Well on his way to realise his Olympic dream

Going to the Olympic games has always been a dream for Sensei Morgan Moss. This dream could very soon be realised.

Morgan was one of only three athletes selected to represent Karate South Africa and South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) at the Olympic game qualification event in Paris, France.

The event took place between June 10 and 13, and Morgan said he was looking forward to making history and being the first South African male athlete to represent karate at such a prestigious and historical event.

“I have won it all over the course of my sporting career, but the Olympic journey is a new one for karatekas. Living this experience has been overwhelming.”

Morgan has been training his whole life but, he said, during this last four-year cycle he had sacrificed and put in extra hours to make sure that he would be ready for the Olympics.

“My training has consisted of numerous training camps (both domestic and international), and numerous trips around the world to participate in international competitions.”

He has been kicking and punching since he could walk, and developed a love for the sport that he learned from his father who was a Sandan (3rd Dan) and a national champion. He said it was only natural for his dad to start teaching him. He officially started training in 1994 when he was six years old.

“This event will also be extremely emotional for me because my dad is unfortunately no longer with us due to Covid-19.”

In 2006 Morgan opened his dojo in a small back room of a school, and by now his dojo, Morgan Moss Karate International, has grown and won the West Rand Sports Club of the Year award.

“I always wanted to teach. Even my degree studies at university were all geared at improving the way I understand children, families and sport, so that I could be a better karate instructor.” He completed his honours degree in Sport Science, and has degrees in Child and Family Psychology, as well as Sport Psychology.

Morgan said he has always believed in leading from the front and hopes this achievement will be an inspiration to future stars.

“Karate has shaped my personality and guided me through the highs and lows of not only the art and sport, but through life. Karate has also given me the opportunity to meet amazing people and allowed me to travel all over the world.”