DURING the school holidays young Amanzimtoti martial artist and science extraordinaire, Ynez Norris, competed at a Martial Arts South Africa tournament in Pretoria, where he claimed second in the country in the kumite division, achieving his KZN provincial colours.

Also read: Amanzimtoti’s cross-country success

The Kingsway High School learner said that at first, he did not enjoy martial arts, but during the last two years competing, he has learned a lot and become stronger both mentally and physically.

“To now have my KZN colours, it is a sense of accomplishment that makes me remember how far I’ve come. I couldn’t have done this at all without the help of my amazing mother, Klemmi, who is also a karate instructor,” said Ynez.

Kingsway High School’s Tamryn Engelbrecht said that the karateka’s achievements do not end there. Last year his winning project for Coolest Projects South Africa – Durban Edition, earned him an invite to the Eskom Expo Regional Selection process.

“Congratulations, Ynez. Thank you for continuing to make the Kingsway community proud. We wish you all the best for the Eskom Expo,” said Engelbrecht.

When asked how he balances his passion for science and robotics with his martial arts training, Ynez explained that his fixed timetable helps a great deal.

“I’m a very academic person so balancing these two worlds is quite a challenge for me but I set a few days aside for robotics, I set a few hours aside for karate because that’s all you need and I essentially go from there because all it takes is a few hours, that and the dedication and encouragement to go on from friends, family and those around me,” said Ynez.

More about the science project

“There are a lot of plans I’ve got to upgrade the AI chatbot project, but one I could share for now is that I would like it to be a safe space for children who are battling any sort of anxiety, depression or trauma. The ChatBuddy is an AI bot used to help children. It can help plan out daily chores. It can function as a diary as well,” said Ynez.

He designed it after his great-grandfather, who was always there to help him when he needed it. Ynez’s AI ChatBuddy now serves as a tribute to him.

For more South Coast Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.

Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.