A Stanger karateka who was knocked out cold at his first tournament and told he’d never make the grade in the sport, has been selected to fight in Japan.

Lungelo “Bruce” Khaba (27) from Shayamoya has honed his skills through years of dedication and will represent South Africa at the World Full Contact Karate Organisation (WFKO) tournament in Japan from May 31 to June 1.

Nicknamed “Bruce” after martial arts legend Bruce Lee, Khaba was one of three KwaZulu-Natal fighters selected at a Gauteng tournament in January.

His journey, however, has been anything but easy. Determined to compete internationally, he trained relentlessly after spotting the selection event announcement last December. J

uggling his job as a bartender at Butcher Boys in Ballito, Khaba squeezed in training during his two-hour breaks at Willard Beach before returning to work.

“I would train, shower, change clothes and continue attending to customers since December is the busiest season,” he said.

Now, his biggest challenge is raising R32 600 to fund his trip.

“This isn’t just for me – it’s for those I train and who look up to me. I want my journey to inspire others to never give up,” he said.

Khaba’s love for karate began at 11 when he joined a local dojo, eager to replicate moves he saw in films.

His coach, Senzo Majola, remembers his early enthusiasm.

“He came to us in a black tracksuit and white vest, just like Bruce Lee. I’m proud of how far he’s come,” said Majola.

However, young Bruce was not yet fully committed and stopped training within a few months. He returned to karate in 2015 and competed in his first tournament the following year at the KwaDukuza Salga competition – only to be knocked out and ridiculed for his bruises.

“They told me to quit, but I trained harder instead,” he said.

His perseverance paid off in 2016 when he placed third in a provincial tournament in Mzinto. The following year, he claimed his first title at the South African Karate Tournament in Tongaat.

Now, on the brink of his biggest challenge yet, Khaba needs support to get to Japan. To assist, contact him at 067 090 9266.

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