Each week a group of dedicated young men make their way to the Papkuilsfontein Hall to fine tune their martial arts skills.

These boys had previously never been familiar with this sport, which requires discipline, strength as well as a committed coach. This, they have in Ian Xulu, a martial arts instructor who started the Estcourt Wushu branch in February last year.

Mr Xulu, who has a black belt and is referred to as a ‘Sensei’ is a Durban resident whose interest in martial arts, kung-fu and karate developed from a young age. When he relocated to Estcourt for work reasons, he realised that there was no school available to pass his knowledge onto locals, so he decided to open one.

While the school’s enrolment has dwindled, the learners are growing in leaps and bounds. Last year they attended a tournament in June and won three gold medals.

The boys also attended a grading in October where each one progressed to a green belt. Their next task is the SA Wushu Open Tournament in Ruimsig, Gauteng on June 11. This is an open tournament and the boys are hard at work readying themselves for it.

The boys will also get an opportunity to meet with members from other Wushu school branches. Mr Xulu extends an invitation to all locals who are interested in learning martial arts and says there is no age or weight restriction.

The Estcourt Wushu branch hosts classes at the Papkuilsfontein Hall on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesday from 5pm.