Vryheid Dojo forges a generation of heroes
The Vryheid Dojo is conditioning a generation of these heroes, fire fighters, crime fighters and even teachers, to be at their physical and mental peak, so that they can truly make a difference in the communities they serve.
BEING a true community hero requires more than just compassion and a desire to do good.
It takes mental and physical fortitude. It means commitment, discipline, training and sacrifice. You have to be tough with yourself to be tough out there.
The Vryheid Dojo is conditioning a generation of these heroes, fire fighters, crime fighters and even teachers, to be at their physical and mental peak, so that they can truly make a difference in the communities they serve.
Thulani Mkhonza has been a member of the Dojo since 1996 and is now proud to call himself a Sempei.
ALSO READ: Jancke brings home a bronze from the SA JKA National Tournament
AND: Kyle reaps rewards for karate
Being a fire fighter, if he was not in good physical and mental condition, this would not just put Thulani’s life in grave danger, it would put others in mortal danger as well. A firefighter’s lack of physical fitness can be viewed as a matter of public safety.
At the Vryheid Dojo, Thulani trains in karate for two hours every day for physical fitness, and he ascribes to the ‘dojo kun’ (a special oath) which instils the principles of self-motivation, respect, discipline, humility and restraint from violence.
“This is the reason we are there,” says Thulani. “The trophies are just a bonus.”
…And with a dedicated team that trains hard and supports each other, Vryheid Dojo has earned numerous trophies at karate tournaments.
The most recent tournament that members of the Dojo participated in, was the Zululand District Tournament, where the following members excelled:
Malwande Magubane took third position in the boys 14-15 years category, Thulani Mkhonza took fourth position in the men’s under 70kg category and first position in the Senior Kata demonstration, Makhosi Mthethwa took second position in the female open division (over 65kg), Amanda Mhlanga took third position in the female over 65kg category, Sithembiso Lunga took fourth position in the male under 60kg category, Thembela Simelane took second position in the men under 60kg category, and Nkululeko Nyandeni took first position in the men under 70kg and men under 80kg categories.
Classes are free to residents who wish to join the Vryheid Dojo. Training takes place every day from 4.30pm till 6.30pm at the Bhekuzulu Community Hall.
In July, karatekas will be competing in the All Africa Tournament in Cape Town.
Sports enthusiasts who would like to support their efforts are urged to contact Sempei Themba Mhlanga on 073 906 6892, Sempei Thulani Mkhonza on 073 020 7012, or Sempei Makhosi Mthethwa on 060 485 1234 to make a donation towards the costs of the trip.
Special thanks goes to Sempei Themba Mhlanga and Sempei Lucky Mntambo for the hard work they put into preparing the karatekas ahead of tournaments.
“Our success is due to the fact that we work as a team,” concluded Sempei Mkhonza.
