The Lowvelder’s Got Talent 2021 senior male winner, Stembiso Mayisane, has recently received a sponsorship to train in aikido with a well-known martial arts professional, Sensei Craig Borman, to help him achieve a dream.

When Mayisane won the competition in 2021, he said one of his dreams was to learn aikido, a Japanese form of martial arts. He will attend Borman’s private and group classes as part of an outreach to the Mbombela community.

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“I am so excited about this opportunity to accomplish a dream and obtain training. One day I hope to travel to Japan,” Mayisane said.

Marc Paterson, the organiser of Lowvelder’s Got Talent, said the event not only offers platforms of exposure in the performing arts, but also creates links between its participants and the private sector to create upliftment and development opportunities.

“For our next season, we are looking for coaches and mentors who can assist our participants with academic, sports and cultural coaching, and any other upliftment coaches who can create measurable change in the lives of our youth,” he said.

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Borman is a fifth dan aikido sensei and affiliated with the Hombu Dojo in Japan, Aikikai headquarters. He has studied under the world’s most respected teachers and visited Japan and Europe on numerous occasions over the past 27 years. He will sponsor Mayisane as an understudy to be introduced to aikido’s techniques, principles and philosophy.

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“Aikido is a comprehensive system of throwing, joint locking, and pinning techniques. It has many physical and psychological benefits. Its versatility makes it ideal for students of all ages. Aikido forges the body and mind to become a powerful extension without the use of physical strength, which is the reason why males and females can equally work together. Aikido, often referred to as the way of harmony, extends its hands to the community to share in the spirit of ubuntu,” said Borman.

The last day to enter Lowvelder’s Got Talent is Saturday September 24 at i’langa Mall. For those who can sing, dance, act, or model: enter at the court in front of the movies between 10:00 and 15:00.