SPORTS: NKZN JKA camp it out at Kwazinungu

Sensei Johan Swart said innovation and initiative were an integral part of JKA karate as fighting involved precisely that; to take one’s opponent by surprise.

November 12, 2017

Zianne Leibrandt 2 minutes read

No outdoor camp is a camp without late night and early morning fun, and for the NKZN JKA karate region, the camp at Kwazinungu was all of that and so much more.

Karateka from as far as Hluhluwe and as close as Volksrust attended the 2017 karate camp.

Arriving on a Friday afternoon, the karateka were shown into their rooms and were given free time to roam the campsite, before the introductory meeting.

As karate is a discipline sport, the rules were laid down and the programme for the weekend was read out, and would start with a senior training session.

Needless to say, after the strenuous yet enlightening session, the hungry karateka enjoyed a delicious hot stew that filled the tummy and warmed the soul.

Saturday morning dawned at 4.30am for the senior karateka who attended their first session.

Attentive instructions regarding the training, was dealt with in time for the early morning warm-up and a fun run with juniors.

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This was followed by a hearty breakfast in preparation for a tough day of karate, distance bow challenge, go-cart racing and team-building.

As tradition dictates the losing team managed to drag their tired bodies through the mud just before the thunderstorm hit, bringing with it much needed rain, forcing karateka to take all activities indoors.

Sensei Johan Swart said innovation and initiative were an integral part of JKA karate as fighting involved precisely that; to take one’s opponent by surprise.

The senior class took charge, and organised an impromptu “sokkie” where all races and cultures present, learnt not only a new dance, but to respect one another’s cultures, norms and customs.

“Age groups from as young as five years up to almost sixty years showed that tolerance and acceptance are the key, not only to a successful camp, but to appreciation, positive reception and success in the real world as well.”

With such a full programme (half of which could not be completed), all that was left to do on Sunday morning was for the exhausted but content karateka to pack up and make sure that the campsite was left clean and tidy for the next group.

For more information regarding class times and fees, contact Johan Swart on 083 658 7157.