Picture: Members of Mamusa Karate Dojo Non-Profit Organisation (NPO)/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The founder of Mamusa Karate Dojo Non-Profit Organisation (NPO), Kabelo Seetelo (42) said his organisation addresses several very important lessons through a range of activities such as health and wellness, socialization and education.
He said after realising that there are many socio-economic challenges affecting the youth, he decided to form his organisation.
“Mamusa Karate Dojo NPO, is a division of world karate organisation, Shinkyokushinkai. The club is based in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke and is a community-based Karate Club. We are the officially registered South African branch of the Shinkyokushinkai.
“Mamusa Karate Dojo is the largest group of karate practitioners in the province. Our grades are recognised internationally and in Japan. Our senseis trained at the infamous Honbu in Tokyo as often as possible to ensure that standards remain at the highest level,” said Seetelo.
He further said they have over 30 members who have joined the organisation to benefit from self-defence and life skills lessons offered by his organisation. Seetelo added that, as a former Black Belt student of Shinkyokushinkai in Japan, this is a safe and secure way in which students can learn and train in the martial arts known as karate.
“Our members range from 4 to 36 years and we offer professional instruction by qualified and reliable practising karateka (students of the art.) We are internationally recognised offer black belt grades and are registered with the Department of Education in Japan.
“There is a chance for all karateka to earn provincial and national colours as well as World Karate Organisation (WKO) due to our various affiliations. We offer an exciting form of exercise as well as self-defence, which in today’s day and age is essential,” said Seetelo.
As a South African-based Karate Artist and a qualified Sensei, Seetelo started his career in 1999 where he trained under Sensei Lebina at Mmathari Creche in Ipelegeng Township. He obtained all colours from the HME grounds and training style as Kiokoshin.
“I went to Johannesburg and travelled across South Africa competing with other athletes from various provinces. In the late 90’s, I started travelling and competing internationally. My technical was Kioskoshin, then to JKA then transformed to Shinkyokoshinshinkai, which is currently my 3rd Dan, Black Belt.
“We have won over 36 trophies as an organisation and continue to compete across the country. Recently, we went to Mokopane village in Limpopo Province to compete there and we won trophies. Even though it is challenging to run an organisation like this, I like the discipline, dedication and determination I receive from my students,” said Seetselo.
Meanwhile, one of Seetelo’s students, Ouma Chabaesele (23) said: “I am passionate about karate as a sport because I learn different skills. karate training keeps us away from the streets. We learn various skills that help us to develop confidence.
“As a woman, I think all females need to learn these kinds of techniques for self-defence. It is not safe anymore and if one is equipped with various techniques, they can survive against all odds. The training has had a tremendous effect on my life and I am grateful for Seetelo’s teachings.”
Chabaesele said, that nowadays, young people get distracted and indulge in drug and alcohol abuse, which contributes to various socio-economic challenges. She said they need to be wiser to be better leaders of tomorrow.
The Guardian 