15-year-old Bromhof martial artist makes the cut in the West Rand Regional Karate Team

Bromhof based young martial artist Dominique Belt (15) has been selected to join the West Rand Regional Karate Team and will compete in the Provincial Championships in 2025.

She explained that she felt ecstatic but confused about the selection. “I did not expect it. I’m not exactly sure what I’m looking forward to, or what is ahead of me, but I am optimistic for my future.”

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Though she is not fond of the exercises, Dominique said she will have to endure all the pains during this part of her life. “Since joining sensei Brendon Parker’s dojo, I now want to follow in the footsteps of his star students and strive to hold my own against them in a fight. Being accepted into West Rand has opened a new door in my life, giving me the opportunity to chase the goals in my karate career that I have set for myself.”

Her karate journey has never been easy. She started attending classes at the age of 5 years old.

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“It was difficult starting from a young age. People looked down on me. There were people who were older than me, but on a lower belt so it was hard for me to fit in. Since I joined karate, the bullying at school decreased significantly. I gained more confidence in myself, and I began to stand up to the bullying I had endured for so long.”

Beaming with pride, her mother, Nikki Belt, explained that this isn’t just about her accomplishment; it’s about the incredible journey that got her here.

“I started her in karate because she was being bullied. I wanted to give her a space where she could find her own strength – a place where she could build confidence without losing the gentle heart that makes her who she is. Now, at 15, she holds a brown belt, and I’m amazed by the quiet strength she carries with her every single day.”

She added that what truly moves her is the way Dominique has chosen to stay kind and humble, no matter what. “She’s faced bullying, and yet she hasn’t hardened. She’s met challenges, and yet she remains true to herself, never needing to shout to be heard or change who she is to prove her worth.”

Dominique wishes to become a better version of the fighter she is, and with hard work and dedication, she hopes to become a Protea and compete against the rest of Gauteng.

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