AIM: Karate was selected as a sport because of the strict disciplines that martial arts are known for. One of the most vital aspects in the successful transformation of a street child, is discipline and structure. Through the continuous, effective and competitive nature of the sport, the boys also learn respect and to manage their frustration.  

 

 

Karate has proved vital in restoring their self-esteem and it is an excellent way to channel negative pent up energy or frustration. The program has proved itself again and again and the total behavioral transformation of the boys bare testimony to that fact.  Our boys have displayed great potential in this sport discipline. Eleven of our boys were selected for the South African JKA Karate Championships in 2006, six boys won medals. In 2007, 12 boys were selected to again compete in the South African JKA Karate Championships and 10 medals were won.

 

During the 2007 championships, one of our boys (Luyanda)  was awarded the medal and was the Double South African Championship title holder, having won two gold medals in the Kata and the Kumatai respectively, while Siyabonga Moi, took two silver medals home. Both students reside in the Khayalethu Oliver House, which again attests to their stability, stamina and character improvement over the years they have been with Khayalethu. Also in 2007, four boys were awarded Eastern Province colours for Karate.

 

In 2008, we proudly announce with immense pride that we can say that five of the boys in the Khayalethu Oliver House, after four years of very intensive training – have earned their black belts in Karate.

 

In 2009, nine boys qualified for the SA JKA Championships in Johannesburg, South Africa and we returned home with two bronze medals. We also added another black belt qualification to our achievements in 2009 by one of our diligent boys.

 

In 2010, three of our boys qualified for Eastern Province Colours in Karate and will soon attend the championship challenge in Port Elizabeth.

 

The Karate program has been running over a six year period and this particular model of discipline is now being studied and sought after by many a children’s’ homes in South Africa and abroad.