Dynamite in a small package

Tyla Vilela came one step closer to realising her dream of becoming a professional karate-ka when she won gold at the All-styles KSA (Karate South Africa) WKF (World Karate Federation) national championships.

The tournament was held on March 6 and 7 at the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS) and Tyla proved herself a worthy top seed, winning the female kadette (girls 14-15) category.

Tyla is a student of the North Coast Karate Academy and a grade nine pupil at Ashton College. Her father and sensei, Carlos Vilela, who also happens to be the CEO of KSA, attributes her academic success to the focus and discipline Tyla learned through her dedication to karate.

“Tyla got average grades in primary school but the more karate she practiced, the more her grades improved and today she is in the top ten of her class,” said Carlos.

The three times Protea is currently a brown belt and said she would only go for her black belt when she feels ready for the responsibility.

“A lot of responsibility comes with wearing a black belt. Karate is not just a sport, but a lifestyle of honor, respect and discipline and you have to be ready for the responsibility of being that role model before wearing a black belt,” said the petite teenage girl as she warmed up in the Dojo.

Tyla’s journey as a karate-ka started when she was just three and a half years old at Crawford North Coast pre-primary, watching the older kids practice.

“Growing up in an family environment rich in karate, falling in love with the history and principles of the sport was easy,” said Tyla.

She said her mother wanted her to do ballet but all Tyla wanted to do was karate.

Hoping to follow in the great Sandra Louw’s footsteps, Kyla currently trains six to seven days a week for two hours a day. In 1994, Sandra Louw became South Africa’s only ever All-styles karate world champion and Tyla dreams of becoming the second South African to achieve this fete.

Under mentorship of Sensei Carlos, KZN and Protea coach, Brando Pillay and national style head, Hanshi Sonny Pillay, Tyla hopes to do well in August at the karate Commonwealth championships in New Delhi and then at the WKF world championships in November in Jakarta, Indonesia.

“Tyla has so far won four medals as a Protea, representing South Africa at international karate tournaments,” said her mother, Sharon Vilela.

Tyla won silver at the 2013 karate Commonwealth championships and would like to go one better this year.