Sensei Bresh Dhlamini (33) of the Universal Shotokan Karate Union (USKU) will compete in the Karate World Championships in Cairo, Egypt, from November 27 to 30.

He will compete in the men’s kumite 84kg+ event, but needs your help with sponsorship to get there. Competing at such a level is a dream come true for Dhlamini, who can showcase his talent on a world platform.

“The World Cup is the biggest stage you can find in karate,” said Dhlamini.

Dhlamini, a third black belt, began his karate journey at the age of six when he was bullied for his speech impediment.

“I was bullied a lot at school because of my stutter. My father, Mackson, is also a karateka but couldn’t always be there to defend me, so I joined karate, which helped my confidence,” said Dhlamini.

He was born in Evander and began karate at the eMbalenhle Sasol Karate Club in 2001. Over the years, he has mastered karate and teaches Japanese karate styles to over 60 students at clubs in Secunda, Evander and Kinross.

“I needed to share my experience and the good that karate has to offer, like courage and discipline,” said Dhlamini.

He said the sport brings out the best in his students, keeps them active and out of trouble. He would like to see more people do karate, not only a sport but a means of self-defence.

“The sport needs more exposure. People misunderstand karate and associate it with violence. The aim of karate is to be equipped with the skill and discipline. It is a defence mechanism, but you might never need to use it because karate teaches you how to avoid conflict,” said Dhlamini.

In 2012, Dhlamini was involved in a serious car accident that put him out of action for five years. However, with his comeback, he was more determined, wiser and tougher.

His achievements:
• 2017: Third in the Senior Nationals men’s kumite under 84kg;
• 2018: Sixth in the Commonwealth Cup;
• 2024: Third in the 22nd USKU International Championships in Japan;
• 2024: Fifth in the Gabs Open in Botswana;
• 2025: Third in the Seniors Nationals men over 84kg;
• 2025: Second in the KSA Nation League;
• 2025: Won the AUSC region five SADC championship;
• 2025: Fifth in the 50 Years Independence Cup in Angola;
• 2025: Seventh in the UFAK All-Africa Championships in Nigeria.

This year, he qualified for the World Cup qualifiers in Paris, and now he has qualified for the World Cup in Egypt. In the international rankings in his division, he is tops in SA, tops in region five (southern Africa), seventh in Africa and 125th in the world.

It has taken a lot of hard work, discipline and patience for Dhlamini to reach what he says is a “highlight” in his career: Qualifying for the World Cup.

“I am achieving a fallen dream. It is something I thought I would never reach after my accident,” said Dhlamini.

He believes he has two years left in his professional karate career.

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“Protea colours are not issued after the age of 35, meaning my professional career will end,” said Dhlamini.

As the chief instructor for the USKU, his vision is to grow the clubs in Secunda, Evander and Kinross.

“I am proud of my USKU students, who have made their mark in the federation,” said Dhlamini.

His youngest student is four years old. Dhlamini is also the Karate South Africa (KSA) Proteas coach, the KSA Mpumalanga head coach and the president of KSA Gert Sibande.

“My wish is to work with local schools. We have a huge problem regarding bullying. Karate can play a better role in behaviour among our learners. It installs discipline,” said Dhlamini.

Dhlamini said a true karateka does not quit, and through God’s grace, he has achieved the wonders in his life. For leisure, he enjoys camping with friends and being in nature.

This tour will cost Dhlamini approximately R15 000, which includes his flight, accommodation and food.

Donate to:

• Account holder: Universal Shotokan Karate Union Secunda Association;
• Bank: FNB;
• Account type: Gold Business Account;
• Account number: 630 5488 0943;
• Branch code: 271 444;
• Swift code: FIRNZAJJ.

Alternatively, call Dhlamini on 083 741 2441 or 071 614 2577.

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