From wheelchair to world champ
From a motorcycle accident where she injured her leg in three places to being one of the best female karate athletes in the country.
It was six years ago when doctors told her she would never be able to walk after a horrific motorcycle accident.
She broke her femur in three places, her hip and knee which required her to be in a wheelchair for months.
However, through sheer willpower, not only can Petra Smit walk but she even opened Roodekrans Karate Centre.
“I thought I would never walk again so to be where I am today is a real blessing. After the accident I was in a wheelchair but I was so used to being involved in karate that I started training in my wheelchair and working with my arm more. This helped me get my strength back and that progressed until I started training in crutches. I couldn’t give up, the sport was good for my mind and body,” said Petra.
The 52 year-old has been involved in karate for more than 20 years and got her black belt in 1991. She now has four black belts.
In May last year, she took part in the Italy World Championships.
She was awarded with one gold medal, two silver medals and two bronze medals.
“They did not have a category for athletes my age so I competed in the 29-35 year category.
The karate centre she opened in January already has 21 young pupils who took part in the Derrich Geyer Championships earlier this month. Justin Bramby got a silver medal in kata and a bronze in kumite. Boipelo Monyera received two silver medals for kata and kumite. Kaleb Malherbe was awarded with a bronze medal for kata and silver medal for kumite. Minet van Staden and Ryan McGowan got two gold medals each for kata and kumite.
“I am ecstatic with the results my pupils achieved which proves that we are doing something right. We have not been open for even six months. I love to teach because I am passionate about karate because I want to share my knowledge and experiences with my pupils,” said Petra.
Karate runs in the family as her husband Deon is a second black belt and a self defence instructor.
Her son Kelvin is also a second belt and recently represented South Africa at the World Karate Championships in Japan.
The Roodekrans Karate Centre is located at the Lion’s Club house in 16 Belladonna Road.
Training is from Mondays to Thursday at 5.15pm to 6pm.
