Thohoyandou karateka wins best of the best
Azwihangwisi Nematshetshete (36) dominated in Polokwane, winning multiple gold and silver medals and the overall performance trophy.
LIMPOPO – Senpai Azwihangwisi Nematshetshete from Duthuni village outside Thohoyandou was crowned as the best of the best in all style karate, at a competition held at Zurel College in Polokwane last Saturday.
Nematshetshete won a gold medal in kata, gold in kumite, silver in unison kata, silver in creative kata, and the overall performance trophy.
Nematshetshete is the senpai at the Takalani Karate Centre in Thohoyandou, and holds a brown belt.
“The competition was tough, but I learned a lot from my competitors, and hope that I will improve on the things I need to improve on. The competition came at the right time as I exercise every day, which means I was fit for competing.
“Karate is a way of life, I dream, breathe and eat karate. I always tell people that if they can join karate, they will be the most disciplined people ever because karate teaches morals and discipline.”
He recalls that he was inspired by his late sensei, Takalani Target Mushavhanamadi.
“I learned a lot from my sensei, and whatever he taught me I will never forget. He played a crucial role in my life. Had it not been for him, I would never be where I am today, in karate and in life. I fight using the empi kata, and empi kata was a favourite of my late sensei Target, and fighting with empi kata was another way of honouring him. May his soul continue to rest in eternal peace.”
The 36-year-old encourages other children to take up karate.
“I started karate at the age of 12, and since then I have never looked back. There are lots of sporting codes, but I chose karate because karate is a way of life,” he concluded.
