Sensei Monique Lyons of Gert Sibande Karate has a true love for the sport
She is also a qualified international instructor and is currently preparing to go for her firth band grading which will take place at the end of the year should Covid-19 allow it.
HIGHVELD – Recently taking silver and gold in the 2021 National KSA Karate Tournament and also taking silver and gold at the KSA National League, which is for the top 10 ranked athletes in SA in her category, local Sensei Monique Lyons (38) has her sight now on obtaining her Protea colours.
Sensei Lyons is currently ranked second in kata and first in kumite in South Africa.
She is the president of Gert Sibande Karate and is the head coach for Mpumalanga.
She originally took on karate as a form of self-defence and stress relief, but after 32 years Lyons has competed in many leagues and tournaments and placed in top rankings.
“I love this sport. I am now aiming for my Protea colours,” said Lyons.
Obtaining Protea colours is not easy and takes many years of hard work and dedication to achieve.
Selections for Protea colours are based on national rankings.
Due to Covid-19, the international tournaments were cancelled last year.
Lyons was on the shortlist for the team to compete in the international tournament.
“My greatest achievement was obtaining a gold medal in the SA’s JKA tournament,” said Lyons.
She has also represented South Africa on numerous occasions and won her team a bronze medal at the world championships.
In 2019 she competed in all leagues and nationals, taking medals at all of the events.
She also in the same year competed at the Arnold Classic Africa.
Although competing is at the top of the list for Lyons, she enjoys teaching her skills and techniques to others.
“I love coaching children and seeing them improve every time.
“Being president is hard work. We are currently working on our project to bring karate to children who are less fortunate and are unable to afford it.”
Being president of Gert Sibande Karate comes with huge responsibilities.
Lyons travels throughout Gert Sibande District to make sure that all clubs are complying with strict Covid-19 regulations.
The club welcomes all people of all ages to come and join their team.
Lyons is currently a Yondan, which means she is a fourth dan in JKA.
She is also a qualified international instructor and is currently preparing to go for her fifth band grading which will take place at the end of the year should Covid-19 allow it.
“Karate fits all, it does not matter how old you are or what size you are.”
“It is very good for stress levels and the development of mussels.”
She said karate is the best form of release and exercise for children and also adults who suffer from ADD and ADHD.
“This is a safe environment for children to be able to channel their emotions and to help them to get some form of release and focus,” said Lyons.
Not only does the club work closely with schools, but they also accommodate people with disabilities.
“There are currently people with disabilities who are competing at an international level,” said Ms Madelein Coetzee, secretary for Lyons Karate Club.
“Sensei Monique is an inspiration for us,” said Ms Coetzee.
“Coming from a smaller area and seeing other clubs with bigger facilities and the financial support, Sensei Monique shows us it is possible to compete no matter what our circumstances are and that one can go from absolutely no ranking to being ranked first nationally. This is a true inspiration,” said Ms Coetzee.
Ms Coetzee said that despite Lyons’ injuries and also suffering from chronic asthma, she still competes and achieves her goals.
“Nothing can stand in your way if you want it,” concluded Lyons.
