Karate enthusiast takes bronze at SA championships

Rachel Boys is one of the impressive learners from Charter College who competed at the SA Championships for Karate in Durban. She received a bronze medal for the individual cadet kata division, and gold in the team female kata division.

The 13 going on 14-year-old started doing karate when she was four years old, following in her older brother and sister’s footsteps. “I started karate because I found it fun but after a while I found it boring and then I moved dojos. After that I started competing in dojo competitions.”

Rachel is enthusiastic about karate and competing in any space. She described her latest competition in Durban as ‘fun’, although she did admit that she was nervous in the beginning. “ You go against another competitor, and whoever’s flag goes up is the winner. I won two rounds and I lost one. I enjoy competitions and being able to leave the house. I currently have a third brown belt and I am going for a black belt in April next year.”

She said she loves the sport because it has taught her to defend herself. Rachel may have gotten into karate because of her older siblings but she admitted they don’t always train together. “Only when we have extra lessons.” She trains every weekday except on Thursdays and sometimes on weekends too.

She said it could be difficult to fit in all the training and competing, and everything else on the schedule of a 13-year-old. “I try to get my homework done and when I have spare time I am with my friends. It can be a bit of a struggle but I am learning to cope with it.”

She concluded that she hoped to continue with karate as long as she could, however, she was uncertain about pursuing it as a career. “I enjoy art and history as well as spending time with my friends.”