“When the blind coach the sighted, they teach more than sport; they teach resilience, vision and hope.” Those are the words of Ndyebo Lamani (also known as Bhayeni), a visually impaired paralympian judoka who recently paid a visit to Doryoku Judo Academy (DJA).

The judoka from the academy were privileged to receive personalised training and one-on-one sessions with him on Monday, August 11, and his exceptional work ethic and dedication left a lasting impression, adding more sense to why he is among the highest-rated judo athletes in the world.

Danie Bruwer, the head coach of the academy, said his students really enjoyed this session with Bhayeni, and they were left inspired with a deeper understanding that disability isn’t an obstacle.

“Bhayeni taught two classes. One class for the DJA Cubs (judoka aged seven to 12 years) and another class with the DJA Gladiators (judoka aged 12 years and older).

“He shared his favourite techniques with the judoka and also trained with the Gladiator class. The judoka realised why Bhayeni is such a successful judoka. The judoka were stunned by his confidence, skills and general fitness,” said Danie.

Born blind and raised by a single mother and grandmother in the Eastern Cape, Bhayeni discovered judo at a school for the blind in 2010. He has since defied every expectation, not only qualifying as the first-ever judoka to represent South Africa at the Paralympics but also returning home to uplift his community through sport.

He represented South Africa at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris (the highest level of global sport for athletes with disabilities), and he is ranked third at the Kazakhstan Judo Grand Prix (2024), Egyptian Grand Prix and Finnish Grand Prix (2023).

“I started my own Judo club in September last year in my home village, Runletts. I coach two daily classes, five days a week. One class is for children under 11 years of age, and the other class is for the older youth and adults.

“I also teach sighted athletes with the help of two local residents.

“The aim of my club is to show that disability is not inability and that rural children, like those in the Eastern Cape where opportunities are limited, can also reach the global stage.

“My vision is to continue inspiring others and to compete at the Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028 and to mentor rural Judoka to follow suit,” said Bhayeni.

Currently he is preparing to participate at the International Judo Grand Slam Paralympic Judo Tournament in Cairo in Egypt.

Danie concluded by saying, “It was a privilege to be coached by blind judoka, who actually do not consider themselves disabled, and to be able to share their passion for life, a dear lesson for the club and its members.”