Katlehong’s Mas sê Dojo strikes gold at karate nationals
Led by shihan Masedisa ‘Mas’ Mojaki, the Katlehong-based dojo impressed at the 2025 Shinkyokushinkai Karate National Tournament in Umlazi, with both hearing and deaf fighters showcasing resilience and skill.
Mas sê Dojo karateka delivered splendid performances and bagged eight trophies at the 2025 Shinkyokushinkai Karate National Tournament held in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal, on August 3 and 4.
The action-packed tournament was under the supervision of the president of Shinkyokushinkai Karate in South Africa, shihan Isaac Mashinini, and it consisted of both senior and junior divisions.
Mas sê Dojo, under the leadership of shihan Masedisa ‘Mas’ Mojaki, finished in the top eight of the tournament’s junior division, comprising 19 karateka.
During an exclusive interview with the Kathorus Mail, Mojaki said she is proud of her team.
“We faced a lot of obstacles during the tournament, but we showed resilience and conquered them. Our young fighters had a lapse of concentration because the tournament started late. If it wasn’t for that, they could have outclassed their opponents and we could’ve bagged more trophies.
“As any other coach, my expectations were very high, but I’m happy with my team’s performance, because it exceeded my expectations,” said Mojaki.
She added that her team was united during the tournament.
“My team has been doing well. In May, they took part in the annual Matlosana Cup tournament in Klerksdorp, North West, and eight fighters dominated the tournament to win five trophies.
“Among the 19 karateka we took to the Shinkyokushinkai tournament, four of them are deaf, and they have been training at the dojo since 2018. The youngest amongst them is six years old. It has always been something special for me to include the deaf community in all activities at the dojo. Children with hearing impairments are as normal as any other child; the only difference is that they communicate differently,” shared Mojaki.
One of the karateka who participated in the tournament, Karabo Letshaba, said she was overwhelmed by fear during her first fight, but she had to suppress her fear to defeat her opponent.
“I enjoyed the experience, but I could have done better if I had calmed my nerves and focused on my strategy. For me, it was a learning experience, and I am going to use what I have learned going forward.
“My second fight was a bit challenging. I’m disappointed with how I performed in it, but now I’m going back to the drawing board,” Letshaba expressed.
Mas sê Dojo was established in 2018, and it’s based at the Ekurhuleni School for the Deaf in Katlehong. It has training sessions from Monday to Thursday every week.
