Karate is a way of life

NEWCASTLE – Lindokuhle Mkhasibe is a 21-year-old karate fanatic, taking the country by storm one gold medal at a time.

Born and raised in Newcastle, Lindokuhle is one of four children. Both his brothers have a passion for sport, and they all show a natural aptitude.

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“My eldest brother used to do karate as a sport for a while, and my second eldest brother played rugby until he got a knee injury, so being sporty is a part of who we are.”

Lindokuhle always loved karate, and watched kung-fu movies while growing up. He said actors like Jean-Claude van Damme and Bruce Lee were his ultimate idols when it came to karate. However, he only took up the sport after completing matric.

“I was somewhat of a troubled child, getting up to mischief. I was friends with the wrong people, so the motivation to do sport was not there.”

Once he realised he wanted to live a better life, he ventured into the world of karate where he found peace within himself, and discovered a way to make his past benefit his future.

“I realised my past and all the mistakes I made throughout my life had made me a stronger person. I learned to deal with my anger problems and how to respect not only myself, but the people around me,” he explained.

He said karate taught him to exercise self-control, kept him mentally focused and taught him discipline. He also gained many valuable life lessons which he would carry with him throughout his life’s journey.

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Although he was often ridiculed by other men from African descent for taking up karate, it simply made him more determined to succeed and to motivate youngsters to familiarise themselves with the sport.

“I occasionally teach the youngsters from my church how to do karate, and they love it. I have a profound love for this sport, so why shouldn’t I share it with others out there?”

Since taking up karate, Lindokuhle has transcended far beyond his own expectations. After his very first tournament at the Northern KwaZulu-Natal Karate Championships in March this year, Lindokuhle took home a prized gold medal for his kumite skills. He went on to participate in the Provincial Championships in Pinetown in April, where he also bagged a gold medal for kumite. In May he found himself at the National Karate Championships, and to his surprise he won two gold medals for kumite and kata.

Lindokuhle participated in the Cape Fighting League in September, where he showcased his kick-boxing skills. Elated, he won the tournament and took home yet another gold medal.

“I never thought I would do so well, but it has only encouraged me to to better, and go further.”

His ultimate dream is to own his own dojo, and teach others what he has learned. He is excited about the prospect that karate will feature at the 2020 Olympic Games.

“My ultimate goal is to be the first African man to represent not only my country, but my home at the Olympic Games in 2020. It is hard work all the way, but I am determined to make it to the top.”

Aside from his big dreams for the future, Lindokuhle still needs to focus on his sport and where he is right now. With a strong support system from his family, he has no doubt he can reach for the stars.

Lindokuhle has been selected once again to participate in the Cape Fighting League Championships (CFLC), which will be hosted in Cape Town, on October 29.

As enthusiastic as he is to have been selected for the CFLC, participating in tournaments such as this is quite pricey. Accommodation, food and travelling cost a lot of money, and looking for sponsors is time consuming, but essential.

“I have been working towards this milestone for weeks on end. To be able to attend the competition would be a dream come true.”

Despite the struggle, Lindokuhle is still determined to make it work, and believes by the grace of God he will participate in October.

He encourages the youth never to give up on their dreams, and always push through, no matter what.

“Firstly, children need to finish school. Afterwards they should have the mindset that anything is possible if they believe in themselves, and work hard. it does not matter how many times one falls down, what counts is how you get back up and move on,” he concluded.

To donate towards his dream of making it to the CFLC, Lindokuhle can be contacted on 079 543 4512.