For 24 years, Master Louise Viviers of the local Tang Soo Do Club has passionately taught the traditional and captivating Korean martial art of Tang Soo Do to Potchefstroomers.

Twenty-four is an appropriate number for Viviers who sees her sport as a lifestyle – dedication for 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Viviers is a 6 Dan Tang Soo Do master and has contributed massively to the sport in South Africa. Furthermore, she is also the president of Martial Arts South Africa (MASA) and the chairperson of the local Tlokwe Sports Council.

With this dedication, it is no wonder that she has shaped the lives of many people who went from beginner to black belt champion, not only in the sport but in the way they approach their daily lives.

‘Martial arts require a lot of dedication and practice. The martial art style itself will not change but the application towards martial arts will differ with each generation,’ says the experienced martial arts master who has taught at the Trimpark for the past two decades.

‘I have young students who start at age 5 and are still with me in their 20’s. Other students start at a later stage, say 50, and also derive a lot of satisfaction from the sport. My oldest student is 62. Parents sometimes start joining the club when they see how much enjoyment their children get from it. It is a family activity.’

According to Viviers, the number of competitions that students can participate in has also changed drastically and this has changed the way the students align their goals.

‘When I was a student, we were lucky to compete in two competitions per   year. Now, there are so many to choose from we need to decide in which competitions we want to participate. These contests can sometimes be daunting and nerve-wracking. It is important to train and get the students to an optimum level both physically and mentally.   Competitions make up about 10 per cent of what we do at the club, while the other 90 per cent consists of training and perfecting the martial arts style,’ she explains.

It was not always easy for Viviers who started coaching at the tender age of 18 and decided to pursue her passion after school as well. ‘I actually started doing karate in Rustenburg in 1989 but the club closed down. Everyone eventually moved to the local Tang Soo Do club and I   joined, too. From there on, I was hooked on the sport and found it captivating. I was very lucky to be able to train and get the exposure from an early age. Everything just fell into place in those two years after school and it turned into a great success. Tang Soo Do is my life,’ says the full-time martial arts trainer.

Tang Soo Do focuses on respecting your opposition, following structures and having patience and the will to learn. Viviers also agrees that it is important to instil leadership abilities in her students so that they, in turn, can be an example to others in the training group.

‘My students look up to me and it is my duty to help them where I can and set an example of how to lead.’

According to Viviers, she enjoys teaching students the most and seeing them grow and enjoy the sport instead of focusing on personal gain or achievements.  ‘My biggest achievements lie in my students’ achievements and their attitude towards, and respect for, the sport and their opponents. It is all about making a difference in their lives and empowering them to gain self-confidence. You gain confidence from the knowledge of your abilities and how you present yourself in front of others. It is more focused on self-defence than being physically aggressive,’ she says.

Any interested individuals can  come to the club grounds at the Trimpark to experience what this Korean martial art is all about. Contact Master Louise Viviers on 082 337 8030 for more information.