A group of karateka from Eerste River recently not only made their neighbourhood proud, but also the country.
Students from MB Shito-Ryu Karate Club attended the AUSC Region South African Championship. The tournament which was held in Durban was attended by karatekas from Namibia, Botswana, Angola, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa.
Mario Boer, the owner of the club, says Cassidy Williams won gold in the junior female section, with Luke Boer also winning gold.
“Both now stand a chance to participate in the United Federation Africa Karate (Ufak) in December, which will be held in Durban. More than 25 African countries are expected to participate,” says Boer.
Boer said it broke his heart to leave some of his students behind because of a lack of money.
“At my club there are children who cannot afford the fees, but I do not have the heart to send them away. They are in most cases the hardest workers in the gym and leaving them behind breaks my heart. I always tell my students that the club is their safe space. Not everyone’s house is a joy to be in, that is why they must feel this is their home away from hom,” says Boer.
He says his club experienced setbacks when Covid- 19 struck.
“We could not use the local hall anymore and I moved the club to my house. We saw more growth at my house than at the hall,” says Boer.
- If you want to join Boer’s club, you can phone him on 082 835 4528.
