Introducing a new sport to the township
The morning kick-started with a warm-up session which prepared the budding students for the multiple challenges that lied ahead.
The ancient art of self-defence and discipline took centre stage in Zandspruit informal settlement this past weekend when senseis from across Johannesburg visited the area to teach the basics and principles of karate.
Eager youngsters from all age groups descended on the taxi rank clad in their white gowns and respective rank belts with one objective in mind, to practise the multiple techniques such as striking, punching, kicking, and elbow attack.
The morning kick-started with a warm-up session which prepared the budding students for the multiple challenges that lied ahead.
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Sensei Dumzani Mashinini, the founder of the Honeydew Karate dojo, elaborated on the purpose of hosting this ‘edutaining’ event. “We hosted this karate workshop to instil interest in the youngsters of this area by providing them with an alternative option to football,” he said.
For a change on Sunday, 28 March, residents of Zandspruit had the opportunity to go and watch a different sport as the enthusiastic karate kids put on a show which saw ordinary children falling in love with the sport and eventually being invited to partake in the workshop.
Mashinini added that karate is beneficial to the children in many ways, among other teaching self-control, building confidence, teaching respect, and lastly defence. “We apply these teachings, which are good for the children’s development. We found that karate was beneficial to the families of the children, as the dojo provides a centre for the children to focus on positive things and not on the social ills surrounding them,” he explained.
With over 50 karate enthusiasts at the venue, all the children got the undivided attention from Mashinini and other karatekas who travelled from many parts of Joburg, including Soweto to help set the standard of karate in Honeydew.
As these kinds of workshops are expected to be held regularly, Mashinini hinted at entering some karate competitions in order for the children to compete on a professional level when they have perfectly mastered the dynamics of martial arts.
