Stage set for Nihon karate training camp
Calistus Kolantsho | Wednesday August 27, 2025 11:42
The camp is organised by Nihon Karate Kyokai-Botswana. It will be conducted by JKA Sub-Saharan regional director, Sensei Daniel Gombe (6th Dan Black Belt). Speaking to Sport Monitor, Nihon Karate Kyokai-Botswana acting chief instructor, Sensei Keone Kgorotlhe, said Gombe will arrive in Gaborone today (Tuesday) and he is in the country representing the Japan Karate Association (JKA) headquarters. He said the programme for the camp will kick off by allowing all styles to attend tomorrow’s training in the morning and evening.
He said the idea is to advocate for all karate styles to work together and support other karate-practicing federations. “On Thursday, training continues, but it will then be meant for our members only. On Friday, there is pre-grading and grading for up to 3rd Dan Black Belt. We will also have instructors and judges, courses and examinations. On the last day, we have the JKA closed championship. It will be the first hosting this summer camp under the name Nihon Karate Kyokai-Botswana. As you might be aware, there have been some divisions within our federation, which led to us becoming a stand-alone,” Kgorotlhe said. He said since they are hosting the camp for the second time, they are thrilled by the consistency they bring to the federation in hosting international events, as much as it is an opportunity for the students from all clubs to train, be graded, and attend courses with a Japan-certified and summoned international instructor. “It is also an opportunity for neighbouring countries to also come and not only support the event but also learn, train, and grade. Clubs from Zambia and Zimbabwe have registered to be part of the camp. Last year, we had about 30 participants, and we had three black belts grading and two doing courses. In the upcoming edition, we expect more than 50 participants. Our target is to have more than 30 active black belts by 2030 and more than 10 different JKA qualifications,” Kgorotlhe said.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, karatekas and supporters were spoiled for choice as Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) member, Ryushin-Kan Karate-Do, hosted a tournament at BOKA hall, while non-BOKA member, SSKB karate club, an affiliate of Botswana Kofukan Federation (BKF), hosted a tournament at Mogoditshane Senior Secondary School. Ryushin-Kan chief instructor, Keorapetse Dube, said he was impressed by the success of their first tournament and the support he received from BOKA. He said the event was made possible by the presence of BOKA members, coaches, athletes, parents, and the tournament was sanctioned by Grand Master Soke Takeshi Masuyama. Kofukan acting chief instructor, Otto Tafa, said the tournament was a success with a huge attendance and still competition in all categories, including veterans. He said the idea is to continue growing karate despite the challenges they are facing. He said athletes are the most important, and they should be given the platform to compete.