Kruben Pillay, who has been coaching karateka around Weston-aria for years, will now also train fighters from the Carletonville area. Pillay is a fifth Dan Black Belt Karate expert and is also the president of the West Rand Sports Federation.
He says this sport teaches one to use speed, rhythm and timing and execute punching, kicking and takedown techniques. These tech- niques are practised regularly to simulate real threats when it matters most. Students are also taught kata forms, based on traditional Japanese Shotokan karate.
The club teaches karate, based on the five principles – character building, sincerity, effort, etiquette and self-control.
Kruben says a fundamental skill and one of the key areas is leadership. While some young people have inherent leadership qualities, others develop them with proper mentor-ship and growth opportunities.
Karate encourages and stimulates young leaders to reach their goals. With these skills, children and adults are empowered to take positive decisions and act as role models within their school, family, or community.
Pillay says, when students work towards their goals and see them- selves succeed, they begin to feel empowered with self-confidence. In this way, the sport of karate teaches its participants that hard work and focus can help them accomplish what they set out to do. They learn how to work with their strengths and weaknesses and believe in their own abilities.
Students also take part in competitions that teach them how to find the competitive edge within themselves.
Pillay teaches karate in the Carletonville Sports Complex from 17:00 to 18:00 on Mondays and Wednesdays. The club also has the exper- tise of the Gauteng coach and South African Protea, Luciano Enzo Pillay, formerly of Carleton Jones High School. He is an expert kumite fighting coach.
All are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Nisha Pillay 072 838 7528 or Kruben at 082 739 3146.