R400 for kumite, meaning the club requires sponsorships to allow the fighters to participate.
Those interested in contributing can contact Lolia on 071 884 3231.
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