Local mom headed for karate World Champs

After hours of practice and a lifetime of karate, a local mother of two can’t resist the opportunity to fight in the world champs again, for the first time since having children.
Zinkwazi resident and long time karate competitor and sensei, Jane Gardner, is headed for the Kimura Shukokai International (KSI) championships, which will take place at Sun City from July 20 to 25.
Having taken up karate in 1994 at the age of 14, Gardner was already fighting competitively by 1996, competing in each KSI championship until 2004, having her son in 2006.
“I started karate to build strength with gymnastics, and it just stuck,” she said.
Becoming a mother, however, did not detract from her passion for the sport.
“My son trains with me and my daughter is already asking ‘Mommy, when are we going to start karate’,” she said.
Gardner is a second dan black belt, and will be competing in Kata, a discipline without an opponent where you are judged on form, and Kumite, which is fighting against an opponent.
She will also take part in Unison Kata, which involves three participants executing forms in unison, and Team Kumite, where each member of a team faces a single opponent in the ring, but points scored are added towards the team’s score.
“Being in that ring is electric, it is just the most amazing feeling,” she said, the spark of excitement twinkling in her eyes.
Gardner is one of 23 competitors from KZN who will compete along with other South Africans against representatives from 22 other countries from around the world.
Getting to the KSI championships, however, does not only require intense training and dedication, but substantial funding.
“They do not allow you to have any markings on your uniform at the KSI, which makes convincing sponsors difficult,” said Gardner.
In addition to being required to purchase two sets of kit, and specified accomodation for the duration of the tournament, Gardner also has to worry about travel costs.
“It really adds up,” she said.
Living and breathing karate, Gardner teaches karate classes and is also running specialised ladies’ self defence courses.
For more information on the courses contact her on 072 302 8936.