Shotokan Karate Association of South Africa is a club based at the Discovery Recreational Centre and headed by Sensei Dale Booysens. The club is affiliated to the Gauteng Karate Federation, a governing body under Karate South Africa. The dojo has been through some exciting times recently, with a name-change and joining a provincial governing body.
The karatekas also gained much-needed experience when they participated in the Women’s Day Cup in Soweto. The development tournament’s purpose was to establish a team to represent Western Gauteng in the national tournament, which takes place in the Eastern Cape in February next year.
“We are moving in the right direction and have started to expand the club. We have a few seniors as well who are passionate about martial arts. God willing, they will one day open their own dojos. These seniors, Michaela Anthony and Jonah-Tyler Booysens, have been with me since they were white belts and they assist me greatly. They can lead a class in my absence,” said Dale.
Over the past year, the dojo has grown, with the view of targeting the 2020 Olympic Games. That is also why the club affiliated with a provincial body.
“This has given the children a chance to represent the province and subsequently the country. With Olympics 2020 coming up and karate having been brought back into the fold, a South African team is currently being put together. The children are excited about it, but it takes a lot of hard work and sacrifice. With travelling expenses and the like, it’s a bit more costly so we’ve been hosting fundraisers, approaching the private sector for donations and assistance. It’s a busy time to be a karate club but that comes from the hunger and desire to do well.”
Thor Matsepe is a 13-year-old has been training karate since 2013. He is currently a brown belt. He said, “It’s a very nice and fun sport to be a part of. Everyone should do it as it teaches one about self-discipline, respect and loyalty. I thought karate would be a good fit for me. The club has started to grow so I invited everyone to visit us and watch us train. Hard work and dedication are important aspects of training in karate.”
Dakalo Gongotha has been training karate for three years and loves the martial art because he has learned self-defence. The nine-year old is a purple belt. He said that being pushed to his limits is just one of the reasons why he enjoys karate. “My goal is to achieve a black belt and open my own dojo one day,” he added.
For more information on the club, contact Dale on 083 292 2953.
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