Karatekas earn their black belts after five years of hard work

Five years of kicks, punches and blocks recently earned two brothers, Thabang and Phindi Manzini, their first dan black belts. They are the first of sensei Danie and Sandra Janse van Vuuren’s students to achieve the Shodan rank, since they started the dojo six years ago.

The Danie and Sandra have been doing karate since 1975 and taught at various schools in the area before opening their own dojo just outside town. The Manzini brothers, aged 17 and 19, visited last week with arms full of trophies and medals for a quick chat and a bout of mock sparring.

Watch as the Manzini brother’s engage in a bout of sparring at the Hazyview dojo:

They said got hooked on karate when they came to support their cousin at practise and have been loving the sport ever since.

To be a successful in this sport, the boys believe you need to have focus, be willing to learn, have respect for the sensei and be able to improve.

Sandra explained that karate is a great sport for self-defence, discipline, respect and focus. “We’ve even seen proven results of children improving in maths.”

The karatekas agree that they find the sparring part of the sport the most difficult. “They’re nice kids, not violent,” Sandra remarked. They prefer the katas, which consist of a series of moves executed almost like a dance. This showcases their form and technique, which are then tested during sparring matches at competitions.

Thabang would like to start his own karate club under his sensei once he has moved up to the required rank and will then work towards independence, with his brother helping him all the way.

Karatekas have four opportunities a year to move up a rank, but most only participate in two. After achieving the senior belts, they have to wait a year before they can participate in grading for a black belt, with the time period in-between each ranking exam lengthening the higher the dan (rank).

To stay sharp and fit, the two black belts practise at the dojo twice a week and visit sensei Piet Venter at the White River dojo on Saturdays.

They also go to Benoni once a month for training for the Northern Region’s black-belt training.

The boys mentioned that one of the best parts of achieving their black belts is the respect they get when they go into a dojo. They also agreed that one of the activities they love most is doing demos at events or schools and getting people interested in the sport.

Their mom, Teresa, is very supportive and proud of them and joked that she’s one of those moms shouting encouragement from the sidelines and taking pictures. “I’m very thankful for sensei because karate has helped a lot with discipline,” she said with a wide smile.

Thabang said he was very excited to finally get his black belt, since he’s wanted one for years. His mom and teacher added that he never wanted to miss a class, leading to him being one of the dojo’s most dedicated pupils.

Through the years the boys have received several medals and trophies, which included Thabang being named the club’s karateka of the year in 2014.

They also entered the Karate SA’s in 2013 and got second place in unison kata.

The Manzini boys will continue their practise during the holidays and start the new year with enthusiasm as they’d like to part part in the Shotokan cup division in the national championships next year.

For more information on the club, contact Sandra on 082-530-3396.

Read more about the club:

Karatekas display determination and skill at Shotokan club competition

Karatekas win 54 medals at district championships

Karatekas visit KNP for training