National stage beckons for Kimberley's Kyokushin Karate Sako Juku Academy

The Kyokushin Karate Sako Juku Academy has long stood as a beacon of discipline, focus, and community pride in Kimberley. Under the leadership of 7th Dan black belt, Kancho Lawrence Booi, the academy has been instrumental in shaping the lives of countless young people in Galeshewe, using the art of karate not only as a sport but as a way to build character.

And the character building is set to continue on August 15, when 23 of the academy’s dedicated students will travel to Cape Town to compete in a prestigious national karate championship. Competitors will range from white belt beginners to seasoned black belts, showcasing their skills in both Kata, the precise and disciplined form-based performance, and Kumite, the intense combat sparring discipline.

This championship goes beyond the Academy's students simply testing their skill, because this also happens to be a qualifying event for the highly anticipated World Cup in Lusaka, Zambia. For the young Sako Juku students the stakes could not be higher.

Intense preparation 

Kancho Booi explained that the team has been training diligently from Monday to Thursday, between 4pm and 5.30pm, in preparation for this competition. “My students are strong and well prepared. We have been training hard to ensure that we will do well at the championship. Their fitness and technical skills are good, and I am sure they will do well in Cape Town,” he said with confidence.

He also appealed to the community for support in helping the club reach its goals. “Any assistance will go a long way in ensuring our athletes get the chance to compete at their best. This journey is not just about medals; it is about representing our community and proving what Kimberley’s youth can achieve.”

Those wishing to contribute can contact Kancho Booi at 066 030 6662.

Personal growth

Beyond the competition, karate plays a vital role in the personal growth of its young practitioners. For many youngsters, stepping onto the dojo floor goes beyond simply learning self-defence because the art teaches self-esteem, patience, and respect. Karate instils discipline, self-control, and perseverance, qualities that extend far beyond the training hall into school, home, and community life.

In a world where young people often face challenges such as peer pressure and a lack of positive role models, martial arts offer a constructive outlet. Training in karate instills a sense of responsibility and the confidence to make better life choices. It helps children set and achieve goals, overcome fears, and develop the resilience to stand tall in the face of adversity.

As the Kyokushin Karate Sako Juku Academy approaches its fifth decade, its legacy continues to grow. The values it imparts – empowerment, discipline, and achievement – have shaped generations and will undoubtedly inspire many more.

The trip to Cape Town is another chapter in this remarkable journey, one that carries the hopes of not just the academy but the whole of Kimberley.

When these young karatekas bow in at the national championships, they will be doing more than representing themselves. They will be representing the discipline, pride, and fighting spirit of their community – a spirit that has been nurtured for nearly 50 years and shows no signs of slowing down.