Karatekas to represent SA in Japan
"In Japan, they are going to meet all the international champions and learn the finer points of ShinKyokushin Karate Style from them."
Tembisa karatekas Senpai Mduduzi “Master Blaster” Mahlangu and Senpai Jabulani “Legs of Fury” Mbuyane departed to Japan on Wednesday last week as part of the South African Shinkyokushinkai Karate Organisation’s team to the World Tournament.
According to the Tembisa Shinkyoshinkai Karate Organisation’s head instructor, Sensei Paul “The Dragon” Sehlabela, it is a dream come true that two of his students whom he trained, groomed and developed in karate, academically and in life skills were finally flown to Japan, the mecca of ShinKyokushin karate style.
“In Japan, they are going to meet all the international champions and learn the finer points of ShinKyokushin Karate Style from them. Our African Master Shihan Issac “African Tiger” Mashinini, the only sixth Dan black belt in Africa, will welcome them in Japan when they arrive. He left South Africa on October 22 to attend the karate techniques board meetings as a board member,” said Sensei Sehlabela.
Sensei Sehlabela said the boys rose through the ranks of karate from white belt to brown belt for Master Blaster and a green belt for Legs of Fury.
“Today they are karatekas of national repute because they are brave and courageous. They have fought in all the national tournaments under the banner of the SA Shinkyoshinkai Karate Organisation, which is affiliated to the World Karate Organisation in Japan.
“Clearly this is the pinnacle of their karate careers. It is the wish of every karateka to go to Japan during his or her active participation days in karate as Budo; the two achieved that wish with this trip,” said Sensei Sehlabela.
Sensei Sehlabela said he decided to remain behind to give both his students the opportunity to go and see Japan, and the standard of karate there so that they can learn from his masters as well.
“Unfortunately, we could not get a sponsor or donation for them. So I had pay for both of them and give away my slot for one of them to go as well. But it is no big deal because I have been to Japan several times; now is their time to enjoy Japan, and Japanese karate in particular,” said Sensei Sehlabelo.
