Mini karateka to compete at Sun City
Four-year-old Aqeel Jardien will compete in the Karate Tots division in September in the national TISKA championship.
POLOKWANE – The description good things come in small packages could well apply to a diminutive newcomer to the sport of karate.
Young karate kid, Aqeel only started practicing karate this year with his family at the Nirvana basketball courts, where they practice every Monday and Wednesday from 18:00 to 19:00.
His mother, Nuraan, and sister Naeelah Jardien, also do karate and they enjoy training together as a family unit.
His mother is very proud of her children and Aqeel is proving at a young age that he is not shy and wants to do his best in the sport.
“This is an activity that I can do with my family and I enjoy it.
“I know that they will learn from engaging in this type of sport, such as how to defend themselves when faced with scenarios where they are being held against their will or being attacked.
“I can rest assured that they will be able to get themselves out of that situation without using any type of weapons and that is what karate is all about,” said Nuraan.
Sensei Annatjie De Jager, head coach of the newly-developed Yin Yang Martial Arts and Self Defence Studio, said that karate teaches children discipline, respect,self control, focus, etiquette, and builds character, sincerity and social skills by interacting with their peers.
“De Jager allows the children to warm up before and after each karate session. Karate means way of the empty hand, basically fighting without weapons, and is ideal to learn how to defend yourself.
“We don’t advocate violence but with the increase of crime stats in our country it is better to know how to protect yourself and your loved ones by learning martial arts,” she advised.
The dojo is open to all ages and members range from age four to 65.
They are still looking for a venue to practice to avoid the cold harsh winters the children are being exposed to at the basketball courts.
Anyone interesting in joining and learning martial arts is welcome to do so and can contact Annatjie de Jager at 072 860 0472. The first two classes are free.
