Dream Come True!!

The satisfaction of knowing that I am officially a Springbok is amazing beyond measure. When I heard the news my head was pumping and my heart was beating so fast. At first, I could not believe it, but when things starting falling in place (e.g. my passport arrived and I got my SA kit) I knew that there was no turning back.

I started karate when I was 6 years old and have been doing it ever since. I train 5-6 times a week. Monday and Wednesday’s in Kirkwood and Tuesday and Thursday’s in Uitenhage. People often ask me if I ever get bored of karate. Honestly, I really don’t. There is constantly something to work towards. If it’s not the friendly club competition coming up the weekend, then you train towards your long term goals (e.g. grading). I learn something new every time I go to training and it just gives me peace of mind.

I will be representing South Africa in the Gichin Funakoshi Cup held in Tokyo, Japan in October this year. This is the biggest championships in the world and I feel really honoured being able to represent not only my country but also my province and even my hometown, Uitenhage.

It’s been such a great journey up until now and I can’t wait to encounter future endeavours. Right now, I am mainly focusing on the world championships. However, competing in the local competitions gives me good practise and also helps get me in the correct frame of mind. Karate doesn’t only discipline me but also teaches me to endure and persevere through tough situations. I am very blessed to have such an amazing support system behind me and I hope that I am an inspiration to the young girls out there who are big dreamers. I am a big dreamer myself and look where that got me!

 “The ultimate aim of karate lies not in defeat or victory but in the perfection of the character of its participant.”- Gichin Funakoshi.